ChillTherm Bio™ combines high-performance cold chain protection with landfill-friendly sustainability
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL, U.S. – ThermoSafe, a global leader in temperature assurance packaging, has introduced the ChillTherm Bio™, the industry’s first biodegradable EPS QPMC pallet shipper. Announced at LogiPharma Lyon, France, the innovation delivers a new benchmark for sustainability in pharmaceutical cold chain logistics, according to the company.
Designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable cold chain solutions in the life sciences and healthcare sectors, the ChillTherm Bio™ offers 120-hour temperature stability between 2°C to 8°C under the demanding conditions of global air freight. It is engineered for high-volume distribution of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and biologics, helping customers maintain regulatory compliance and reduce excursion risk—while supporting sustainability goals.
Breakthrough in Biodegradable Thermal Packaging
At the core of the new single-use shipper is biodegradable expanded polystyrene (Bio EPS), a material that matches the thermal insulation and durability of standard EPS while offering two sustainable end-of-life pathways: it can be recycled via existing EPS drop-off programs or biodegrades over 90% within four years in a microbial-rich landfill environment. In contrast, standard EPS biodegraded just 5.75% over the same period.
“This innovation has potential to reduce landfill mass while also still supporting the recycling stream of EPS, where facilities exist,” ThermoSafe stated.
The company has already demonstrated the viability of this material, with over 1 million Bio EPS shippers currently supplied annually. The new ChillTherm Bio™ pallet format represents an extension of this success into the QPMC (Qualified Pallet Modular Container) segment—a critical link in the cold chain for high-value therapies.
ChillTherm Bio™: Strategic Step Toward Material-Neutral Sustainability
In addition to its environmental credentials, the ChillTherm Bio™ has been designed with operational efficiency and user safety in mind. It eliminates bench-conditioning of coolants, reducing time, labor, and the risk of strain during assembly, improving workplace safety.
With a full Euro pallet payload capacity and a lighter tare weight than many existing alternatives, the solution also contributes to lower freight costs, offering a rare combination of economic and environmental benefits.
ThermoSafe emphasized that the ChillTherm Bio™ aligns with its material-neutral innovation strategy, which encourages sustainable development without disrupting existing cold chain operations. The company’s approach supports the pharmaceutical industry’s push to integrate eco-smart packaging that meets performance standards and environmental targets alike.
“The launch of the ChillTherm Bio™ at LogiPharma Lyon, France reflects our continued focus on sustainability without compromise,” said Gary Morgan, General Manager of ThermoSafe EMEA & SE Asia. “Pharmaceutical and life science companies are looking for ways to align their cold chain strategies with global sustainability goals. We’re proud to offer a biodegradable solution that meets the industry needs while offering a new end of life pathway.”
About ThermoSafe
ThermoSafe is one of the largest global providers of temperature assurance packaging for pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines, and other temperature-sensitive goods. With a comprehensive portfolio serving refrigerated, frozen, and controlled room temperature applications, ThermoSafe solutions mitigate risk, preserve product efficacy, and meet the toughest logistical demands.
The company operates across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia, and provides custom development through its ISC Labs®, offering packaging design, testing, validation, and qualification services to meet stringent regulatory standards.
For more information, visit: www.thermosafe.com
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Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.
