Greener Cold-Chain Shipping at miniPCR
At miniPCR bio, we’re committed to making biotech accessible through robust hardware, responsive support, and sustainable innovation. From research labs to classrooms and even field science, we’re constantly improving how we enable your work.
Meet our lightweight, insulating shipping container that is completely recyclable
Starting this year, all cold-chain shipments are now packaged in a new, 100% recyclable, plant-based container. This fully recyclable alternative allows for easy disposal with minimum environmental impact. Simply set it aside for curbside recycling with other standard paper and cardboard — no deconstruction required!
All packaging components are fully recyclable alongside other paper and cardboard.
Proven performance, greener energy
How does this change impact your reagents?
Designed for cold-chain shipping, our new packaging box maintains consistent temperatures during transit. Each shipment contains an air-pocket insulator to minimize heat transfer and a single reusable refrigerant gel pack.
Inside your shipping box is a recyclable & reusable insulator, a reusable gel pack, and your reagents.
How stable is the shipment temperature?
We’ve continuously monitored the temperature change in this shipping box over the course of two days. Contents were kept at 0 °C or below for up to 26 hours — well within the typical temperature and time windows for receiving your reagents overnight!
Graph of the shipping box’s internal temperature over time: ≤ 0 °C for 26 hours and < 12 °C across the full 2 days.
Maintaining thermally stable reagents
While you should expect to receive your reagents within 24 hours of shipment, we continue to design and develop our reagent technology for stability. In the event of unforeseen transit hiccups, all of our products are tested to withstand at least 72 hours at high temperatures.
Moreover, we’ve developed many of our reagents to sustain room-temperature shipping and storage.
Cold-Chain Shipping FAQs
Why are we changing our cold-chain packaging?
Our new 100% recyclable shipping container embodies our commitment to the environment and sustainability.
How does the new packaging work?
Structured with tiny air pockets, the insulator inside the packaging distributes heat throughout the container. This plant-based insert, along with the surrounding cardboard box, is both recyclable and reusable.
Does it keep reagents at the same temperature as traditional (styrofoam) packaging?
Yes, reagents in our new packaging keep a stable temperature of ≤ 0 °C for 26 hours, and less than 12 °C across 48 hours. See our graph above for the complete temperature record over time.
Has the new shipping method been validated?
Yes, starting this year, cold-chain shipments have already been made using this new method, with optimal results.
What environmental benefits does it provide?
By switching our container packaging from traditional styrofoam to this new plant-based alternative, we now provide a 100% recyclable approach to cold-chain shipping.
What should I do with the packaging after delivery?
The packaging is 100% recyclable and certified for curbside recycling alongside other paper-based materials. Otherwise, the container, insert, and gel pack are also all reusable for your own needs.
What if my package arrives warm?
All reagents are tested to resist a minimum of 72 hours at high temperatures, so they are still stable within this period and at warm temperatures. To avoid degradation, immediately follow the recommended storage temperature labeled on your reagents.
