In the past decade, parcel lockers have become one of the most popular parcel delivery methods in Lithuania. Residents choose them for the flexibility to pick up parcels, and online commerce expands the variety of goods sent each year – from clothing or electronics to cosmetics, dietary supplements, plant seeds, or pet care products. However, not all of these goods tolerate prolonged heat equally well.
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Mantas Rudzys, Sales Manager of “SmartPost” in Lithuania, points out that especially in the summer months, people often do not properly assess the conditions in which the parcel will be stored until it is picked up.
“We usually think about how high temperatures affect people, but it is worth remembering that some everyday products also have manufacturer-recommended storage conditions. This does not mean that such goods cannot be sent via parcel lockers, but when planning purchases, one should also consider how long the parcel might wait for pickup and in what environment it will be stored. The more stable the temperature, the lower the risk that the product’s properties will change,” says M. Rudzys.
Parcel lockers indoors – additional protection from high temperatures
As is known, not all parcel lockers are installed under the same conditions. Some are outdoors, where they can be exposed to direct sunlight, temperature, and other weather conditions, while others are installed in shopping centers and other public premises.
According to Lithuanian hygiene standards established by law, special microclimate requirements apply in public premises – for example, during the warm season, the temperature must be between 18–28 degrees Celsius, and the relative humidity must not be lower than 35% or higher than 65%. According to M. Rudzys, these conditions greatly increase the likelihood that parcels will not be affected by extreme environmental conditions.
“Parcel lockers installed indoors allow parcels to be stored under much more stable conditions, where they are less affected by external temperature fluctuations. Of course, this does not eliminate the need to pick up received parcels as soon as possible, but for more sensitive products, a more stable environment is an additional advantage,” he emphasizes.
What is prohibited to send via parcel lockers?
Although millions of parcels are sent via parcel lockers every year, not all goods are allowed to be sent this way. Lithuania does not have a single general law that defines and lists items prohibited from being sent via parcel lockers. In practice, general legal acts, dangerous goods transport requirements, and each parcel company’s internal rules apply.
Typically, it is prohibited to send explosives, pyrotechnic products, firearms, their parts and ammunition, flammable or easily ignitable materials, chemical reagents, corrosive, poisonous or radioactive substances, live animals, as well as perishable food products.
Restrictions also apply to medicines, electronics with lithium batteries, liquids, aerosols, and very fragile items. In many cases, such goods can only be sent if additional packaging or transport requirements are met.
“A simple rule is this: if a parcel can explode, catch fire, spill, damage other parcels, pose a danger to people, or safe transport cannot be ensured under normal conditions, it is likely that additional restrictions will apply or it will not be possible to send it via parcel locker at all. Therefore, before sending anything, it is always worth familiarizing yourself with the specific carrier’s rules,” reminds M. Rudzys.
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Heat-sensitive cosmetics
Experts note that one of the most frequently ordered and at the same time most sensitive categories online is cosmetics. Most manufacturers recommend storing these products at about 15–25 degrees Celsius. Exceeding this can change not only the product’s appearance but also its properties.
For example, nail polish kept in heat for a longer time can thicken, its viscosity changes, solvents evaporate faster, making the product harder to use and causing it to dry faster inside the bottle. Lipsticks are no less sensitive – at too high a temperature, they can soften, deform, and break off as soon as the package is first opened after delivery. Heat also negatively affects creams, lotions, and various emulsions – their consistency can change, oil and water parts can separate, making the products heterogeneous. Face masks should also be considered heat-sensitive products. The active ingredients in them can be sensitive to high temperatures, so prolonged heat exposure can reduce their effectiveness.
Serums with vitamin C are even more sensitive. This active ingredient oxidizes easily, so prolonged heat can accelerate its breakdown. This is usually indicated by a change in the product’s color – the serum changes from clear or light yellow to bright yellow or brownish, and its effectiveness decreases accordingly.
It may sound paradoxical, but sunscreens should also not be stored in heat for long. The usual manufacturer recommendation is no more than 30 degrees, as higher temperatures can affect the stability of the cream’s emulsion and reduce the effectiveness of protective filters. Heat also accelerates the breakdown of fragrances, so the scent of perfumes can change, individual scent notes can weaken, or the scent’s longevity can shorten at high temperatures.
Dietary supplements and vitamins
Often, not only cosmetics but also dietary supplements are sent via parcel lockers. Although most are not classified as perishable products, manufacturers also specify recommended storage conditions. For example, probiotics are usually recommended to be stored at no higher than 25 degrees Celsius, and some even in the refrigerator. Prolonged storage at high temperatures can reduce the number of viable bacteria.
Fish oil supplements are also heat-sensitive: oxidation accelerates at higher temperatures, which can change the smell or taste. Certain vitamins – especially C and some B group vitamins – are also more sensitive to prolonged heat, which accelerates the degradation of active substances.
The most important thing is to plan not only the purchase but also the pickup
The “SmartPost” representative emphasizes that the vast majority of parcels usually reach their recipients without any issues, so heat should not be a reason to refuse the convenience of delivery to parcel lockers. However, according to M. Rudzys, in summer it is worth considering what product is ordered and where, and how quickly it can be picked up – especially when ordering cosmetics, dietary supplements, natural oils, or other temperature-sensitive products.
“In these cases, it is worth planning your time so that the parcel does not stay in the locker too long. Since parcels are usually delivered within one working day, but in more complex cases it can take several days, if you see that the parcel will likely arrive on the weekend and you will be away at that time, it might be worth scheduling its delivery for the next working week,” advises M. Rudzys.
According to him, it is also useful to consider the delivery location – a more stable temperature in parcel lockers installed inside public buildings helps reduce the impact of external temperature. This is a simple solution that can help preserve the product properties intended by the manufacturer and allow you to enjoy a quality purchased product.
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