With the popularization of the concept of healthy consumption, plant capsules have become the new favorite of the pharmaceutical and health care products industry due to their natural and degradable properties. However, compared with traditional gelatin capsules, plant capsules have some unique properties in the logistics link, which require special attention from relevant practitioners.
The main raw materials of plant capsules are hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) or other plant-derived ingredients, which makes them more sensitive to environmental conditions during storage and transportation. Compared with gelatin capsules, plant capsules are more hygroscopic. If exposed to high humidity for a long time, the capsules may become soft, sticky or even decompose. Therefore, during the logistics process, temperature and humidity must be strictly controlled. It is generally recommended that the storage temperature be between 15℃-25℃ and the relative humidity should not exceed 60%.
In addition, the mechanical strength of plant capsules is slightly lower than that of gelatin capsules, and vibration or extrusion during transportation may increase the risk of breakage. To this end, foreign trade companies should use cushioning materials such as bubble film or corrugated paper interlayers when designing packaging, and ensure that the outer box meets international transportation standards (such as ISTA 3A or ASTM D4169) to reduce the damage rate.
Another key factor is the shelf life management of plant capsules. Since the stability of plant ingredients is slightly weaker than that of gelatin, their shelf life is usually 2-3 years, but they need to be stored in a dry and light-proof environment. When arranging logistics, foreign trade companies should reserve enough time to avoid product expiration due to customs clearance or transportation delays. At the same time, it is recommended to mark clear storage conditions on the packaging (such as "keep dry and avoid high temperatures") to remind end customers to keep them properly.
From an environmental perspective, although the degradability of plant capsules is in line with the trend of sustainable development, it puts higher requirements on cold chain logistics. If transported for a long time in a high temperature environment, the degradation of the capsules may be accelerated. Therefore, some companies will choose air transport or expedited land transport to shorten the transportation cycle and reduce the risk of deterioration.
In summary, the logistics management of plant capsules needs to take into account temperature and humidity control, packaging protection and timeliness. If foreign trade companies can optimize the supply chain, it will help improve product competitiveness and meet the international market's demand for natural excipients.
