What Happens to Sterile Barrier Systems in Freezing Temps?

June 27, 2025

The Sterile Packaging Manufacturer’s Council (SPMC) has released a white paper that explores the impact of cold environments on package integrity. The paper, titled “Impact of Cold Storage and Transit on Medical Packaging,” examines the risks associated with shipping filled sterile barrier systems (SBSs) exposed to cold temperatures — from polymer embrittlement to temperature-induced stress during transit.

According to the paper, polymer embrittlement is the greatest danger medical packages face in cold temperatures because SBSs are primarily comprised of polymers that become more brittle below the glass transition temperature (Tg). The white paper includes a table that identifies the Tg for some common polymers, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polyester (PET). Read the full article in Packaging Digest magazine.