A Comprehensive Review of Modern Cold Chain Shipping Solutions

Tianran Ren (), Jun Ren, Dante Ben Matellini and Wu Ouyang
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Tianran Ren: School of Engineering, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 5UX, UK
Jun Ren: School of Engineering, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 5UX, UK
Dante Ben Matellini: School of Engineering, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 5UX, UK
Wu Ouyang: School of Transportation and Logistics Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, China

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 22, 1-13

Abstract: Packaging is one of the most important factors affecting the overall cold chain efficiency. This paper aims to examine the current trends of cold chain packaging by conducting a comprehensive review on the current commercially available cold chain shipping solutions. A conceptual model of the cold chain shipping solutions including the structure, categories and components is proposed to provide analytical comparisons with the existing literature. It is found that the shipping solutions can improve the overall cold chain performance in many aspects which include improving temperature control performance, flexibility, safety, sustainability and knowledge sharing of the cold chains. Despite all the advantages, there are still limitations and challenges posed which are also discussed. This is the first paper presenting an overview of commercially available cold chain shipping solutions. It not only contributes to the literature by presenting new knowledge but is also beneficial for all the stakeholders in cold chain packaging by providing practical information and guidelines.

Keywords: packaging; cold chain; phase change material; smart packaging; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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