FAQs
"Q: What do you mean by "Temperature Assurance," I thought you just handled the cold chain?
A: We believe that the term temperature assurance best describes the all encompassing nature of our business. The term "cold chain" too often refers to keeping pharmaceutical products cold as they move through transit and distribution. Because our products and services focus on an entire range of industries, and hold temperatures across the entire temperature continuum, we believe that "Temperature Assurance" more fully describes the value we bring to our customers. To prove this point, we've built our entire product architecture around this concept
(Click to enlarge): 
Q: What is the difference between PolarPacks® and U-teks®?
A: Polar Packs are the leading brand of refrigerant gel packs for more than 30 years. Polar Packs are available in a variety of sizes and styles that offer reliable protection for shipping temperature sensitive products, such as pharmaceuticals and perishables. Standard gel packs are a great alternative to wet ice, enclosed in durable polyethylene film.
U-tek phase change materials are available in a variety of temperatures that help maintain critical products for extended periods of time. U-teks consist of a highly structured gel encased in a laminated, metallized film exterior, providing a radiant heat barrier. These packs resist punctures and provide longer protection than other gel packs. Both are reusable, non-toxic and return to gel state upon thawing. For a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), please click here for all MSDS information on refrigerants.
Q: My child ate the Polar Pack. Is it toxic?
A: All Polar Pack and U-tek products are non-toxic refrigerants. However, if they are ingested, we recommend drinking plenty of fluids.
Q: Why do I always seem to have moisture on the refrigerant packs?
A: If using a frozen refrigerant pack within an insulated shipper, it is often noted that at the end of the shipping process there may be some moisture on the refrigerant packs. This moisture is simply condensation that has occurred due to the warmer air within the system coming into contact with the colder surface of the refrigerant pack. Some of the water vapor contained within the warm air has been released as the air temperature falls. We do offer PolarPack Moisture Guard that has an absorbent material to cope with this issue.
Q: How do we need to condition the Polar Packs and U-teks at the right temperature?
A: To ensure that the refrigerant pack is completely frozen, the temperature to which it is conditioned must be below its point of phase change.
Q: Where is the best location for a data logger in my shipment?
A: In the product, in a specified location. Temperature assurance packaging, although designed to maintain product temperature between specified thresholds, may utilize components whose temperatures sit outside of the product temperature range and so by measuring these points, you are not gaining data from a useful location.
Q: Do I need to use an outer carton for my temperature assurance packaging?
A: No, but it is highly recommended. The outer carton simply acts as a layer of protection for your insulated shipping container, working simply as both a device to enable reuse and to maintain good product presentation at delivery. Knocks to the carton will not affect performance, but will defend against the performance-reducing chips that can be knocked off an insulated container.
Q: Is there a minimum quantity I must order?
A: At ThermoSafe Brands, we have a minimum purchase of $100.00.
Q: How can I lower my freight rate?
A: We recommend customers establish a preferred freight carrier to avoid the shipping and handling fees that will be added to your order.
