What is Polartherm™?
Polartherm™ , used in the manufacture of most Polar products, is a unique triple layer insulation developed from the NASA space programme.
It comprises an inner reflective layer, a hollow fill fibre filler and a robust woven PVC (optionally fireproof) outer. It is lightweight, robust, hygienic and easily cleaned and compiles with UK and US food safety requirements.
Independent trials have been conducted by Cambridge Refrigeration Technology Ltd which proved that Polartherm has one of the best thermal insulating properties in its class.
Example of pallet cover test results:
Further tests from CRT have been carried out on our products, available for download below:
Trials Data - Frozen products
Ministry of Defence trials demonstrated that Polartherm™ would maintain the temperature of frozen food below –18°C for more than six hours in 30°C ambient conditions. The MoD took frozen peas at –22°C, placed them under a Polartherm™ insulated load pallet cover and stored them in a 30°C environment. After six hours, the temperature of the peas was recorded. At less than –18°C, the temperature of the peas had risen by less than 4°C. The MoD work proved conclusively that Polartherm™ will protect frozen food for prolonged periods of six hours or more, without the need for additional refrigeration.
Hot products
Polar Thermal Products Limited conducted two trials in-house with hot food. In both cases boiled rice in aluminium foil containers was stored in 20 litre Polartherm™ insulated bags. In the first trial the time the rice took to fall to 63°C was recorded at over two and a half hours. In the second trial, rice in containers was stored for an initial period and then the bags were opened and some of the rice removed, to simulate deliveries of hot meals. Once again, the time taken for the temperature of the rice to fall to 63°C was recorded at over two and a half hours.
Chilled products
Polar Thermal Products Limited conducted a trial to see how long temperatures of 2-5°C (eg for the storage and carriage of vaccines) could be maintained in a Polartherm™ bag. "Icy-Cools" sachets at –18°C provided additional cooling. The experiment shows that after six hours, the temperature at the bottom of the bag had rise by just 1°C to 3°C. Polartherm™ is ideal for storing and transporting products that require to be kept chilled for periods of six hours or more.