In pet food manufacturing and distribution, ensuring the freshness, safety, and nutritional integrity of products during transportation is essential. Hydropac has risen to this challenge, offering water ice packs that are not only effective in maintaining optimal temperatures but are also a beacon of sustainability in the industry. Worth a total £3.8bn in 2023, the UK pet food market has grown by a significant £400m in just one year. This has significant implications for the supply chain within the industry. This surge in market size not only reflects the increasing demand for pet food but also highlights the need for a more robust, efficient, and flexible supply chain to accommodate this growth in a sustainable and responsible manner.
At the heart of Hydropac’s innovation lies a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, reflected in our water ice packs. Designed with purity and safety in mind, these ice packs are an example of eco-friendly practices, boasting food contact safety and unmatched purity. Each pack is backed by comprehensive certification, affirming its quality and safety straight from our manufacturing facility.
Understanding the importance of responsible disposal, we’ve ensured that the water from our ice packs can be safely reintegrated into the ecosystem, whether by being poured down the drain or used to water plants, contributing to a circular economy and reducing waste.
Furthermore, our dedication extends to the packaging of these ice packs. Made from recyclable LDPE, the outer film of our ice packs can be recycled at specialized facilities, encouraging pet food manufacturers and consumers alike to participate in sustainable practices and support environmental responsibility.
Maintaining the cold chain is crucial in preserving the quality and safety of pet food products. Hydropac’s water ice packs are engineered to provide effective and efficient temperature control, ensuring pet food remains at the desired chilled or frozen temperatures throughout shipping. This capability is vital in preventing spoilage, bacterial growth, and ensuring that pets receive the nutritious food they deserve.
Recognising the diverse needs of the pet food industry, we offer a range of water ice pack sizes and configurations. This flexibility allows manufacturers to select the perfect cooling solution for their specific requirements, whether shipping dry kibble, wet food, or treats. Our team is available to consult on the best practices and configurations to ensure optimal performance for every shipment.
While our water ice packs provide superior cooling capabilities, we are mindful of the broader implications of our products. We strive to balance efficiency, cost, and environmental impact, ensuring our solutions are accessible and practical for pet food manufacturers of all sizes.
One of the standout features of Hydropac’s water ice packs is their exceptional ability to maintain low temperatures effectively, crucial for the pet food industry where precise temperature control is a non-negotiable. The longevity of the cooling effect offered by our ice packs ensures that pet food remains fresh and safe, even during extended transit times.
Understanding the practical aspects of using our ice packs, such as freeze times, is essential for optimising the cold chain process. Our guidelines provide clear indications of the minimum required freeze times for our ice packs, ensuring they are prepared to offer the best cooling performance for every shipment.
This is intended as a guideline, but the times specified should be stated as a minimum time requirement. This data is based on 2 x 500g ice packs stacked on top of each other with the probe being affixed in between the stack to monitor the core temperature. Time required to freeze pallet loads will be significantly different.
| Product | Time taken to freeze (HH:MM) | |||
| -28°C Freezer | -35°C Freezer | -40°C Freezer | -45°C Freezer | |
| Water | 12:13 | 09:38 | 08:22 | 07:36 |
| Gel | 12:22 | 12:22 | 08:30 | 07:59 |
| HydroFreeze | 53:58 | 17:45 | 13:35 | 11:51 |
| HydroFreeze+ | >96H* | 30:33 | 20:24 | 15:45 |
In choosing the ideal temperature-controlled solution, it’s important to weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks:
Pros:
Cons:
Hydropac’s water ice packs stand out as a beacon of innovation and quality. But what exactly sets these ice packs apart from the myriad of options available in the market? The answer lies in the unique production process and the dedication to excellence that Hydropac brings to every product.
Hydropac has revolutionised the traditional ice pack manufacturing process, distinguishing itself from conventional methods that often result in inconsistent cooling and potential leakage issues. Unlike the typical approach of filling tube-shaped packs, Hydropac employs a groundbreaking technique that seals two layers of material on all four sides. This not only enhances the durability and integrity of the ice packs but also allows for the creation of multiple pockets within each pack, offering unparalleled precision in controlling the dimensions and distribution of the cooling agent.
The meticulous design of Hydropac’s water ice packs ensures a uniform spread of coldness, eliminating the common problem of “hot pockets” found in traditional ice packs. This innovative approach guarantees that products remain evenly chilled, enhancing the safety and quality of temperature-sensitive items such as food, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies.
Minimising Leakage for a Cleaner Experience
A significant advantage of Hydropac’s water ice packs is their exceptional reduction in leakage compared to standard ice packs. While traditional options may lose up to a liter of water, leading to potential messes and contamination, Hydropac’s ice packs exhibit minimal leakage, not exceeding 70 milliliters. Additionally, the burst strength of these packs has been tested to withstand over 200kg, ensuring a reliable and mess-free cooling solution that contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly packaging option.
At the heart of Hydropac’s water ice packs lies a commitment to using pure, high-quality materials. Unlike many competitors that opt for gel-based formulas with added bio-agents, Hydropac chooses the simplicity and purity of water. This decision not only underscores the company’s dedication to environmental responsibility but also ensures that the ice packs are safe for food contact, adhering to the highest standards of quality and safety.
Hydropac’s water ice packs embody a perfect blend of innovative design, environmental sustainability, and unwavering commitment to quality. By breaking the mold of traditional ice pack production and focusing on delivering a superior cooling experience, Hydropac sets a new standard in the industry. These ice packs not only effectively manage temperature for a wide range of products but also champion eco-friendliness and performance, making them the preferred choice for businesses and consumers alike who value sustainability and reliability in their temperature-controlled packaging solutions.
By choosing Hydropac, pet food manufacturers are not only ensuring the safety and quality of their products but are also contributing to a healthier planet. Our water ice packs stand as a testament to our dedication to delivering solutions that are both effective and kind to the environment, helping to shape a more sustainable future for pet food shipping.
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