Coldpack brings low weight food insulator to UK

Food packs of up to 70 litres can be wrapped in the Airliner at ambient, refrigerated, or frozen temperature levels, and according to Coldpack, the insulator will keep the contents at the same temperature during a 48-hour transit. Special extended cooling systems are also available to offer protection for up to 120 hours if required.

The Airliner comprises of two layers of film manufactured using DuPont Surlyn resin, and separated by an aluminised honeycomb structure. Filling the Airliner with air creates compartments, called baffles, which block energy transfer to minimise heat loss.

Air is suitable for most applications but specialist inert gases are also available to improve insulation efficiency.

Weight management​

Coldpack claims that because the system is therefore made up largely of air or gas when in use, it can be supplied and stored flat reducing logistics and warehouse costs, compared with rigid foam packaging alternatives, like polystyrene.

In addition, the company cited a Pira International life cycle assessment that found the Airliner to have 40 to 50 per cent less impact on the environment than polystyrene.

Its lighter weight and lower storage bulk helps to reduce the carbon footprint, and it does not require specific waste treatment or disposal levies, unlike some other insulating materials.

Application ​

In terms of potential applications, Coldpack says perishable foods are the main target, with internet sellers being of particular interest in the UK.

“British customers have proved early adopters of e-commerce and home delivery, making a convenient solution like Airliner particularly suitable for online retailers,” ​said Coldpack sales director Arnaud Adam.

Coldpack says it has achieved considerable success with the Airliner in France and the US, and now believes it is ready to enter the UK market.

“Britain has robust and forward-looking food industries, and we are already receiving enquires from interested companies,”​ said Adam.