Last Mile Pharma

The transport of temperature-sensitive medications poses major challenges for the pharmaceutical sector. va-Q-tec offers innovative thermal packaging that ensures consistent temperature control over extended periods of time. Whether during long-distance shipments or last-mile delivery, the state-of-the-art insulation solutions ensure that pharmaceutical products reach their destination safely and in optimal condition. With sustainable and efficient packaging solutions, va-Q-tec is setting new standards for the pharmaceutical industry.

Technological innovations in pharma logistics

At the core of va-Q-tec’s technology are vacuum insulation panels (VIPs), which offer up to ten times better insulation performance than conventional materials such as polystyrene or mineral wool. By removing the air from within the panels, heat transfer is almost entirely eliminated, enabling outstanding thermal insulation.

Compared to traditional insulating materials, VIPs are particularly space-saving, durable, and sustainable. They provide consistently high performance over many years and can be specifically optimised for various applications — especially those involving critical temperature requirements — ensuring compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines.

Insulation solutions for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products

va-Q-tec’s thermal packaging systems ensure the safe transport of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products by maintaining a constant temperature over extended periods. They are based on vacuum insulation panels (VIPs), which deliver exceptional insulation performance with minimal material thickness.

The cooling and heating elements use phase change materials (PCMs) to store and release thermal energy during the melting and freezing process. These elements make it possible to precisely control and maintain the required temperature inside the packaging—an essential feature for transporting medications with strict temperature requirements.

Products

Thermal packaging systems

va-Q-proof

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Individual Solutions

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Cold and heat storage elements

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Do you have a specific query or want to find out more about the topic? Use our contact form for your question or make an appointment directly with our experts.

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Advantages of high-performance
insulated packaging in pharma logistics

Since 2003, va-Q-tec has been offering innovative solutions for temperature-controlled supply chains. With passive PCM/VIP thermal packaging, precise temperature regulation, and patented monitoring systems, the company ensures maximum safety and efficiency. The optimised packaging solutions reduce process times, storage requirements, and costs. A broad product portfolio covers all temperature ranges, while bespoke customisations are available. Standardised VIP boxes simplify pharma logistics and make handling more efficient.

va-Q-tec has developed pioneering know-how and expertise in the field of TempChain since 2003 by developing the first passive PCM/VIP thermal packaging solutions. As a result, the company is able to offer extensive engineering consultancy and professional laboratory services.
All temperatures and all volumes can be served from va-Q-tec’s extensive product portfolio. Even for the most demanding destinations.
More than 3 million boxes and containers have been preconditioned in va-Q-tec’s qualified TempChain service. This process is made possible by unique tools, such as the patented va-Q-check quality control system.
With PCM, we achieve improved performance and GDP compliance. Longer temperature holding times and precise control of temperatures (2°C to 8°C) and (15°C to 25°C) prevent overcooling and increase the safety of goods deliveries.
Improved storage capacities, process times and handling lead to significant cost savings and an increase in efficiency.
By using standardized “VIP” boxes instead of large boxes, we reduce complexity and optimize logistics processes, which makes handling easier.
Customized solutions such as performance upgrades or individual branding are possible.

Use cases in pharma logistics

Case Study kohlpharma
Customer interview with Dr. Christoph Frick va-Q-tec Thermal Solutions GmbH received a strategically important major…
Last Mile Distribution of Covid-19 vaccines
The worldwide distribution of the Corona vaccine is considered a mammoth logistical task. Another big…
Case Study Swiss Post
A Success Story about va-Q-tec and Swiss Post In Germany, more and more temperature-sensitive pharma…

Sustainable insulation solutions for various sectors

In addition to VIPs, va-Q-tec develops innovative insulation technologies for specialised applications. The company was founded with the vision of developing energy-efficient and sustainable insulation technologies that help reduce energy losses and CO₂ emissions. Through continuous innovation, the company creates bespoke solutions for a wide range of industrial requirements.

Certifications such as ISO 50001:2018 and EcoVadis underscore the company’s commitment to greater environmental protection.

KelvinHour Calculator

That depends entirely on your specific requirements in terms of volume and temperature. Our portfolio includes specialised solutions such as va-Q-med for domestic distribution, va-Q-proof for a range of volumes and transit times, and va-Q-lite. We offer comprehensive advice and analysis of your processes to develop a bespoke solution – from size to specific temperature requirements. Individual customisations and thermal upgrades are also generally possible.

Thanks to the combination of vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) and phase-change materials (PCMs), our boxes offer exceptional thermal stability. Depending on the model and configuration, temperatures can be maintained for periods ranging from 24 hours to more than 168 hours (7 days) without an external power supply. Case studies demonstrate that even during the distribution of over 600,000 vaccine doses in regions with challenging infrastructure, no temperature deviations occurred.

The investment pays for itself through significant savings in logistics processes, as well as the durability of the boxes: you can do without expensive refrigerated vehicles and use your standard fleet instead. Furthermore, there are no running costs and no waste generated by single-use packaging such as polystyrene. Our closed-loop rental system offers a particularly cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.

Yes, our boxes are designed to ensure a simple and intuitive workflow. Standardised systems and the elimination of complex packing schemes reduce complexity and make handling more efficient. Furthermore, our boxes can operate within different temperature ranges, which can be easily distinguished thanks to the different colours of the PCM packs.

Absolutely. Our solutions are specifically designed to ensure guaranteed product safety and GDP-compliant temperature control. Precise control via PCMs prevents overcooling and ensures compliance with strict pharmaceutical requirements. We also provide professional expertise to support you in the qualification and validation of your processes.

Our boxes are designed for frequent reusable use and the harsh conditions encountered in distribution. Their high build quality ensures exceptional reliability and durability. Thanks to the patented va-Q-check® system, the thermal integrity of each box can be validated in a matter of seconds before every use.

Thanks to the use of durable materials and the ability to clean, maintain and repair them, our boxes offer a long service life. VIP technology retains its high insulation performance for many years. Our PCM batteries have also demonstrated in tests that no loss of performance was measured after 12,000 freeze-thaw cycles. Unlike single-use solutions, which quickly become waste, our system is designed for sustainability and resource conservation.

Business Areas of va-Q-tec

In addition to solutions for commercial applications, va-Q-tec offers comprehensive solutions for various industries. Our portfolio includes, amongst other things, the food sector, where we provide specialised packaging solutions for temperature-sensitive foodstuffs. For the automotive industry and the mobility sector, we develop innovative, lightweight insulation solutions that improve energy efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions in transport and logistics applications. In addition, we offer bespoke solutions for the food industry to ensure the safe and energy-efficient transport of temperature-sensitive products.