Winter cold-chain savior! 3 types of specialized cold-chain films reduce fresh produce freeze damage from 15% to just 1%.

Preface 

“ Below zero 18℃ Transportation, strawberries frozen ‘ Ice cube ’ ; Electronic components rejected due to frost and moisture damage; liquid food packaging cracked and leaking. ……” 

12 A winter cold wave strikes—cold-chain logistics “ The Winter Curse ” It appears. Data shows that the cold-chain cargo damage rate is higher in winter than in summer. 8-10 Percentage points, 60% The above stemmed from inadequate frost and freeze protection measures. Many logistics companies use standard PE However, one doesn't realize that at low temperatures, the film becomes brittle and prone to cracking—resulting in not only a lack of protective function but also potentially leaving adhesive residue that could contaminate the goods. 

The core of cold-chain protection is “ Choose the right membrane ” This article dissects the winter cold chain. 3 A major pain point—get professional film solutions and a buying guide to help you eliminate concerns about product damage. 

1. First, understand: the winter cold chain 3 Big “ The Invisible Killer ”

Winter cold-chain cargo damage is a chain reaction triggered by low temperatures, which ordinary films struggle to withstand. 

(1) Assassin 1 : Temperature differences cause frost formation, leading to moisture and spoilage of the goods. 

Refrigerated truck compartment temperature -20℃ To 0℃ During loading and unloading, external moisture can easily enter, leading to frost and ice formation. Fresh produce absorbs moisture and spoils, electronic components may short-circuit due to frost buildup, and paper packaging can become damp, weakened, and eventually damaged. 

Ordinary PE The membrane is breathable but impermeable to water, which can lead to frost and water accumulation. According to data from an e-commerce platform, the spoilage rate of strawberries grown without using a specialized membrane is significantly higher. 18% , using only the right membrane 2%。

(II) Assassin 2 : Low-temperature embrittlement, failure of thin-film protection 

The brittle temperature of common plastic films typically ranges around 0℃ To -5℃ , Winter makes it prone to losing flexibility and cracking. A certain logistics company used ordinary stretch film to wrap cold-chain containers, but during transportation, the film broke into pieces, leaving the frozen goods exposed and damaged. 

Brittle films may also generate碎片 (fragments) that could contaminate goods, leading to safety or quality issues. 

(III) Assassin 3 : Static electricity buildup damages sensitive cargo 

In winter, the dry air causes the film to easily generate thousands of volts of static electricity when it rubs against the goods, potentially leading to breakdowns in semiconductor components—and even triggering safety incidents involving flammable and explosive materials. 

Ordinary films lack antistatic properties—they are prone to static electricity. “ Accumulation Carrier ” This is the main reason behind the sharp increase in cold-chain cargo damage for electronics during winter. 

II. Prescribing the Right Remedy: 3 Specialized cold-chain films address winter transportation challenges. 

For the above-mentioned pain points, the industry already has mature solutions—different goods require matching dedicated cold-chain films to achieve this. “ Zero cargo damage ”。

(1) Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Low-temperature-resistant frost-proof film locks in moisture to prevent freezing damage. 

Fresh produce required “ Frost protection, moisturizing, and impact resistance ” , Recommended PEVA Low-temperature-resistant frost-proof film or co-extruded barrier film. 

• Core Performance : Brittleness Temperature ≤ -40℃ , Moisture permeability ≤5 g/(m²·24h) , tensile strength ≥15MPa , low-temperature flexibility, water resistance, and impact resistance. 
• Usage Tips : Single-box wrap 2-3 The frost-proof film seals the box opening, and bubble wrap is applied; the entire pallet is tightly wrapped with wide-format stretch film in a spiral, ensuring optimal tension. 5-8N ; High-value fresh products come with insulated bags and absorbent paper. 
• Whole palletized goods: Wrapped spirally with wide-format frost-resistant stretch film, ensuring wrapping tension is maintained within… 5-8N , avoid squeezing fruits and vegetables too tightly to prevent bruising; 
• High-value fresh produce (such as strawberries and cherries): Utilizing “ Frost-proof film + Insulation bag ” Double protection—absorbent paper can be placed inside the membrane to soak up minor condensation. 

(II) Electronic / Precision Instruments: Antistatic and Rust-Proof Film—Double Protection for Enhanced Safety 

Electronic goods require “ Anti-static, anti-frost, and anti-corrosion ” , the preferred choice is an antistatic and rust-proof cold-chain film, whose composite structure features an inner layer that prevents static electricity and an outer layer that resists frost. 

• Real-world case studies : Shandong cooperatives use PEVA Membrane-transported strawberries, from Yantai to Beijing 12 Hours ( -2℃ ), Integrity Rate 98% , Compared to ordinary film, it offers enhanced performance 23 Percentage point. 
• Bulk cargo: First place it on an anti-static pallet, then completely wrap it with a wide-format anti-static cold-chain film, ensuring the film makes solid contact with the pallet to create an effective static discharge path. 
• Core Performance Surface Resistance 10⁶–10¹¹ Ω , Moisture permeability ≤3 g/(m²·24h) , non-corrosive to metals and safe for direct contact with components. 
• Usage Tips : After individual components are wrapped with film, seal the seams with antistatic tape; for bulk shipments, once placed on antistatic pallets, wrap the entire load completely to ensure the film makes contact with the pallet, creating an electrostatic discharge path. 

(III) Liquid / Chemical Products: Puncture-resistant, Low-Temperature Film—Eliminating Leakage Risks 

Liquid cargoes and chemical products require “ Anti-cracking, anti-puncture, anti-leakage ” , Recommended modification PVC Low-temperature resistant film or POE Co-extruded reinforced film. 

• Important Notes : Avoid friction and damage between the membrane and sharp components. 
• Liquid products in bags: Utilizing “ Vertical packaging + Laterally wrapped ” Ensure the bag is fully covered by the wrapping method, preventing damage to the edges and corners. 
• Real-world case studies :A certain company uses specialized membranes to transport smartphone chips from Shenzhen to Northeast China. 48 Hours ( -15℃ ), chip testing passed, defect rate 0。

III. Pitfall Guide: How to Choose Cold-Chain Films for Winter 5 Key indicators 

The market is flooded with mixed-quality cold-chain film and fish products—choose carefully by paying close attention to the following: 5 One indicator to avoid getting ripped off “ Standard Labeling Film ”。

(1) Brittleness Temperature: The lower, the better—absolutely essential. ≤ -15℃ 

• Core Performance : Brittleness Temperature ≤ -30℃ , Elongation at break ≥500% , Puncture Resistance Strength ≥80N , low-temperature crack resistance, and partial acid-alkali resistance. 
• Core indicators, professional membranes required ≤ -15℃ , Choose for extremely cold regions ≤ -30℃ Yes. Be sure to request third-party testing reports—don’t rely on verbal promotions. 
• Usage Tips : Palletized cargo with stretch film ≥3 Layer—focus on reinforcing the bucket opening and bottom; bagged goods “ Vertical packaging + Laterally wrapped ” Full coverage. 

(II) Moisture Permeability: ≤5 g/(m²·24h) , The key to frost protection 

The lower the moisture permeability, the better the frost protection—essential for fresh and electronic products. ≤5 g/(m²·24h) . Simple test method: Seal a dry silica gel cup with a membrane and place it in a low-temperature, high-humidity environment. 24 Observe the silicone's condition over time. 

• Important Notes : Chemical products require prior confirmation of membrane compatibility. 

(III) Tensile Strength and Elongation at Break: Resilient and Durable 

Tensile strength ≥12MPa , Elongation at Break ≥300% It’s durable. Hand test: The professional film is tough—hardly tears and springs back into shape—while the regular film breaks easily and lacks elasticity. 

(4) Electrostatic Properties: Surface resistance is a must-check for electronic goods. 

• Real-world case studies : A certain dairy company uses POE Membrane-transported yogurt remained intact despite the bumps, reducing the damage rate to 5% Drop to 0。
• The surface resistance of the anti-static film must 10⁶–10¹¹ Ω It can be tested using an electrostatic tester; if no instrument is available, check instead. “ Anti-static Label ” And the inspection report. 

(5) Environmental Safety: Food products must comply with national standards. 

Food-contact films must comply with GB 4806.7-2016 Standard: Request food-contact grade certification and avoid products that emit odors or cause discoloration. 

4. Cost Estimation: Using the Right Membrane Can Actually Save You Money

Many companies worry that specialized membranes are costly, but in reality, when factoring in product damage, they actually prove more economical. 1 Take the transportation of one ton of strawberries as an example: 

The cost advantage is even more pronounced for high-value electronic goods—while a single cargo damage claim can easily amount to tens of thousands of yuan, the additional investment in professional film protection is only a few hundred yuan. 

• Standard membrane : Cost 80 Yuan, cargo damage 15% (About 2000 Yuan), total loss 2080 Yuan; 
• Professional Membrane : Cost 130 Yuan, cargo damage 1% (About 133 Yuan), total loss 263 Yuan; 
• Difference : Single-ton savings 1817 Yuan can also help avoid hidden costs such as complaints and claims. 

Conclusion 

In the winter cold chain, the choice of film determines the rate of cargo damage. Ordinary films “ Being overwhelmed and unable to cope. ” , precisely highlighting the value of professional cold-chain film —— It is the goods' “ Winter Protective Clothing ” , rather than simple packaging. 

From frost protection for fresh produce to anti-static solutions for electronics, and even leak-proofing for liquid cargoes—choosing the right film and using it properly is the key to surviving the cold season in the cold chain. “ Zero risk ” For logistics companies, “ Zero cargo damage ” It's simply direct profit growth. 

What membrane challenges have you encountered in the winter cold chain? And which reliable, professional membranes have you found particularly useful? Feel free to share in the comments!