In recent years, the way we purchase and receive food has changed dramatically. Online supermarkets, meal kits, raw pet food, and temperature-sensitive catering have reshaped consumer expectations, with fresh and frozen products now demanded at the doorstep. Ensuring these goods maintain the right temperature during transit — especially in the final stretch — is crucial for food businesses. This is where ATP passive temperature-controlled packaging becomes essential, offering a reliable solution to guarantee safe, efficient last-mile delivery.

This is where temperature-controlled packaging (TCP) and ATP certification come into play, particularly in the European logistics landscape, where food safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainability go hand in hand.

 

What Is the ATP Agreement and Why It Matters for Last-Mile Delivery

The ATP Agreement (Agreement on the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs and on the Special Equipment to be Used for such Carriage), established by the UNECE, defines the conditions under which chilled and frozen food products must be transported to preserve their safety and quality.

While ATP regulations were initially developed for international transport, their standards are increasingly applied — and expected — in domestic and last-mile food logistics, especially where public health and product integrity are at stake.

ATP categorizes compliant transport equipment under specific classes, based on their thermal capacity and insulation type:

• IR: Heavily insulated containers or packaging, used in passive cold chain solutions
• RRC: Class C refrigerated equipment with heavy insulation (typically used for frozen products at –20 °C or below)
• RRD: Class D refrigerated equipment with heavy insulation (used for chilled products between 0 °C and +12 °C)
• FNA / FRB / FRC: Mechanically refrigerated vehicles for chilled or frozen transport

Some insulated passive containers — including those certified under RRC or RRD — can meet the same ATP standards as powered units, without requiring vehicle refrigeration systems.

 

How ATP Passive Temperature-Controlled Packaging Enhances Last-Mile Food Delivery

With cities tightening vehicle access and companies seeking greener delivery solutions, ATP passive temperature-controlled packaging has become an increasingly attractive option for food logistics. These insulated containers, built with high-performance materials and phase change materials (PCMs), can maintain specific temperature ranges for hours — or even days — without external power.

For last-mile delivery of perishables, these containers offer:

• ATP certification to meet regulatory expectations
• Flexible use with conventional vans, EVs or smaller vehicles
• Reduced energy consumption and emissions
• A modular, scalable solution for mixed-temperature deliveries

This approach is especially valuable in dense urban areas or routes with multiple stops, where traditional refrigerated vehicles may not be practical or allowed.

 

Use Cases Across the Food Sector

Whether you’re delivering gourmet meals or BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) for pets, the need to preserve food quality during transit is universal. ATP passive temperature-controlled packaging systems are proving their value across a wide spectrum of food logistics use cases:

• Grocery retailers & e-commerce platforms sending fresh produce and frozen meals
• BARF food distributors maintaining strict cold chain standards
• Meal kit companies needing multi-zone temperature solutions
• Catering services distributing to offices or events
• Postal and courier networks adding food delivery capabilities
• Third-party logistics providers optimizing fleet use with flexible, ATP-compliant options

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can passive containers meet ATP certification standards?

Yes. Many passive insulated containers are certified under ATP,  ensuring compliance with temperature regulations even when used in non-refrigerated vehicles.

How long can passive containers maintain temperature?

Depending on the configuration and chosen PCM, containers can maintain required temperatures (chilled or frozen) for up to 24 to 48 hours, ideal for most urban and regional last-mile delivery routes.

Is ATP compliance mandatory for domestic deliveries?

It depends on local regulations, but aligning with ATP is often seen as a best practice — particularly when transporting sensitive foodstuffs like dairy, meat, or frozen goods.

What’s the advantage of passive packaging in last-mile delivery?

It enables greater flexibility, especially in restricted urban zones, reduces operational costs, and helps businesses meet growing expectations for eco-responsibility without sacrificing food safety.

Are passive TCP solutions suitable for both chilled and frozen products?

Absolutely. With the correct insulation and PCM, these containers can consistently hold +2°C for fresh food or -18°C and below for frozen items, making them highly versatile.

 

 

Conclusion

As the demand for home delivery of chilled and frozen food continues to rise, the need for reliable, certified, and sustainable transport solutions is more urgent than ever. ATP-certified passive temperature-controlled packaging offer an elegant answer — combining flexibility, compliance, and energy efficiency in a way that adapts perfectly to modern cold chain food logistics.

👉 Looking to enhance your temperature-controlled last-mile delivery? Discover more about modular ATP-certified passive containers here, or contact us through our form for tailored advice.