Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIP)
Category: Equipment & Technology / Packaging
Definition: Premium insulation technology offering thermal conductivity of 0.003-0.007 W/m·K—approximately 5-10 times more effective than conventional insulation materials like EPS or polyurethane.
How They Work: VIPs contain a core material (typically fumed silica or glass fibre) enclosed in a gas-tight envelope from which air has been evacuated. Without air molecules to conduct heat, thermal transfer is dramatically reduced.
Thermal Performance:
- VIP: 0.003-0.007 W/m·K
- Polyurethane: 0.020-0.025 W/m·K
- EPS: 0.033-0.038 W/m·K
Applications:
- Long-haul pharmaceutical shipments (7-10 days duration)
- Vaccine distribution to remote areas
- Ultra-cold chain logistics (-70°C)
- High-value biologics requiring extended protection
- Clinical trial logistics
Duration: A VIP-based shipper can maintain +2°C to +8°C for up to 10 days with appropriate PCM—compared to 3-5 days for equivalent polyurethane systems.
Suppliers: International suppliers include Sofrigam, Cold Chain Technologies, and Intelsius (ORCA range), with South African distributors and pharmaceutical logistics providers stocking solutions.
Related Terms: EPS, Polyurethane Insulation, Thermal Conductivity, R-Value
Find Solutions: Pharmaceutical packaging suppliers and cold chain logistics providers