The pandemic opened everyone’s eyes to the varied needs of the pharmaceutical industry. With the whole world focused on getting ready for vaccine distribution, major investments went into improving the cold chain infrastructure. Much of the temporary setup has now become permanent and this means we’re now in a good position to transport medicines across all key therapies more effectively. It was a tough time, but it taught the industry a lot, ensuring that it is now more prepared than ever to face new challenges.
“In the past four years, we’ve seen a significant rise in demand for our services. Covid made everyone realise how crucial it is to keep medicines safe while they travel across the world. Our role in protecting these medicines has become even more important,” Delphine Perridy, Chief Commercial Officer at Envirotainer, said.
“During the pandemic, we reached a major milestone as we managed to transport over one billion vaccines successfully and sustainably in our temperature-controlled air cargo containers. This momentum continued post-pandemic, with our fleet moving approximately 600 million doses in 2021, which then increased to about 744 million doses in the following year.
“Now, in 2024, we’re seeing growing demand for our Releye platform. This range is renowned for having the smallest CO2 footprint in the industry, which we’re particularly proud of. We want to help make shipping medicines better for the earth, transporting each pallet and dose in the best way possible.”
Changing expectations
As the global supply chain becomes more complex, customers anticipate more from logistics providers. They want more flexibility, reliability, and speed. Companies are constantly adapting services to meet these expectations, focusing on providing solutions that are not only effective but also reliable.
In addition, there has been a global shift over the last few years towards sustainable business practices and environmentally friendly products. This is no less true for the cold chain sector.
Customers now look to their cargo handlers not only for temperature-sensitive shipping solutions but also as partners who are committed to reducing environmental impact.
“Understanding our customers’ diverse needs, we’ve created products that go beyond just cooling. They’re built to last, highlighting our commitment to sustainability and reducing waste,” Perridy stated.
“Our range of container sizes matches specific customer requirements, ensuring no space or energy is wasted. Our Releye solution features tracking and monitoring technology, making them both more efficient and eco-friendly.
“Additionally, our cold chain laboratory helps us examine how shipments react to different temperatures, allowing us to continually refine and improve our offerings.
“Our recent commitment to significant emission reductions across our operations and supply chain reflects this demand. We aim to lead the industry toward a more sustainable future, reducing our carbon footprint while still delivering the high-quality service our clients expect.”
READ: Envirotainer releases annual sustainability report
Close collaboration
Customers are increasingly focused on ensuring their products are transported safely and sustainably despite the ongoing global conflicts and the growing unpredictability of the weather.
Digital technology has greatly improved how cargo handlers manage the cold chain. By using real-time monitoring and data analytics, they can offer customers a clear view of their shipments. This kind of visibility is key for them to feel confident that sensitive products stay at the right temperature and are safe throughout their journey.
“Our digital services also help our customers to reduce risks, making their processes more efficient. From getting detailed shipment reports automatically to having real-time monitoring tools and a team ready to respond to any concerns, customers can actively watch over their shipments, set alerts, and quickly respond to any situation should it occur. This reduces the risk of losing medicine,” Perridy outlined.
“Take, for example, the tensions in the Red Sea, which have intensified challenges in shipping temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals. Attacks by the Houtis in the region threaten not just the ships but the timely delivery of life-saving medicines worldwide.
“Against this backdrop, airfreight emerges as a crucial alternative, offering speed and reliability for urgent deliveries. Aware of the environmental concerns with air transport, our lightweight, reusable containers that fit more into each plane, minimise product waste and can be used repeatedly. The goal is to ensure the timely delivery while honouring our customers’ commitment to sustainability.
“We also strive to broaden our capabilities, step up our sustainability efforts, and incorporate cutting-edge digital technologies. We’re committed to offering the highest reliability and efficiency, making sure Envirotainer remains the go-to partner for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical logistics even in the competitive worlds of pharmacy and life sciences.”
READ: Envirotainer to cut down supply chain emissions
Future approach
The pharmaceutical cold chain industry is set for major changes in 2024. Technology, sustainability, and data analytics will play even bigger roles in shaping the future of cold chain logistics.
“We’re excited about these developments that aim to make sure medicines are delivered safely and efficiently while also reducing the industry’s environmental footprint,” Perridy stated.
“Our focus is on embracing innovation and collaboration, shaping a future where the cold chain not only meets today’s challenges but pioneers new solutions for tomorrow’s needs.”
Envirotainer’s acquisition of va-Q-tec is a key step forward in its mission to deliver life-saving medicines worldwide in a way that’s efficient and patient-safe. It has allowed the company to offer a more diverse range of temperature-controlled logistics solutions to better address our customers’ needs.
“Integrating va-Q-tec’s advanced passive container technology, which maintains precise temperature control without the need for external energy, with our own active cooling solutions, allows us to provide a comprehensive suite of services for every stage of the pharma life cycle and for all pharma segments. This combination ensures the safe and efficient transport of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, reducing the risk of product waste and minimising environmental impact,” Perridy revealed.
“This merger also extends our network of service stations, catering to the global growing demand for reliable, temperature-controlled pharmaceutical transport.
“We’re working hard to grow and improve what we offer. This involves continuously innovating and adapting our solutions to meet the ever-changing needs of the pharmaceutical industry.
“Our goal is to ensure that we can always provide the best possible service to our customers, no matter what challenges the future holds. By joining forces with va-Q-tec later this year, we’ll be able to provide even more options to meet the different needs of our customers.”
