Leading Battery Technology Innovations Unveiled at National Manufacturing Show

In every October, the United States hosts National Manufacturing Month, celebrating innovation across the manufacturing industry. Among the key players in this sector is Packaging and Crating Technologies (PACT), based in Watertown, Connecticut. This year at The Battery Show in Detroit, Michigan, PACT is set to present their latest breakthrough in safety solutions designed specifically for lithium-ion battery fires — the TR Envelope™. This annual gathering, scheduled from October 6-9, is recognized as the leading event for both battery and electric vehicle technology, attracting prominent industry leaders as well as innovative thinkers.

Rodger Mort, the Chief Operating Officer of PACT, expressed the company's enthusiasm about participating in this crucial forum. “We are honored to be invited to this highly-advanced, high-tech forum to showcase our critical, life-saving solutions for lithium battery fires – a problem that continues to increase exponentially every day as more electronic-powered devices enter the marketplace.” Mort further emphasizes the pressing need for such innovations due to the rising prevalence of electronic devices adopting lithium batteries, which are known to pose significant fire hazards.

Li-ion batteries, while essential for powering devices such as e-bikes, scooters, and other electronics, come with inherent risks. When overheated or damaged, these batteries can undergo a process known as thermal runaway, leading to uncontrolled heating that may cause fires or explosions. Mort explained this danger further, stating, “What makes these volatile batteries so dangerous is a process called thermal runaway in which the lithium-ion battery cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state.” It is this understanding that fuels PACT's motivation to produce innovative safety packaging.

Among the highlights of PACT's product line is the PACT Thermo Shield™, which is a thin, lightweight, paper-based packaging material. It uses moisture-enhancing ink to control thermal runaway by creating a vapor cloud when the battery begins to emit gas due to burning. This innovative wrap immediately lowers the internal temperature of the package below 780ºC while limiting the oxygen around it to prevent the battery from reaching temperatures that could generate toxic substances.

Another key product is the TR Sleeve™, which addresses the safety concerns associated with e-mobility devices. By wrapping each battery cell with a layer of Thermo Shield, this product mitigates the risks of thermal runaway and serves as a barrier against heat and flames, significantly enhancing battery safety. Mort believes that solutions like TR Sleeve are critical for creating a greener and more sustainable future as society increasingly relies on lithium-ion batteries for everyday tasks.

In addition to the Thermo Shield and TR Sleeve, PACT will also display the TR Envelope™, a customizable packaging solution tailored for the safe transport and storage of smaller devices, including smartphones and smartwatches. These items have become a notable hazard, particularly for commercial airlines, due to their tendency to catch fire if mishandled. Furthermore, PACT is in the process of developing a groundbreaking PACT Lion-X™ Fire Extinguisher, aimed at extinguishing lithium-ion fires using a unique, water-based solution that efficiently cools down extreme temperatures and mitigates harmful emissions.

As Mort concluded, “We’re so excited to introduce our latest inventions that reduce lithium battery fires on both the national stage, as well as locally in our own state. If we can save even one life, while preventing property damage and personal injury, we’ve done our job.”

For those attending The National Battery Show, visit PACT's booth #2626 to discover more about their innovative solutions geared towards enhancing safety in battery technology. To learn more about PACT's complete range of products, their commitment to sustainability, and their innovative approaches to packaging for industrial and commercial applications, please visit their website at PACT Thermo Shield.

PACT, LLC has established itself as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions across various sectors, bolstered by over 25 years of industry experience, focusing on generating cost-effective and eco-friendly products that meet modern safety standards. Their continuous research and development exemplify their commitment to safety in the face of rising risks associated with lithium-ion battery technologies.