US-based Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc has introduced more sustainable packaging for 125,000 of its Invitrogen antibodies. Transitioning from cold-chain packaging to ambient temperature shipping from distribution centre to customer reduces package material mass, improves the customer experience and supports the company’s global sustainability efforts.

Through functional and stability testing, Thermo Fisher has demonstrated that a significant portion of its Invitrogen antibody portfolio can be maintained at ambient temperature conditions during transport.

By eliminating the use of cold gel packs and introducing a new 100% curbside recyclable paper packaging for customers, Thermo Fisher expects to eliminate more than 216,000 pounds of paper and 440,000 pounds of gel ice packs per year. This new packaging represents a 90% reduction in shipment mass, improves freight density and reduces carbon emissions.

The introduction of ambient shipping and Sustainable Forestry Initiative-certified packaging marks the latest advancements in Thermo Fisher’s commitment to more sustainable shipping. Thermo Fisher also ships many temperature sensitive products in a paper cooler as a more sustainable alternative to other coolers for products that still require shipping at low temperatures.