Cocoa butter is extremely sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity during transportation. To solve this problem, we offer isothermal insulation for containers (Embatuff), palletized products (Embacover) and boxes (box liner).

What is cocoa butter?

Cocoa butter is obtained from whole cocoa beans. First, these are fermented and then toasted, before they are finally separated from their shells. Around 54-58% of the residue is cocoa butter. Cocoa liquor (melted mixture of cocoa butter and cocoa solids) is pressed to separate the cocoa butter from the solids.

Cocoa butter generally deodorizes to remove its harsh and undesirable flavour. It is cream in colour and generally packaged in 25kg blocks in hard polyethylene boxes, barrels, drums, cans or cardboard boxes with the cocoa butter stored in a plastic bag.

Temperature and moisture problems in transporting cocoa butter

Cocoa butter should be transported at a temperature between 15 and 25ºC, in stable moisture conditions and out of solar radiation.

The melting point of cocoa butter is around 38°C and it starts to soften at 35°C. When the cocoa butter heats up, the free fatty acids increase affecting the shelf life of the butter and any products made with it. The increase in temperature can also lead to the cocoa butter expanding, which could break the packaging and filter out onto adjacent boxes.

In a melted state, the product may become damaged when mixing with other materials and can be contaminated by external odours. It will solidify once again if the temperature decreases below melting point, but the contamination will remain.

Excessive moisture during transportation may damage the packaging and lead to microbial contamination of the product.

Thermal solutions for transporting cocoa butter 

As we have mentioned above, it is crucial to maintain optimal temperature, moisture and hygiene conditions when transporting cocoa. As a result, we offer three isothermal solutions:

• Embatuff thermal liner. Thermal lining for the inside of sea containers. An excellent, cheaper alternative to refrigerated containers.
• Embacover. Isothermal insulation for palletized products - it helps to maintain the temperature of and prevent heat transfer when outside of the hold.
• Isothermal covers for boxes (box liner).

All three products provide similar benefits:

• Thermal protection: optimal temperature control for your shipments.
• Protection against humidity: Isolates cargo from container rain and reduces the relative humidity of the cargo.
• Odour and dirt isolation: Single-use cover which prevents the spread of odours and avoids the need to wash containers afterwards.
• Easy to put on.
• Cost - saving

If you would like more information on the packing of cocoa powder, please contact our experts for advice on the best solution.