Hybrid Containers: The Future of Pharma Cold Chain
1500X Hybrid Container

Hybrid Containers: The Future of Pharma Cold Chain


The pharmaceutical sector loses billions of dollars annually due to logistical failures, including temperature excursions and a lack of end-to-end visibility. In today's increasingly interconnected world, the industry heavily relies on the efficiency of cold chain logistics and management to ensure that temperature-sensitive products reach their destinations in perfect condition.

The temperature conditions during shipping can greatly influence the stability and efficacy of medicines. Ensuring that temperature-sensitive products are consistently stored and transported within the specified range is paramount to maintaining their effectiveness and safety.


Three types of shipping containers use different technologies to maintain the required temperature: active, passive, and hybrid.

  • Active systems are reusable and rely on energy sources like electricity, lithium batteries, and thermostatic control to maintain the required temperature. They use mechanical systems such as motors and vents for internal heat/cold distribution. While easy to set up by mounting onto trailers or pallets, they can be heavier due to internal components and may require maintenance during transit.
  • Passive systems, meanwhile, may be one-way or reusable systems that utilize “phase change” materials such as dry ice and insulators including polystyrene and polyurethane. To hold the correct temperature over a predefined period, they may require pre-conditioning before they are loaded for shipping. Journey length can be limited because phase-change materials cannot hold the same temperature for extended periods compared to active systems.
  • Hybrid systems are reusable solutions that self-charge without the need for mechanical components. These systems have a long independent runtime, which enables them to protect sensitive medicines against temperature excursions. The ability to self-charge increases the likelihood that medicines will reach patients in need intact.

hybrid container
The three types of cold chain containers

Hybrid containers can self-charge automatically when placed in a cold-storage environment, thanks to their insulated, heat-distributed system. This offers a key benefit for the delivery of temperature-sensitive medicines because there is no need to manually add or change any components to enable charging. Additionally, the burden on handling operators is reduced, allowing them to simply load shipments onto the carrier and eliminating human errors in the process.

Moreover, SkyCell's IoT technology simplifies logistics by allowing pharmaceutical companies to monitor their supply chain in transit. Our supply chain operating system, SkyMind, streamlines shipment and asset management through automation and real-time visibility. With access to historical and real-time data, as well as advanced forecasting analytics, SkyMind provides visibility, decision support, and the ability to adapt to both gradual and rapid changes.

SkyMind, Supply chain platform, IoT
The SkyMind platform

SkyCell’s hybrid containers pioneered the use of IoT technologies, transforming pharmaceutical supply chains by increasing efficiency, securing logistics, and minimizing disruptions. By leveraging sustainable shipping solutions and next-generation technologies, pharma businesses can create traceable, cost-effective, and resilient supply chains while reducing their environmental impact.


Contact our team of experts to explore SkyCell’s hardware and software solutions and start your journey towards a more transparent, efficient, and sustainable supply chain.



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