The two companies plan to launch their "first-of-its-kind" self-monitoring cold chain package system at the IQPC Cool Chain Europe event in Basel, Switzerland, starting 28 January 2013.
The initiative will see the existing Topa ClimateBox, which is designed to maintain internal payload temperatures during extended transit times, paired with the UK compamy's Timestrip Complete temperature indicator, which has been designed to monitor the +2°C to +8°C thresholds critical to food safety.
The combined system is claimed, according to Timestrip, to be: "The first product on the market to show validated proof of end-to-end temperature control, with clear activation at the point of packing and an accurate displays of ascending or descending temperature breaches that have occurred in transit."
Any such breaches are displayed on the Timestrip Complete temperature indicator when consignments are checked in and unpacked.
ClimateBox moulded polyurethane containers are held in an outer corrugated box sealed at the top with a soft foam plug that provides cushioning, insulation and allows for dry ice venting.
Combined with refrigerants, ClimateBox maintains internal payload temperatures during extended and extreme weather conditions, and are said therefore to be an "ideal choice to preserve vulnerable payloads between +2°C to +8°C, or other temperature criteria".
Timestrip Complete is part of a full line of patented temperature monitoring indicators by Timestrip, ranging from -20°C/-4°F to 38°C/100°.
The labels remain completely inert prior to use and can be shipped and stored at ambient temperature, ready for activation at the appropriate time.
"Logistics managers know the product is active and working because there is clear visual 'on' marker which appears moments after the finger pressure activation," says Timestrip, "so no moving parts, no electronics and a clear verification that monitoring has begun."
In addition, the new Timestrip Complete can be supplied with unique serial codes printed onto each strip to allow managers to assign numbers to specific pallets or cases.
