Low temperature storage has become a critical technology for the successful development and delivery of cellular therapies. The ability to maintain the correct temperatures is essential for ensuring the integrity of these samples and their reliability in research.

While determining the optimal storage conditions for these materials requires a holistic approach, it is important to consider the impact of moisture and temperature. These factors will influence the long-term deterioration of collections.

Cold Storage Logistics

Cold storage is a specialised area of logistics that involves the handling, preservation, storage and distribution of products that are sensitive to changes in temperature. Businesses such as the food, pharmaceutical kho lanh cong nghiep tai ha noiand chemical industries require their products to be stored at precisely the right temperature.

For this reason, cold storage facilities need to be adapted to the strict demands of the sector. They must have logistics equipment that is designed to work at low temperatures, such as barcode scanners and touchpads.

In addition, workers should be well-trained to handle products in cold temperatures. They should also wear the correct work clothing, which can be a mix of thermal pants, gloves and jackets.

This is essential for the health of workers, as well as for their efficiency. It is also a good idea to make sure that touchscreens on the equipment are sensitive enough to respond to gloved touches.

Keeping goods in cold temperatures also requires the use of special packing materials, which can be either frozen or refrigerated. These include gel packs, which keep small quantities of shipments cold, or dry ice, which can keep larger cargo frozen for long periods.

Cold storage warehousing can be challenging and expensive, but a few simple practices can help save costs, improve performance and increase profits in the long run. For example, automation, minimising heat exchange, ensuring equipment is suitable and maintaining accurate records are all important steps to optimise cold storage operations.

Carbon Footprint

The carbon footprint of a product is the amount of energy that goes into creating it, transporting it to its final destination, and disposing of it. It is usually measured in kgCO2eq per kilogram of the product, which takes into account not only carbon dioxide but also other greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide.

Foods with the highest carbon footprint are animal-based foods such as beef, pork, and dairy products. These emit more than 20 kilograms of CO2-equivalents for each kilogram of food.

Plant-based alternatives such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and lentils have a much lower carbon footprint. Buying local or ‘eating local’ reduces your food carbon footprint, but it is only a small difference in the overall effect of your food choices.

However, if you want to make a bigger difference, consider replacing meat with other food sources such as poultry or fish. Besides being low in calories, these alternatives are also high in nutrients such as protein and fiber.

To address the issue of climate change, global governments are increasingly looking to develop carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS). This technology can mitigate CO2 emissions from large point sources such as power plants, refineries and industrial facilities or remove existing CO2 from the atmosphere.

Humidity Control

Humidity can lead to problems like mold and mildew that can damage stored items. This is why it’s important to have a humidity-controlled storage unit that prevents moisture buildup.

Controlling humidity is critical in the storage of electronics, wood furniture, antiques and documents. Moisture can cause these items to crack, rot and warp, which can result in costly repairs and replacements.

Keeping these items in the right conditions is crucial for their longevity and the long-term value of the contents. It also keeps your belongings safe from harmful pests and insect infestations.

A dehumidifier in a storage facility will help maintain the right humidity level and keep items safe from mold and mildew. This can be beneficial to both businesses and the environment, as humidification helps reduce indoor air pollution.

Relative humidity is a ratio between the amount of moisture in air compared to how much moisture it can hold. It’s also dependent on the temperature, as higher temperatures generally allow more moisture capacity.

In low temperature storage, controlling the humidity can prevent product losses, premature deterioration and reduce energy consumption by reducing latent cooling load (as shown in Figure 1.14).

A dehumidifier eliminates excess moisture in the air, lowering the risk of damage to stored items. This will save your business time and money on repair costs, while allowing you to maximize production with high-quality goods.