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Phase change materials
- Precise temperature control
- Extended cooling durations
- Reusable & Eco-Friendly
Advanced temperature stability through phase change technology
Phase change materials (PCMs) are at the core of modern temperature control, enabling consistent thermal performance across a wide range of environments. At Hydropac, we harness the potential of PCMs to power our advanced cooling solutions, offering unparalleled temperature stability for food, pharmaceutical, and specialist logistics. By storing and releasing latent heat during phase transitions — typically from solid to liquid — PCMs ensure products remain within precise temperature ranges for extended periods. Integrated into systems such as our HydroFreeze™ and EasiFreeze™ packs, these materials are key to delivering efficient, sustainable, and reliable cold chain packaging across our FreshPac, PharmaPac, and Ice Packs ranges.
Discover Phase change materials
Why Phase Change Materials Matter
Phase change materials (PCMs) are not just components — they’re the driving force behind precision thermal control in modern cold chain logistics. Whether you’re shipping biologics across continents or delivering frozen food locally, PCMs ensure products remain within strict temperature boundaries. Hydropac integrates proprietary PCM formulations into many of our high-performance cooling products, transforming how temperature-sensitive items are protected.
How PCMs Work
PCMs operate by absorbing or releasing thermal energy during the transition between solid and liquid states. This transition — known as the phase change — happens at a defined temperature, ensuring a constant thermal environment as long as the material is undergoing the transformation. At Hydropac, we engineer PCM packs to maintain chilled (2–8 °C) or frozen (-21 °C) conditions, based on application needs.
Key Performance Benefits of PCMs in Hydropac Products
- Constant Temperature Maintenance
Unlike traditional coolants, PCMs hold a fixed temperature during phase transition, reducing temperature fluctuations and ensuring cold chain compliance. - High Latent Heat Capacity
Our PCMs store large amounts of energy per unit weight, which translates to longer cooling durations — up to 96 hours in some systems. - Stable Across Thousands of Cycles
Hydropac uses non-toxic, biodegradable materials like salt hydrates and glycol blends, chosen for their stability, safety, and cycling reliability. - Compact and Efficient Design
Phase change technology allows for smaller, more efficient packs that require less space and reduce overall shipping costs. - Customisable Freeze Points
Depending on the phase change temperature required, we offer options from just below freezing to deep-frozen ranges — essential for pharmaceuticals, chilled food, or high-performance courier services.
Industry Applications and Integration
Our PCMs are fully integrated across Hydropac’s three specialist brands:
- FreshPac: Ensuring cold food stays fresh during transport with PCM-powered EnviroCool and RecycleAir systems.
- PharmaPac: Meeting strict GDP compliance and thermal stability requirements for biologics and trial samples.
- Ice Packs by Hydropac: From lunchboxes to cryogenic shipments, our PCM ice packs offer dependable thermal storage in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
With PCMs at the heart of our innovation, Hydropac remains at the forefront of sustainable, high-performance temperature-controlled packaging. This is not just cold chain support — it’s smart thermal management engineered for modern logistics.
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From issue to a customised cooling solution
In this way we help you to guarantee the quality and safety of food products under all circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions about Phase Change Materials
What exactly are phase change materials and how do they work?
Phase change materials (PCMs) are substances that store and release large amounts of thermal energy during the process of changing state — typically from solid to liquid or vice versa. During this phase transition, the material maintains a constant temperature, making it ideal for applications that require precise thermal control, such as chilled and frozen logistics.
What types of PCMs does Hydropac use in its products?
Hydropac utilises a range of non-toxic, food-safe PCM formulations, including salt hydrates, glycol-based blends, and organic compounds. These materials are selected for their thermal stability, cycling reliability, and suitability for temperature-controlled logistics across food, pharma, and medical sectors.
Are PCMs better than traditional water-based or gel coolants?
Yes. While traditional coolants absorb or release heat across a broad temperature range, PCMs maintain a specific temperature during phase transition, offering tighter thermal management, fewer temperature excursions, and better protection for sensitive goods over longer shipping cycles.
What are the main applications of PCMs in temperature-controlled packaging?
PCMs are widely used in:
- Frozen food transport
- Pharmaceutical packaging
- Clinical trial sample distribution
- Insulated containers for multi-day shipping
They are especially valuable when products must be kept within strict thermal thresholds throughout the journey.
Can phase change materials contribute to energy efficiency or sustainability goals?
Absolutely. PCMs reduce the need for active cooling (such as refrigeration or dry ice), lower energy consumption, and extend passive cooling performance. Hydropac’s PCM packs are also reusable, recyclable, and made using materials that meet environmental safety standards, supporting a more sustainable cold chain.
