Cytiva and TemperPack: Pioneering Biotech’s Sustainable Packaging Revolution
The Challenge
The primary challenge was to develop a packaging solution that not only matched the thermal insulation properties of EPS but also aligned with Cytiva’s sustainability goals. The packaging needed to ensure the safe transportation of temperature-sensitive products while significantly reducing the carbon footprint and enhancing recyclability of their shipments.
- Customer Quote -
When we said we wanted to find a replacement for EPS that could be used across our global network, a lot of people thought it couldn’t be done. TemperPack has been a great partner in working with us to launch a solution meets performance standards, achieves operational efficiencies, helps us reduce our CO2 impact and reduce non-recyclable waste at our customer facilities.
- Thibault Renaud
Sustainability Supply Chain Leader
The Solution
In pursuit of this goal, Cytiva sought out TemperPack, the leading provider of sustainable materials for cold chain. The team at TemperPack introduced Cytiva to ClimaCell, a curbside recyclable thermal insulation material designed to replace EPS.
This innovative material comprises thousands of tiny air pockets, effectively trapping heat and ensuring the maintenance of a safe temperature inside the box.
The Implementation
The implementation process was thorough and phased:
Product Validation
Cytiva rigorously tested ClimaCell to ensure it met their strict product and customer requirements. The testing included:
- ISTA (International Safe Transit Association) testing to simulate various environmental conditions.
- Pilot shipments across various sites with temperature loggers to monitor and ensure real-time shipment viability.
Operational Optimization
Unlike EPS coolers, ClimaCell’s solution can be shipped flat, offering significant savings in storage and transportation. This feature streamlined Cytiva’s logistical processes, reducing both physical footprint and shipping costs.
Customer Outreach & Education
Recognizing the importance of customer acceptance and education, Cytiva initiated outreach programs to inform their clients about the new packaging. This included sharing data on ClimaCell’s performance, recyclability, and the positive environmental impact of the switch.
The Results
The collaboration between Cytiva and TemperPack, marked by innovation and a shared vision for sustainability, led to remarkable results:
Achieved a significant reduction in carbon footprint and waste, aligning with Cytiva's sustainability targets for 2025.
Reduces carbon emissions by 30-40% compared to EPS boxes.
60K
Eliminate the use of approximately 60,000 polystyrene boxes annually, equivalent to around 71 shipping containers per year.
Enhanced customer satisfaction by ensuring product safety and demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Realized operational efficiencies in storage and transportation due to ClimaCell’s flat delivery format.
Set a precedent in the biopharma industry, showcasing the feasibility and benefits of transitioning to sustainable packaging solutions.
Cytiva's journey with TemperPack, transitioning from EPS to ClimaCell, stands as a testament to what collaborative innovation can achieve in the realm of sustainable packaging.
By prioritizing environmental responsibility without compromising on quality and safety, Cytiva not only elevated its operational efficiency but also reaffirmed its commitment to a more sustainable future.
Caroline's Cakes and TemperPack: A Recipe for Sustainability
The Challenge
Caroline’s Cakes’ brand potential was being limited by its packaging.
Their team received consistent feedback from customers disappointed to see the cakes arrive in expanded polystyrene foam cooler (EPS, often known as Styrofoam®) and frustrated with the burden of disposing it. To address those concerns, meet the heightened expectations of fans around the country, and live up to their own values, the Caroline’s Cakes team looked to re-design their pack-out with better materials.
- Customer Quote -
Working with the TemperPack team has exceeded expectations at every opportunity. They approached our issue with care and concern for us as a customer and were active participants in troubleshooting our packaging wants and needs. Their hard work and attention to detail has helped us to transition to completely recyclable packaging without any disruption in our day-to-day operations. I value the relationship we have built and look forward to the next project that I can work on with their team.
Richard R. Reutter
President & CEO, Caroline’s Cakes
The Challenge
Caroline’s Cakes’ brand potential was being limited by its packaging.
Their team received consistent feedback from customers disappointed to see the cakes arrive in expanded polystyrene foam cooler (EPS, often known as Styrofoam®) and frustrated with the burden of disposing it. To address those concerns, meet the heightened expectations of fans around the country, and live up to their own values, the Caroline’s Cakes team looked to re-design their pack-out with better materials.
- Customer Quote -
Working with the TemperPack team has exceeded expectations at every opportunity. They approached our issue with care and concern for us as a customer and were active participants in troubleshooting our packaging wants and needs. Their hard work and attention to detail has helped us to transition to completely recyclable packaging without any disruption in our day-to-day operations. I value the relationship we have built and look forward to the next project that I can work on with their team.
Richard R. Reutter
President & CEO, Caroline’s Cakes
The Process
Discovery
Understanding Caroline Cake’s requirements, including fulfillment process, payload specs, shipping lanes, optimal temperature, and more.
Design
Developing pack-out designs to meet those needs. For Caroline’s Cakes, the engineers had to consider a few specific criteria:
Summer Heat
Caroline’s Cakes ships out of its Spartanburg, SC facility and has a large base of fans in the South. The shipper design had to stand up to summer conditions beyond ISTA-7E.
Air Flow in the Shipper
To protect the bottom of the cake and maintain consistent temperature throughout the box, TemperPack designed a corrugated tray to elevate the cake tin and create space for airflow.
Multiple Sizes & Payloads
The TemperPack team designed four shippers for various cakes, cake bites, BBQ, and seasonal items.
Design Criteria
Summer Heat
Caroline’s Cakes ships out of its Spartanburg, SC facility and has a large base of fans in the South. The shipper design had to stand up to summer conditions beyond ISTA-7E.
Air Flow in the Shipper
To protect the bottom of the cake and maintain consistent temperature throughout the box, TemperPack designed a corrugated tray to elevate the cake tin and create space for airflow.
Multiple Sizes & Payloads
The TemperPack team designed four shippers for various cakes, cake bites, BBQ, and seasonal items.
Qualification
Testing multiple samples of every design against Caroline’s preferred ambient profile, to ensure shippers would maintain frozen temperature during the summer.
The Results
Customer Review, October 2023
"5 Stars - Thanks for the great product, and the careful packaging and shipping!"
Customer Review, December 2023
"The care and attention to detail in packaging are as impressive as the cake! Thank you!"
100,000
LBS of EPS
