Cold Chain Technologies Launches EcoFlex XS Reusable Shipper for Small-Volume Clinical Trial and Diagnostic Shipments
Key Insights
Cold Chain Technologies (search) has launched EcoFlex XS, an extra-small reusable thermal shipper with a three-litre payload capacity designed for clinical trial samples, pharmaceutical sampling, and diagnostic transportation.
The shipper operates across three temperature ranges—refrigerated, controlled room temperature, and frozen—with validated thermal durations of up to 96 hours in refrigerated winter conditions.
Compared to the existing EcoFlex Small shipper, the new XS model reduces volume by 25.64% and weight by 25.4%, delivering lower freight costs while maintaining robust thermal protection.
Cold Chain Technologies (search) (CCT), a global provider of thermal packaging and digital solutions for the life sciences industry, has announced the launch of EcoFlex XS, a new extra-small addition to its market-leading EcoFlex reusable shipping portfolio. The product was developed in response to increasing customer demand for compact temperature-controlled logistics solutions and is now available in refrigerated, controlled room temperature, and frozen configurations.
The EcoFlex XS provides a three-litre payload capacity and is particularly suited to clinical trial sample shipments, pharmaceutical product sampling, blood and diagnostic sample transportation, and other small-volume temperature-sensitive applications. The shipper extends the capabilities of the established EcoFlex range while maintaining the same reusable, sustainability-focused approach that has made it the largest reusable fleet on the market.
Thermal Performance and Design Innovation
The new shipper has been engineered to operate across three temperature ranges: refrigerated (RFG), controlled room temperature (CRT), and frozen (FRG), while meeting ISTA 3A physical testing requirements. In ISTA 7D temperature qualification testing, the EcoFlex XS demonstrated thermal durations of up to 96 hours in refrigerated winter conditions, 89.7 hours in controlled room temperature summer conditions, and 66.2 hours in frozen winter conditions.
A key innovation within the design is the inclusion of a thermal bag inside the 178 mm × 178 mm × 89 mm payload box, which acts as a heat deflector to extend thermal duration and maintain performance.
Logistics Efficiencies and Sustainability
EcoFlex XS delivers substantial logistics efficiencies compared with the existing EcoFlex Small shipper. Volume has been reduced by 25.64% and weight by 25.4%, helping customers minimise freight costs while maintaining robust thermal protection.
David Webber, senior global marketing manager at Cold Chain Technologies (search), stated: "The EcoFlex XS is a natural extension of the EcoFlex family and addresses a very specific need in the market for smaller-volume temperature-controlled shipments. We have seen exceptionally strong interest in the product, particularly for sample distribution and clinical trial applications."
Webber added: "By maintaining the same reusable platform, thermal technologies and customer-friendly design of the broader range, we can provide a smaller-format solution that delivers meaningful reductions in shipment size and weight without compromising performance. The result is greater shipping efficiency, lower freight costs and a more sustainable option for temperature-sensitive products."
Like the wider EcoFlex portfolio, EcoFlex XS features artwork that clearly communicates its reusable status, supported by Cold Chain Technologies (search)' ReNew refurbishment and renewal programme. With more than 50 years of proven product assurance in transit, CCT has built a reputation as the life sciences industry's most innovative and dependable provider of thermal packaging solutions.