Tower Cold Chain solutions play a pivotal role in pharmaceutical logistics by providing robust, reusable containers that maintain strict temperature control for up to 120 hours. These insulated shippers are engineered to eliminate temperature excursions—data from more than 25 000 shipments show fewer than 0.1 % of excursions—while offering real time visibility, sustainability features and global availability. This article explores how Tower’s innovations, including the CCT Tower Elite universal pallet shipper and KTEvolution containers, are transforming pharma logistics in 2025. You will learn about the underlying technology, sustainability benefits, product options and emerging trends that make these solutions indispensable for temperature sensitive shipments.
What makes Tower Cold Chain containers robust and reliable? – learn how patented designs provide 120 hour compliance and protect fragile pharmaceuticals.
How do Tower’s solutions support sustainability and waste reduction? – explore achievements such as CCT’s 100 million pounds of landfill avoidance and Tower’s EcoVadis gold medal.
How does real time tracking enhance compliance and visibility? – discover the Tower Control Center and data logger technology offering near real time monitoring.
Which Tower products fit different pharmaceutical needs? – compare universal pallet shippers, parcel solutions and KT/KTEvolution models.
What are the latest trends shaping cold chain logistics in 2025? – see how IoT, AI and blockchain are transforming cold chain visibility and sustainability.
What Makes Tower Cold Chain Containers Robust and Reliable?
Patented design ensuring 120 hour compliance
Tower Cold Chain’s success stems from its patented insulated shipping containers. Each unit is engineered to maintain strict temperature control for at least 120 hours in any environment. Data from over 25 000 shipments show fewer than 0.1 % temperature excursions, demonstrating the reliability of these containers. The containers meet Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards and are trusted by global pharmaceutical, logistics and airline companies.
These containers integrate passive cooling technology—either phase change materials (PCM) or dry ice—so they require no external power. The KTEvolution 12, unveiled at LogiPharma 2024, uses a pyramid shaped plate system that ensures consistent internal temperature even when the box is tilted. For high performance shipments, the KTEvolution 26 and 57 maintain temperatures for more than 120 hours and support last mile deliveries without human intervention.
Robust construction and shock protection
Durability is central to Tower’s design philosophy. Containers feature three layer vacuum insulated panels and recyclable polyethylene foam, providing weatherproofing and impact protection while reducing microbial contamination. The lightweight webbing harness on KTEvolution models distributes load evenly and integrates fold away handles, allowing one or two people to carry a 26 or 57 litre container. Larger pallet shippers, such as the KT400 Flexi Fit, offer more than 120 hours of protection for −20 °C, +5 °C and +20 °C shipments, while the KTM42D Ultra Cold provides 94 hours of protection for −80 °C to −20 °C shipments using dry ice.
Minimal manual intervention reduces risk
Passive cooling and robust construction mean no reliance on external power or human intervention, thereby reducing the risk of temperature excursions caused by power loss or operator error. The load and lock process simplifies operations, making shipments predictable and reducing training requirements.
| Tower solution | Temperature ranges | Approx. protection time | Practical benefit |
| KTEvolution 12 | −60 °C to +20 °C | > 96 hours | Compact, pyramid plate design for last mile and lab shipments |
| KTEvolution 26/57 | −70 °C, −20 °C, +5 °C, +20 °C | > 120 hours | Manual handling design for direct to patient, samples and clinical trials |
| KT400 Flexi Fit | −20 °C, +5 °C, +20 °C | ≥ 120 hours | Medium pallet shipper using phase change materials |
| KTM42D Ultra Cold | −80 °C to −20 °C | ≈ 94 hours | Large double Euro pallet for ultra cold shipments using dry ice |
| CCT Tower Elite | <-60 °C (dry ice), −20 °C, +5 °C, +20 °C | > 120 hours | Universal 1600 L pallet shipper accommodating Euro/US pallets |
Tips for ensuring reliability
Choose the right temperature range: Select a container that matches your product’s critical temperature band. For example, KTEvolution 26/57 covers −70 °C, −20 °C, +5 °C and +20 °C.
Leverage data loggers: Use integrated data loggers to obtain precise temperature readings without unpacking. This ensures compliance and early detection of deviations.
Simulate your journey: Use the Tower Control Center’s Plan feature to simulate internal temperatures along a route. Planning helps identify risk factors before shipping.
Case study: A clinical trial sponsor shipping gene therapy vials used KTEvolution 26 containers for a 72 hour flight and ground transport. The integrated InTemp CX405 RTD data logger provided continuous internal and external temperature readings, and the load and lock design eliminated human intervention. Post shipment audits confirmed zero temperature excursions, demonstrating the reliability and simplicity of Tower’s passive solution.
How Do Tower’s Solutions Improve Sustainability and Reduce Waste?
Landfill avoidance and circular economy focus
In 2024, Cold Chain Technologies (CCT) and Tower achieved a landmark sustainability milestone by avoiding more than 100 million pounds of landfill waste, surpassing their 2025 goal. Tower’s reusable containers eliminate the disposal associated with single use packaging, enabling a circular supply chain. Containers are built to last for years, and after each journey they are collected, cleaned and redeployed—dramatically reducing waste and carbon emissions compared with single use boxes.
Tower’s commitment to sustainability has been recognised with an EcoVadis gold medal, placing the company in the top 5 % of businesses for sustainability practices. This builds on a silver ranking received in 2023 and underscores continuous improvement.
Carbon calculators and academic partnerships
Tower has developed a carbon calculator that helps customers measure and reduce the environmental impact of their shipments. By quantifying emissions associated with different routes and container types, shippers can make informed decisions to minimise their carbon footprint. Tower also invests in independent research with Cardiff University to advance sustainable packaging solutions.
Energy efficient materials and design
The use of vacuum insulated panels and phase change materials increases thermal efficiency, reducing the amount of cooling medium required. Recyclable polyethylene foam inside the containers not only protects products from shock but also aligns with circular economy principles by minimising environmental impact. The CCT Tower Elite is the lightest universal pallet shipper on the market and provides 1600 L capacity while reducing shipping costs and energy consumption.
User focused sustainability tips
Choose reusable over single use: Select Tower’s reusable solutions instead of single use packaging to contribute to landfill avoidance.
Use the carbon calculator: Quantify emissions for different routes and container options to choose greener shipping paths.
Maintain containers properly: Adhere to cleaning and handling guidelines to maximise the lifespan of reusable units, reinforcing the circular economy.
Practical example: A biotech company shipping monoclonal antibodies replaced single use Styrofoam boxes with the KT400 Flexi Fit pallet shipper. Over a year, the switch eliminated thousands of disposable boxes and contributed to CCT’s landfill avoidance goal. The carbon calculator showed a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, helping the firm meet internal sustainability targets.
How Does Real Time Tracking Enhance Compliance and Visibility?
Tower Control Center: compare, plan, track and review
Tower’s Control Center (TCC) is a web portal that offers customers a single interface to manage shipments. Key features include the ability to compare different packaging solutions, simulate internal temperatures along a planned journey, track shipments by accessing and downloading location and temperature data, and review invoices and documents. According to Tower’s delivery lead Samuel Durham, enhanced access to data through the TCC helps customers achieve zero product loss.
Integrated data logging options
Tower offers two primary data logger options. The InTemp CX405 RTD monitors both internal and external temperatures, providing data visibility via the device and a dedicated app. It allows shippers to download data at both ends of the journey, receive notifications of temperature excursions and generate detailed reports for audit purposes. This logger is standard on KT and KTM units.
For shipments requiring continuous visibility, the ECOLOG PRO xG logger offers near real time monitoring of shock, tilt, motion, altitude, location and internal and external temperatures. Near real time alarms alert teams to deviations, and shipments can be tracked via the TCC. Rentals of KTEvolution 26 or 57 include this logger, unlocking advanced live tracking features.
Live tracking and remote monitoring
Tower’s live tracking service provides recorded evidence of temperature conditions throughout a shipment, helping customers meet industry regulations. For small parcel solutions, cellular data and GPS enable near real time updates every 15 minutes, with data transmitted to the TCC at two hour intervals. Live tracking monitors not only temperature but also shock, tilt and location, and provides near real time alarms for immediate intervention. This feature is particularly valuable for high value, direct to patient and sensitive shipments.
Practical guidance for enhanced visibility
Opt in for live tracking on high value shipments: When shipping gene therapies or other sensitive products, choose KTEvolution 26/57 with ECOLOG PRO xG for near real time monitoring.
Use data reports for audits: Download detailed temperature reports from the CX405 RTD or ECOLOG PRO xG to demonstrate compliance during audits.
Leverage TCC simulation tools: Plan shipping routes and packaging combinations using the TCC’s simulation feature to anticipate temperature behaviour.
Example: A vaccine manufacturer shipping mRNA vaccines across continents selected KTEvolution 57 with live tracking. The ECOLOG PRO xG logger provided near real time alerts for shock and temperature deviations, enabling the logistics team to adjust handling in transit and avoid delays. Post shipment reports downloaded from the TCC simplified regulatory compliance.
Which Tower Cold Chain Products Fit Your Pharmaceutical Needs?
Universal pallet shipper – CCT Tower Elite
Released in April 2025 as part of the “Let’s Go Further” campaign, the CCT Tower Elite is a 1600 litre reusable pallet shipper that accommodates both Euro and US pallets. It is marketed as the lightest large pallet solution, reducing handling costs and improving fuel efficiency. The shipper maintains precise temperature control across four ranges (< –60 °C, –20 °C, +5 °C and +20 °C) for more than 120 hours using PCM plates or dry ice. The unit features double door access, class leading volumetric weight and an integrated IoT system for live tracking and asset management. It is available through CCT’s global hub network in more than 20 countries.
Small parcel solutions – KTEvolution 12, 26 and 57
The KTEvolution family addresses the growing need for direct to patient and last mile deliveries. KTEvolution 12 uses a pyramid plate PCM design and maintains thermal control for over 96 hours. The container is designed for small clinical trial shipments and has an internal payload of 12 litres. It can be configured with IoT technology for real time tracking.
KTEvolution 26 and KTEvolution 57 offer 26 litre and 57 litre capacities respectively, providing 120 hour performance across −70 °C, −20 °C, +5 °C and +20 °C ranges. These units feature a lightweight webbing harness with foldable handles for manual handling, and they incorporate phase change materials, vacuum insulated panels and recyclable foam to ensure durability and hygiene. Built in data logging technology provides real time temperature confirmation and can integrate location, shock and impact monitoring.
Pallet and sub pallet shippers – KT series
For bulk shipments, Tower offers a range of pallet and sub pallet shippers. The KT400 Flexi Fit provides at least 120 hours of protection for –20 °C, +5 °C and +20 °C shipments using phase change technology. The KTM42D Ultra Cold caters to extreme conditions, maintaining –80 °C to –20 °C for around 94 hours using dry ice. These solutions require no external power and reduce the risk of excursions caused by human error.
On board catering and thermal covers
Beyond pharmaceuticals, Tower offers AIB – Advanced Insulated Boxes for airline catering and Enshield PCM covers for temperature protection of bulk pallets. Thermal covers complement the KT and KTEvolution units by shielding shipments against external temperature fluctuations during ground handling and loading.
Matching the right product to your shipment
High volume shipments: Choose the CCT Tower Elite for large consignments requiring EU/US pallet compatibility and integrated IoT tracking.
Clinical trials and direct to patient deliveries: Use KTEvolution 26/57 for small to medium sized consignments requiring manual handling and live tracking.
Ultra cold shipments: Select KTM42D Ultra Cold for −80 °C products such as mRNA vaccines.
Standard pharmaceuticals: The KT400 Flexi Fit or KT200 series (not covered here) provide reliable performance for +5 °C and +20 °C shipments.
Example: A cell therapy company needed to transport 300 kg of cryogenic product at –70 °C. They selected the CCT Tower Elite due to its 1600 L capacity, Euro/US pallet compatibility and ability to maintain –60 °C conditions with dry ice for more than 120 hours. Integrated IoT tracking and the global hub network ensured visibility and availability.
2025 Cold Chain Developments and Trends
Technological advancements: IoT, blockchain and AI
Cold chain logistics is undergoing rapid digital transformation. Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors provide real time monitoring of temperature, humidity and location throughout the supply chain. These sensors enable early detection of deviations and reduce spoilage. Blockchain technology offers transparent, tamper proof records of every shipment, improving traceability and compliance. Artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics help optimise routes, forecast demand and anticipate disruptions, while remote control features allow operators to adjust storage conditions on the fly.
Growing demand for temperature sensitive products
The rising demand for biologics, gene therapies and personalised medicines, alongside increased consumer preference for fresh foods, drives the need for reliable cold chain infrastructure. E commerce growth and direct to consumer distribution further accentuate last mile challenges.
Sustainability pressure
Businesses are adopting eco friendly packaging, energy efficient technologies and renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint. Some cold storage providers even propose adjusting frozen storage standards from –18 °C to –15 °C to lower energy consumption. In the Middle East, solar powered cooling units and compostable packaging align with national sustainability agendas such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Regulatory compliance and workforce digitalisation
Stricter regulations demand detailed temperature documentation and traceability. Cold chain providers must integrate digital auditing tools and adhere to evolving standards. Simultaneously, companies invest in training programs to develop digitally fluent workforces that can operate IoT platforms and AI dashboards.
Key takeaways
Digital integration is essential: Modern cold chain solutions must integrate IoT sensors, blockchain and AI to offer real time monitoring, predictive insights and traceability.
Sustainability drives innovation: Reusable containers, eco friendly materials and carbon calculators help organisations meet environmental targets.
Regulatory compliance requires data: Data loggers and portals like the TCC provide the audit trail necessary for GDP compliance.
Demand is growing: Pharmaceutical companies need scalable solutions like CCT Tower Elite and KTEvolution models to handle both bulk and last mile shipments.
Human expertise remains vital: Digital tools empower staff to focus on strategic decisions rather than routine monitoring, but training is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can Tower Cold Chain containers maintain temperature?
Most Tower containers maintain temperature control for at least 120 hours, depending on the model and temperature range. The KTEvolution 12 provides over 96 hours, while the CCT Tower Elite and KTEvolution 26/57 deliver more than 120 hours of protection.
Are Tower containers reusable?
Yes. Tower designs its containers to be robust and reusable, enabling years of use and contributing to a circular supply chain. Reusable solutions help reduce landfill waste and carbon emissions.
What data logging options are available?
Tower offers the InTemp CX405 RTD for precise temperature monitoring and downloadable audit reports. For near real time tracking, the ECOLOG PRO xG logger monitors shock, tilt, motion and temperature and transmits data to the Tower Control Center.
How does the Tower Control Center improve logistics?
The TCC allows customers to compare packaging solutions, simulate temperature profiles along their route, track shipments via live data and download documents. According to Tower’s team, this enhanced access to data helps achieve zero product loss.
What is the difference between KTEvolution and CCT Tower Elite?
KTEvolution containers (12 L, 26 L and 57 L) are designed for small to medium shipments, manual handling and last mile deliveries. The CCT Tower Elite is a 1600 L universal pallet shipper for bulk shipments; it offers EU/US pallet compatibility and integrated IoT monitoring.
Summary and Recommendations
Key points: Tower Cold Chain solutions leverage patented passive cooling technology to maintain 120 hour temperature compliance. Reusable, robust construction minimises waste and supports sustainability. Integrated data loggers and the Tower Control Center provide visibility and compliance. The product range—from KTEvolution small boxes to the CCT Tower Elite universal pallet shipper—caters to diverse needs. Emerging trends in 2025, such as IoT, AI and sustainability, further highlight the importance of digital integration.
Next steps:
Identify your shipment profile: Determine volume, temperature requirements and handling constraints. Use Tower’s Compare and Plan tools to match a container to your needs.
Prioritise sustainability: Choose reusable containers and utilise the carbon calculator to reduce your environmental footprint.
Enable real time visibility: Opt for live tracking and advanced data loggers when shipping high value or sensitive products.
Stay informed: Keep up with technology trends—integrating IoT, AI and blockchain will be essential for competitive cold chain operations.
Consult experts: Reach out to Tower’s or Tempk’s consultants to design a cold chain strategy tailored to your supply chain challenges.
About Tempk
Tempk is a specialist in cold chain logistics and thermal packaging solutions. We design and supply next generation temperature controlled containers and monitoring systems. Our team combines decades of pharmaceutical logistics experience with cutting edge technologies like IoT and AI to help you maintain product integrity, reduce waste and achieve regulatory compliance. As partners with Tower Cold Chain, we provide local expertise and support, ensuring you get the right solution for your needs.
What to do next: Contact Tempk for personalised advice on selecting and integrating Tower Cold Chain solutions into your supply chain. Our specialists are ready to help you plan, track and optimise your temperature sensitive shipments.
