Temperature controlled packaging solutions are dynamic and growing at a rapid rate. Food subscription companies depend on this type of packaging to get prepared meal and meal delivery kits safely to consumers while managing shipping costs and consumer expectations. Other businesses rely on temperature controlled packaging, as well, such as nutraceuticals and pharma.

Radhika Raje, Manager of Packaging Solutions with Veritiv, a packaging, printing and facility solutions company, says, “Finding the right mix of materials within cost and performance targets is the challenge. We help customers find sustainable solutions from different suppliers, and then test different packaging combinations to prove performance prior to deploying the solution.”

Packaging attributes and benefits
Food companies use temperature controlled packaging to ensure their products don’t arrive spoiled or damaged, which would require re-processing the order and could negatively impact profitability. Additionally, consumers want packaging components to be easy to handle and store on their way to the recycle bin.

Packaging suppliers are constantly refining or introducing new sustainable packaging to the market based on growing consumer demand. “A material-neutral packaging partner helps you navigate the latest offerings and adapt your packaging with minimal disruption to your operations,” says Raje.

Innovative sustainable packaging
Amy Bruner, Enterprise Representative with Veritiv, finds today’s innovative materials to be more cost-effective for companies who want sustainable packaging solutions that provide thermal protection. “With e-commerce on the rise,” she says, “we’re seeing increased innovation in temperature controlled offerings with new packaging materials, such as recycled wool and denim.”

Other types of innovative packaging components help minimize the environmental impact by recovering usable materials from ending up in a landfill. Consumers want and appreciate minimal packaging and recyclability, and this can boost their perception of a brand’s value and foster repeat purchases.

As the e-commerce industry grows, consumers will manage more and more home deliveries from different companies. When a product arrives safely and the packaging material is easy to dispose of, it’s a win/win in the consumer’s mind. “Sustainable packaging that protects temperature sensitive food items and is easy to recycle helps your brand stand out among your competitors,” says Bruner.

Solutions for different shipping methods
Innovative packaging partners, like Veritiv, can help a company develop various temperature controlled solutions for different shipping methods, such as next-day and ground. “Doing so can increase complexity, but it can positively impact the bottom line and improve the customer experience,” says Bruner.

Consumer-inspired innovation
Bruner says that packaging should reflect a company’s brand and corporate responsibility goals. “Our commitment to customers is helping them constantly refine their packaging strategies as their sustainability and operational initiatives evolve based on consumer feedback,” she says. “This approach helps our customers use packaging as a competitive advantage to help grow their business.”

From contactless meal kits to life-saving medication and other sensitive products, Veritiv provides innovative, sustainable and custom temperature controlled packaging that solve business challenges and meet consumers’ needs. Contact us today to learn more.