s.lab

Why Lightweight Cold Chain Packages are the Future of Pharma Logistics

As pharmaceutical logistics continues to globalize, the pressure to reduce costs and minimize environmental impact has never been greater. For supply chain leaders and sustainability officers, optimizing package weight is no longer optional — it's a strategic necessity. At S.Lab Asia, we believe that lightweight cold chain packages represent a smarter path forward. Here's why.

The True Cost of Air Freight: Chargeable Weight

In air cargo, shipping fees are calculated based on the greater of two values: actual weight or volumetric weight — collectively known as chargeable weight.
For cold chain packaging, which often features thick insulation and rigid materials, actual weight frequently exceeds volumetric weight. This results in higher shipping costs, regardless of the product’s own mass.

Reducing the physical weight of the packaging itself has become one of the most effective ways to cut logistics costs — especially for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.

The Challenge with Traditional VIPs

VacuumInsulated Panels (VIPs) are valued for their exceptional thermal insulation, but their inherent density has made weight reduction a persistent challenge.Decreasing their mass often means sacrificing thermal performance — a trade-off few pharma companies can afford. Until now.

S.Lab Asia’s Breakthrough: Ultra-Lightweight VIPs

After years ofmaterials engineering and validation, S.Lab Asia has developed an ultra-lightweightVIP optimized for single-use cold chain shipping. It delivers the samevalidated thermal performance as traditional panels — while reducing chargeableweight by 10–20%, depending on package size.

Key Advantages of Our Lightweight VIP:

• Lower Air Freight Costs: Less weight = reduced     shipping expenses
• No Compromise on Thermal     Protection: 120-hour stability confirmed via ISTA 7D/7E testing
• Operational Flexibility: Available in multiple sizes     for both small-batch and bulk distribution

Lighter Means Cleaner: Environmental Impact

A 10–20%reduction in chargeable weight doesn’t just save money — it lowers your carbonfootprint.
With Scope 3 emissions under growing regulatory and reputational pressure,switching to lightweight thermal packaging offers a practical and measurablepath to corporate sustainability goals.

Case Study: Sustainable Results in Practice

A majorpharmaceutical client deployed our ultra-lightweight VIPs across their globalcold chain operations. The result?

• 15% reduction in air freight     costs
• 12% reduction in     transport-related carbon emissions
      This shift became a cornerstone of their internal sustainability reporting     and external ESG communications.

Validated by Data. Built for Operations.

Our solutionis not a concept — it’s a production-ready system. Developed through extensiveR&D, our ultra-lightweight VIPs are tested in our ISTA 7D/7E-certified labunder real-world shipping conditions.

What sets it apart:

• Advanced materials with     consistent thermal resistance
• Customizable sizing and     payload formats
• Full documentation and     validation support for qualification and audit

Conclusion

In pharmalogistics, the future belongs to leaner, greener packaging. S.Lab Asia’sultra-lightweight VIP delivers cost efficiency, compliance, and environmentalperformance — in a single solution.

Let’s worktogether to reduce your logistics spend and environmental impact.
Contact us to explore validation options, pilot programs, or full-scalerollouts.

hello@slabasia.com
www.slabasia.com

Lightweight logistics isn’t just the future — it’s the smart choice fortoday.

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In pharmaceutical logistics, temperature control is not a secondary consideration— it is a compliance-critical element of global operations. S.Lab's 120-hour temperature control package is designed for high-stakes shipping conditions, and built with materials and methods that meet the demands of qualified persons, clinical trial sponsors, and regulatory auditors alike.

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ISTA 7D/7E Certified In-House Test Lab

Unlike manypackaging providers that rely on third-party testing, we operate our own ISTA7D/7E-certified laboratory. This allows us to offer a fully integrated process— from development to validation — under one roof.

Benefits toyour supply chain team:

• Simulation and validation     against real route profiles
• Official ISTA reporting under     client-specified configurations
• Custom testing on alternate     box sizes, loading patterns, or PCM arrangements
• Reduced turnaround time and     total validation cost

Havingcomplete control over test conditions ensures that our packaging meets yourspecifications, not just industry minimums.

RAL-Certified PCM, Manufactured in Korea

We use PhaseChange Material (PCM) manufactured in Korea and certified by RAL — the European benchmark for thermal performance and safety in PCM materials.

Why this matters:

• Each PCM batch is traceable and held to consistent melting point profiles
• Certification ensures long-duration hold capability and risk mitigation during customs delays or     unexpected lane disruptions
• Full documentation available for GMP and GDP-compliant quality audits

VIP Engineering Built for Flexibility and Efficiency

Our vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) are designed for stability, durability, and transport optimization — and tailored to work with our 120-hour PCM strategy.

Key features include:

• Consistent thermal resistance     values across all panel sizes
• Support for modular     configuration based on route duration or product sensitivity
• New lightweight VIP variants     developed for single-use applications with cost and weight constraints

This flexibility allows us to align with your qualification protocols and inventory management strategies — whether you’re shipping across continents or executing temperature-controlled last-mile delivery.

Case Study: Global Vaccine Shipment

A leading pharmaceutical manufacturer selected our 120-hour solution for the shipment of a high-value vaccine across multiple regions. Despite exposure to varying ambient conditions over several handoffs and transit zones, the thermal system maintained its protective profile throughout — without repacking or excursion.

This project demonstrated not only the thermal integrity of the box, but also the operational simplicity of integrating S.Lab packaging into an existing qualified logistics network.

Closing Thought: Build Qualification into Your Packaging

In an environment where temperature stability equals regulatory compliance, choosing a packaging partner with integrated testing, material traceability, and validation expertise is a strategic investment.

At S.Lab, we offer more than just a box — we deliver a tested, documented, and configurable thermal system that is ready to fit into your SOPs and audit trails.

hello@slabasia.com
www.slabasia.com

We welcome the opportunity to support your qualification process and provide packaging thatperforms as reliably as your supply chain demands.

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In the evolving landscape of pharmaceutical cold chain packaging — where regulatory shifts and trade policies can reshape cost structures overnight — staying ahead has never been more critical.

The recent imposition of a 145% U.S. tariff on Chinese cold chain components like vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) and molded plastic shells is sending shock waves through the industry. It’s not just about higher costs — it’s about protecting margin, stabilizing supply chains, and rethinking sourcing decisions.

The Impact of the 145% Tariff

For companiesthat have long relied on Chinese-manufactured cold chain components, this spikein tariffs has a direct impact on profit margins, product pricing, and supplychain predictability.

What was oncea cost-effective sourcing strategy is now fraught with volatility. In aregulated industry where reliability and compliance matter as much as cost,this disruption presents not just a threat — but an opportunity.

A Smarter Alternative: OEM Manufacturing in South Korea

Now is thetime to consider tariff-smart alternatives. South Korea stands out as a strategicOEM manufacturing base, offering only 25% U.S. import tariffs on thesame class of cold chain packaging components. That’s a 120% tariffdifference that goes straight to your bottom line.

At S.Lab Asia,we provide customized cold chain packaging manufactured in Korea, where over50% of value is created locally — allowing us to issue a Certificate ofOrigin (CoO: Korea) in compliance with U.S. regulations.

Key Benefits of Korean-Based ColdChain Manufacturing

1. ISTA Certification
       Korean-manufactured packaging meets stringent performance standards,     including ISTA 7D and 7E certification — ensuring regulatory compliance     and thermal integrity in transit.
2. Lightweight, Smart Design
       Our solutions are engineered with logistics in mind — reducing shipping     weight, minimizing carbon footprint, and improving last-mile delivery     efficiency.
3. Tariff-Resilient Margin     Protection
       With lower import duties and stable raw material costs, you gain greater     control over COGS — enabling you to reallocate resources more     strategically, from temperature data analytics to packaging optimization.

Let’s Turn Risk Into Resilience

With risingcosts and global trade uncertainty, now is the time to rethink how and whereyour cold chain packaging is manufactured.

At S.LabAsia, we support global pharmaceutical and logistics leaders in stabilizingcosts, securing lead times, and staying compliant — all while avoiding thetariff shock tied to Chinese sourcing.

If your teamis reassessing sourcing or exploring alternatives, we welcome a conversation.

hello@slabasia.com
https://www.greeniemedi.com/

Let’s startbuilding a smarter, more resilient cold chain — together.

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