An Introduction to Ambient Shipping and Temperature-Controlled Packaging

Ambient temperature refers to the temperature of the surrounding environment, while room temperature typically refers to the temperature inside a building or other enclosed space.

Ambient temperatures for packaging and ambient shipping can vary widely depending on location, season, and time of day. For example, the ambient temperature on a sunny summer day might be 30°C (86°F) in the afternoon, while the ambient temperature on a clear winter night might be -10°C (14°F).

On the other hand, room temperature is generally considered to be the temperature inside a building or additional enclosed space that is comfortable for humans to live or work in. Room temperature is typically between 20-25°C (68-77°F) and can vary depending on the usage of the room and personal preferences. Room temperature can also vary depending on whether heating or air conditioning is used.

The term “ambient temperature” is often used in scientific research or industries, such as in storing or transporting certain products with specific temperature requirements. In those cases, “ambient temperature” refers to the particular temperature range in which the product must be stored or transported. It’s important to note that “ambient temperature” and “room temperature” are not scientifically defined and can have different meanings in different contexts.

Ambient packaging and CRT (Controlled Room Temperature) packaging are two types of packaging used to protect products during shipping and storage. While both types of packaging are designed to maintain a specific temperature range, there are some key differences between them.

Ambient packaging is designed to protect products that can withstand temperature fluctuations and do not require strict temperature control during shipping and storage. This type of packaging is typically used for non-perishable products, such as books, clothing, and dry goods. Ambient packaging is often made from materials such as cardboard, paper, or plastic, and may include insulation to help protect products from temperature variations.

CRT packaging, on the other hand, is designed to maintain a specific temperature range during shipping and storage, typically between 15-25°C (59-77°F). This type of packaging is often used for products that are sensitive to changes in temperature, such as pharmaceuticals and certain types of food products. CRT packaging may include insulation and temperature-control devices such as gel packs or refrigerants to help maintain a consistent temperature.

The main difference between ambient packaging and CRT packaging is the level of temperature control required. Ambient packaging is designed to protect products during shipping and storage without strict temperature control, while CRT packaging requires strict temperature control to ensure that products remain within a specific temperature range. Understanding the specific packaging requirements of a product is important for ensuring that it is shipped and stored under the appropriate conditions, reducing the risk of spoilage, degradation, or damage.

An ambient cold chain refers to maintaining and transporting products at a specific temperature range that does not require refrigeration or freezing. “Ambient” in this context typically means temperatures between 10-30 degrees Celsius (50-86 degrees Fahrenheit), and the products that are included in the ambient cold chain are the ones that don’t require refrigeration or freezing but have specific temperature requirements.

An ambient cold chain is a logistics system used to maintain the quality and safety of temperature-sensitive products during storage and transportation. These products may include food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and others. The ambient cold chain ensures that these products are kept at a consistent temperature throughout the supply chain, from the manufacturer to the end consumer.

This can include using temperature-controlled packaging, insulation, and other measures to maintain the desired temperature range. Temperature monitoring devices, data loggers, GPS, and IoT technology can also be used to monitor and record the temperature of the products throughout the supply chain.

It’s important to note that while the ambient cold chain is often associated with maintaining a specific temperature range, it also encompasses other essential elements such as proper handling, storage, and transportation protocols. This includes using appropriate equipment, such as refrigerated trucks or containers, to transport the products and maintaining accurate records of the products’ temperature throughout the supply chain.

The ambient cold chain is becoming increasingly important as the demand for temperature-sensitive products grows, allowing for more efficient and cost-effective logistics. It also helps to reduce waste and ensure the safety and quality of the products for the consumers.

Ambient packaging, when used in ambient shipping applications, refers to the packaging of products that do not require refrigeration or freezing to maintain their quality and safety during storage and transportation. The most common ambient packaging products include packaged foods, beverages, personal care products, cleaning supplies, etc. These products are packaged to be stored at “ambient” temperatures, typically between 10-30 degrees Celsius (50-86 degrees Fahrenheit).

Ambient packaging protects the product from physical damage, extends its shelf life, and maintains its quality during storage and transportation.

Ambient shipping conditions refer to the conditions under which products are transported, stored, and handled during the shipping process, in which the products do not require refrigeration or freezing. These conditions typically refer to products stored at “ambient” temperatures, typically between 10-30 degrees Celsius (50-86 degrees Fahrenheit).

Ambient shipping conditions include, but are not limited to:

• The temperature range in which the product should be shipped and stored
• Humidity and atmospheric pressure
• Handling and storage instructions
• Packaging and labeling requirements

To ensure compliance with ambient shipping conditions, the products may be packaged specifically to protect them from physical damage, extend their shelf life, and maintain their quality during transport and storage. This can include using cardboard, plastic, or aluminum to protect the product from moisture, light, and other environmental factors. Also, temperature monitoring devices and data loggers may be used to ensure that the products are kept within the specified temperature range during transport and storage.

It is crucial for the shippers, carriers, and logistics providers to understand and adhere to the ambient shipping conditions to ensure the product’s quality, safety, and compliance. In addition, the product’s packaging and labeling must comply with the regulations and standards to clearly indicate the transport, storage, and handling instructions. This is important to guarantee that the product reaches its destination in the best possible condition and to provide safety and other important information to the end consumer.

Ambient temperature profile analysis in the packaging industry ensures that a product can withstand the temperatures it may be exposed to during transportation and storage. The analysis typically involves running temperature tests on the packaged product to see how it responds to different temperature conditions.

The process usually starts with determining the required ambient temperature range for the product. This is typically done by consulting the product’s specifications or industry standards for similar products.

Once the required temperature range is established, a temperature profile is created, which simulates the range of temperatures the product may be exposed to during transportation and storage. This may involve exposing the product to a series of temperature cycles, increasing and decreasing over time to simulate different conditions.

During the testing, the temperature of the product is carefully monitored and recorded using temperature data loggers or other monitoring devices. The data is then analyzed to determine how the product responds to the different temperature conditions and identify potential problems.

Additional tests may be conducted to evaluate the product’s response to other environmental factors such as humidity, light, pressure, and vibration.

After the ambient temperature profile testing, the results are evaluated to make recommendations for packaging and storage, such as insulated packaging, refrigerated or cooled containers, or other measures to protect the product from extreme temperatures.

One of the most challenging tasks is comparing the various profiles currently used in pre-qualified and qualified packaging. Some profiles may appear challenging at first but need to simulate field conditions upon proper scientific evaluation adequately.

We work with custom profiles, standards-based profiles, and proprietary data sets to take the guesswork out of profile selection. These data sets and our expertise eliminates the “smoke and mirrors” that often exists and provide accurate comparative data enabling informed decision-making.

Ambient Temperature Profile Development

Many companies have turned to TempAid to develop custom ambient temperature profiles specific to their product distribution to maximize the convergence of packaging cost and product protection. We are uniquely capable of solving this problem and have a keen understanding of the impact of this decision on the size, weight, and cost of your packaging materials.

Ambient Temperature Profile Selection

Selecting the best ambient temperature profile requires specific distribution methods and lanes knowledge. Intermodal distribution in a growing global economy complicates this decision, particularly in emerging markets.

Our extensive experience in cold chain packaging and logistics can help evaluate these intermodal distribution lanes and corresponding ambient temperature profiles.

Testing Deliverables

Upon completing the analysis, you will receive a detailed report of the testing performed, an analysis of the data, recommendations for adjustments, opportunities for cost savings, or streamlining your pack-out process.

As an ISTA-certified thermal testing lab, we can create the best packaging solution for your needs using the data sets.