SOCO Group Showcases New ICEBANK™ Series Gel Ice Packs at ISTA Forum USA, Revolutionizing Sustainable Cold Chain Logistics Solutions

The third-time exhibitor presents advanced ice gel pack products for the food & beverage, medical, and transportation cold chain industries while introducing complete end-to-end manufacturing solutions

PHOENIX, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SOCO Group ("SOCO" or "the Company"), a technology-driven manufacturer specializing in water absorbing and retaining solutions for agricultural and industrial applications, introduces its expanded ICEBANK™ Series gel ice packs and a full-suite manufacturing solution tailored for food and beverage, pharmaceutical, medical cold therapy, and cold chain logistics applications at the ISTA Forum USA, from April 7 to 9 in Phoenix, Arizona.

The ICEBANK™ portfolio delivers consistent, high-performance cooling while meeting growing demands for sustainability. Three flagship products—ICEBANK-820 (biodegradable, 20-40 mesh particles), ICEBANK-883 (strong gel with superior anti-rewetting and swelling resistance), and ICEBANK-880 (ultra-fast absorption and high water-retention capacity)—form the core lineup. All absorb up to 430 times their weight in water in approximately 25 seconds, form a stable gel that holds for 48–72 hours, and maintain structural integrity for more than seven months without hydration or leakage. The products are non-toxic and fully biodegradable, directly addressing tightening environmental regulations and disposal pressures.

New arrivals debuted at the show further expand options. EcoDrain-280™ is a drain-safe, water-soluble cooling polymer with reversible viscosity that eliminates pipe blockages and simplifies wastewater handling. The Biodegradable Gel line offers 100% biodegradable, high-absorption formulations with zero harmful residues. For deep-freeze needs, the -10°C Custom Phase Change Ice Pack provides leak-proof, reusable performance ideal for vaccine transport and ultra-low-temperature logistics.

Beyond raw materials, SOCO unveiled a complete gel ice pack manufacturing solution that empowers clients to build or upgrade their own production lines. The package includes high-strength laminated films (PE, PA/PE, PET/PE, 80–150 microns), automated filling and sealing equipment (35–40 bags/min for 200 g packs; 26–30 bags/min for 400 g packs), professional polymer formulations, and full technical support. Clients receive on-site installation guidance, equipment optimization, and custom formulation adjustments based on their specific machinery and output requirements.

"Environmental regulations and disposal challenges are intensifying, yet many conventional gel packs still fall short on biodegradability, drain safety, and long-haul performance," said Ivy Hu, Business Development Manager with SOCO Group. "Our ICEBANK™ series directly solves these pain points with fully biodegradable and drain-safe options that comply with the strictest standards, while our advanced phase-change and high-retention formulas deliver reliable cooling even in extended transport or high-temperature conditions—critical for vaccines and premium perishables. Equally important, our local U.S. technical team and warehouse network ensure rapid delivery and on-site factory support, so customers get the right product matched to their equipment without delays or guesswork."

SOCO already supplies several of the top U.S. temperature-controlled packaging manufacturers and cold chain operators. Leading clients in Pennsylvania and Chicago purchase hundreds of tons annually for food preservation, seafood transport, and medical logistics, citing the products' superior anti-hydration performance and long-term gel stability.

With its one-stop supply chain, in-house R&D, and hands-on technical service, SOCO continues to help partners build scalable, compliant, and cost-efficient gel ice pack production lines that meet both today's regulatory demands and tomorrow's sustainability goals.

For more information about SOCO's integrated solution on gel ice packs, please visit https://www.socochem.com/. 

About SOCO Group

Founded in 2009, SOCO Group is a technology-driven manufacturer specializing in water-absorbing and retention solutions for agricultural and industrial applications. The company focuses on application-led research and development, developing customized solutions tailored to specific operating needs across industrial and infrastructure settings. Through continued product development and collaboration with global partners, SOCO supports customers with solutions designed to improve water management, resource efficiency and project performance.

 

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

SOCO Group Showcases New ICEBANK™ Series Gel Ice Packs at ISTA Forum USA, Revolutionizing Sustainable Cold Chain Logistics Solutions

 Bringing together 20,000 professionals from 52 countries to drive innovation, collaboration,  and sustainable water solutions

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As water security rises on national and global agendas, the  14^th edition of ASIAWATER officially opened today at the Kuala Lumpur Convention  Centre (KLCC), reinforcing its position as the region's leading platform for water and  wastewater solutions in developing Asia.

Officiated by YAB Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister and  Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, the event brings together  policymakers, industry leaders, utilities, and technology providers to address the region's  most pressing water challenges.

Organised by Informa Markets Malaysia, ASIAWATER 2026 convenes the global water  community under the theme "Building Nations: Leveraging Technology-Driven Water  Services for Inclusive Growth."

Held from 7 to 9 April 2026, the event is expected to welcome over 20,000 trade  professionals from more than 52 countries, alongside over 1,000 exhibiting brands  and companies. Spanning approximately 16,000 square metres, the exhibition  showcases end-to-end solutions across water treatment, wastewater management,  smart water technologies, and sustainable infrastructure.

In his officiating address, Fadillah underscored the urgency of water security. "Water is  the foundation upon which human civilisation is built. Reliable water supply and effective  wastewater management underpin public health, sustain industries, safeguard our  ecosystems, and enhance the resilience of our communities."

Highlighting Malaysia's priorities, he emphasised the need to address Non-Revenue  Water (NRW), strengthen infrastructure resilience, and advance sustainable water  management practices. Malaysia recorded a national NRW rate of 37.1% in 2023,  resulting in the loss of over 7 billion litres of treated water daily and more than RM2  billion annually, underscoring the scale of the challenge.

"Addressing NRW requires more than technical solutions alone. It calls for sustainable  financing models, effective governance, and close coordination between the Federal and  State Governments, as well as industry stakeholders," he said.

Malaysia is working towards a revised national target of 28.8% by 2030, supported by  infrastructure upgrades, policy reforms, and enhanced implementation programmes. At  the same time, the Government continues to advance integrated river basin  management, water reuse, and circular water economy initiatives, while aligning  water transformation with the nation's broader energy transition agenda.

In his welcome address, Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat, Chairman of Informa Markets  Malaysia, highlighted the growing complexity of water challenges. "We meet at a time  when water is no longer viewed solely as an infrastructure issue, but as a national and  strategic priority."

He emphasised the need for coordinated, cross-sector action. "These challenges  cannot be addressed in isolation. They require coordinated action across governments,  industry, technology providers, and the research community.

Reinforcing the role of ASIAWATER, he noted that the platform continues to support  informed decision-making, accelerate the adoption of proven technologies, and  strengthen collaboration across the water ecosystem.

A defining strength of ASIAWATER 2026 lies in its comprehensive knowledge platforms,  featuring over 60 conferences, forums, and technical sessions designed to bridge  policy, innovation, and real-world implementation.

The 14^th ASIAWATER Conference convenes policymakers, utilities, and industry leaders  to address key priorities, including digital transformation, infrastructure resilience,  financing, and governance. Complementing this, the Technology Seminars deliver  practical, solution-driven insights, enabling participants to evaluate technologies based  on performance, implementation feasibility, and lifecycle value.

Specialised platforms further enhance engagement through targeted discussions,  including the Smart Water Networks Forum on digitalisation and smart monitoring  systems, the ASTRICE-IWK Seminar on wastewater management and operational  efficiency, and the Regional Water Expert Dialogue, which brings together stakeholders  for high-level regional collaboration.

The International Conference on Water and Environment for Sustainability (ICWES  2026) strengthens collaboration between academia and industry, ensuring that research  and innovation are translated into practical, real-world applications.

Fadillah emphasised the importance of such platforms in driving regional progress.  "Platforms such as ASIAWATER play an important role in positioning Malaysia as a  regional hub for water innovation, knowledge exchange, and industry collaboration."

As Southeast Asia faces increasing pressures from climate change, urbanisation, and  rising water demand, ASIAWATER 2026 serves as a critical platform for partnership and  progress.

"By working together across governments, industries, research institutions, and  communities, we can build water systems that are more resilient, efficient, and future ready," said Fadillah.

A key highlight of this year's edition includes the upcoming launch of the Incubator Hub  by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), aimed at fostering innovation,  collaboration, and sustainable growth within the water and wastewater sector. 

Our industry partner, Gamuda Berhad, said: "Our priority is to strengthen water resilience for long-term economic and social progress. We provide end-to-end water solutions, spanning large-scale infrastructure and advanced treatment to distribution and urban renewal.  We enhance delivery through the Gamuda Digital Operating System (GDOS), developed in collaboration with Autodesk Construction Cloud and Building Information Modelling (BIM). By ensuring dependable, high-quality water supply, we enable socio-economic growth.

With its scale, depth, and strong alignment with national and regional priorities,  ASIAWATER 2026 continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of water  management across Asia.

ASIAWATER 2026 takes place from 7 to 9 April 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention  Centre (KLCC), Malaysia. Industry professionals are invited to be part of this leading  regional platform to explore innovations, exchange knowledge, and build strategic  partnerships shaping the future of water.

For registration, exhibition opportunities, and full event details, visit: https://www.asiawater.org/

END

Notes to Editors

About ASIAWATER Expo & Forum

ASIAWATER is Asia's leading platform for the water and wastewater industry, serving as a  trusted marketplace and knowledge hub for developing Asia. The event brings together  policymakers, regulators, utilities, industry leaders, and solution providers to address  critical water challenges and advance sustainable, technology-driven water services.  Held biennially in Kuala Lumpur, ASIAWATER showcases the full water and wastewater  value chain, including water treatment and purification, wastewater and sludge  management, non-revenue water reduction, flood mitigation and drainage, digital water  and smart utility systems, automation, membranes, filtration, desalination, and energy efficient, low-carbon technologies. Recognised for its strong government and regulatory  engagement, high-quality conferences, and buyer-focused exhibition format,  ASIAWATER provides a neutral platform for collaboration, innovation, and business  exchange. 

About Informa Markets

Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade,  innovate, and grow. Our portfolio comprises more than 450 international B2B events and brands across markets, including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure,  Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health  & Nutrition. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to  engage, experience, and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital  content, and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibition organiser, we  bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping  them thrive 365 days a year. For more information, please visit  www.informamarkets.com.

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

ASIAWATER 2026 OPENS, UNITING GLOBAL WATER INDUSTRY TO ADVANCE RESILIENT, TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN NATIONS