MCC Blog

Pharmaceuticals don’t fly coach. Vaccines, gene therapies, and biologics rely on HVAC‑R systems and specialized containers to stay viable across oceans and time zones because there’s no room for error. If temperatures slip, entire shipments can be lost, delaying supply chains, disrupting treatment plans, and ultimately impacting the people who depend on them.

At MCC, we build the HVAC-R systems and components that help air cargo containers meet the strict demands of pharmaceutical shipping. With decades of experience, a global support network, and trusted engineering know-how, we help protect some of the most valuable cargo flying today.

Let’s take a closer look at what it takes to keep critical cargo cold at cruising altitude.

Beyond Dry Ice

Dry ice used to be the standard for cold-chain air freight, but it’s far from perfect. The temperature isn’t always consistent, the cooling doesn’t last long, and there are strict regulations around how it can be used. That’s a tough combination when you’re shipping something as sensitive as vaccines, especially if there are delays or no refrigeration at the destination. Those are risks that no one can afford to take.

The Technology Behind Every Takeoff

To maintain steady temperatures in air cargo containers during long-haul flights, our HVAC‑R systems and components offer reliable cold storage, flexible power options, and a level of control that’s trusted to keep pharmaceutical cargo safe.

1. Refrigerated shipping solutions
2. Battery-powered, DC-compatible mobile refrigeration
3. Precision temperature control for active cold chain performance

How MCC-powered containers meet the challenges:

• Temperature control: Integrated compressors, heaters, and sensors maintain tight tolerances across pharmaceutical ranges, including +2 °C to +8 °C, +15 °C to +25 °C, and frozen conditions below –20 °C.
• Specialized container design: Whether you’re building RKN (single-pallet) or RAP (multi-pallet) units, our HVAC‑R components support high-efficiency performance. Both container types use vacuum-insulated panels (VIP) and internal circulation to maintain uniform cooling.
  • RKN units offer a compact solution with ±1 °C tolerance and up to 72 hours of battery life.
  • RAP containers provide extended capacity and more than 120 hours of reliable runtime for long-haul routes.
• Compliance-ready solutions: Our components help OEMs meet Good Distribution Practice (GDP) and aviation standards, ensuring regulatory compliance.

A Greener Cold Chain

Sustainability is quickly becoming a priority in cold-chain design, and HVAC‑R systems are at the forefront of this shift. MCC’s components support next-generation refrigerants, helping OEMs prepare for stricter environmental regulations.

Energy efficiency is another key focus. AI-enabled control strategies can reduce HVAC‑R power usage by up to 40%1, while variable-speed compressors better manage energy consumption during idle periods and fluctuating loads. By integrating these features into container designs, OEMs can market more eco-friendly solutions, reduce lifecycle operating costs, and meet corporate sustainability goals.

Are You Ready to Take Off?

If you're building air cargo containers for pharmaceutical logistics, you know what’s at stake. Backed by international expertise and a global supply chain network, MCC’s HVAC‑R systems and components are engineered for performance, compliance, and speed-to-market.

Talk to our team to explore how our technology can support your next container innovation, both on the ground and in the air.

Sources: https://www.cevalogistics.com/en/who-we-are/case-studies/reducing-energy-consumption-with-ai-driven-hvac-r-technology