AcuTemp Introduces REPAQ™ – A Reuse Program for AcuTemp® Passive Shippers Addressing Environmental Responsibility and Thermal Integrity in the Cold Chain

Program assures consistent thermal performance of shippers use-after-use

Dayton, Ohio USA, September 1, 2009:  AcuTemp Thermal Systems, www.acutemp.com, a manufacturer of temperature sensitive packaging for the cold chain, has responded to the needs of its pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers by introducing AcuTemp REPAQ™ (Reusable Enviro-friendly Program Assuring Quality), a reuse program for the company’s line of AcuTemp insulated shipping boxes.  The AcuTemp REPAQ program fosters environmental responsibility by reducing landfill waste and assures the thermal integrity of a customer’s passive shippers for multiple uses.

       In the AcuTemp REPAQ program, AcuTemp Qualified Shippers are returned to the company’s manufacturing and processing facility by end users via a prepaid shipping label.  All shippers go through a visual inspection, and any obviously damaged components are replaced.  Next, they are cleaned in compliance with 21 CFR 211 Subpart 94.  Finally, the thermal components of the box, tracked by customer and serial number, are then retested to original specifications in order to confirm the thermal performance before the box is returned to service.

      "All insulations degrade over time and passive shippers have varying life cycles depending on the type of insulation used,” states Todd DeVore, Director of Product Development and Quality for AcuTemp. “We know from our thermal testing that urethanes and polystyrenes have minimal re-use capability, and standard vacuum insulated panelized boxes are subject to shifting and degradation during each use.  With our box in a bag molded vacuum insulation, we have seen results far superior than other types of cold chain passive packaging” continues DeVore. “When the rigors of shipping are added to the equation, it becomes even more important to test the thermal qualities of shippers that are being considered for reuse.” 

      True to its name, AcuTemp REPAQ – Reusable Enviro-friendly Program Assuring Quality – provides several advantages to customers desiring a passive box reuse program:

• Requalification of thermal components assures required performance of each box use-after-use
• Responsible sustainable packaging program reduces landfill waste and contributes to “green initiatives”
• Multiple shipments per box reduces overall costs
  

      “The AcuTemp REPAQ program addresses the most important component of an insulated shipper – its ability to properly maintain temperature throughout the shipping cycle,” says Vince Reidy, Vice President of Sales for AcuTemp.  “Other reuse programs provide a visual inspection of the insulation components, but our thermal requalification system provides our customers with the added assurance that each reuse of a box offers the same required thermal protection of their valuable payloads.”

     AcuTemp Qualified Shippers are constructed of 100% recyclable components.  All shippers are insulated with ThermoCor®, a proprietary vacuum insulation technology that provides superior insulating performance.  AcuTemp’s unique and patented manufacturing process allows for a seamless construction of the insulating compartment which reduces edge effect losses that are often common in alternative panelized construction methods. Because of ThermoCor’s insulating efficiency, AcuTemp ISTA-qualified boxes typically use fewer coolants and have a smaller footprint and shipping weight, resulting in reduced overall costs while providing the required performance.

     "We understand the importance that each of our customers places on temperature compliance for their products, says DeVore.  “With that in mind, we designed AcuTemp REPAQ so that all boxes in the program are thermally tested no matter how many times they may be used. Customers can feel confident when they choose an AcuTemp solution that it will perform to their expectations,” he concludes.

      The initial success of the REPAQ program confirms the heightened awareness and willing participation of end users in a sustainable packaging program.  As demand for the program continues, AcuTemp is looking to expand its number of reprocessing locations.

      Visit www.acutemp.com to learn more about cold chain shipping solutions offered by AcuTemp Thermal Systems.

 

About AcuTemp Thermal Systems

AcuTemp Thermal Systems designs and manufactures reliable thermal management products used to maintain valuable temperature-sensitive payloads at The Right Temperature® during transit. By combining the company’s proprietary high performance ThermoCor® insulation with advanced engineering design, AcuTemp offers a range of solutions that integrate active and passive temperature control technologies for the cold chain, delivering the Peace of Mind™ that customers require.  Offerings range from small passive shipping boxes to large active pallet-size shipping containers equipped with sophisticated data-logging capabilities.  The company also offers advanced thermal testing and package validation services in its ISTA-certified testing laboratory.  AcuTemp products are marketed directly and through a global network of distributors to businesses with temperature sensitive requirements in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, public health, defense and transportation/logistics markets. For more information, visit www.acutemp.com.

For more information contact:

 

2900 Dryden Road • Dayton • Ohio • 45439 • Phone: 937.312.0114 • Fax: 937.312.1277
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