UPS will mass produce dry ice, distribute portable freezer storage units
In response to the challenge associated with the storage and transportation of cold chain products, including frozen vaccines for Covid-19, UPS Healthcare, which continued major expansion this summer, can now create up to 1,200 pounds of dry ice per hour in its US facilities. That output is in line with manufacturer storage requirements. UPS will also make dry ice accessible for US and Canadian hospitals, clinics and other points of care that need dry ice to store vaccines locally on premises.
Stirling ULT25 NEU. Credit: UPS
Together with Stirling Ultracold, UPS is also unveiling portable ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers—including the Stirling ULT25 and the more compact SU105—which can store vaccines at temperatures from -20°C to -80°C (-4 °F to -112 °F). Both will be dispensed in smaller locations that will be using freezer storage for extended periods.
Dusty Tenney, Stirling’s CEO, who has been outspoken about the effort required to distribute ULT-mandated vaccines for Covid-19, commented: "This program will help ensure vaccines remain effective next year, and for years to come, as future vaccines and biologics are developed to keep the world healthy and safe."