Recticel produces insulated boxes for distribution of covid vaccines.

In combination with coolants, these high-performance vacuum insulation panel boxes help to secure a temperature below minus 70°C for several days, which is critical to the safe delivery of many of these temperature-sensitive vaccines.

Keeping the temperature so low for several days requires an outstanding insulation product. Vacuum insulation panels, commonly referred to as VIPs, are thin panels, delivering a thermal performance of 0,004W/mK, which can mean a reduction in insulation thickness of up to five times when compared to conventional insulation materials. The use of Recticel’s VIP, called VQ-Si, allows the high-value products to be shipped securely and within an optimised package size.

Recticel Insulation produces the vacuum insulation panels at its factory in Slovenia. Five years ago, the company set up a joint venture with Turvac, which specialises in insulation for white goods and has brought this technical expertise into the controlled temperature packaging market, amongst others. The successful partnership combines the strength of Turvac’s knowledge and Recticel’s expertise in the building industry.

“We are seeing unprecedented challenges and requirements in the temperature-controlled packaging sector, due to the global pandemic. Delivery volumes at speed are of the utmost importance for our global customer base. The last few months have been a huge logistical exercise for our company, yet we are continually rising to the challenge and are further investing in our production capacities in order to show Recticel’s commitment to our customer base and the bigger global picture,” said VIP Insulation business manager, Chris Knowles.