The rise of temperature-sensitive drugs, like biologics and vaccines, is driving growth in the cold chain segment of airfeight. This trend extends beyond pharmaceuticals. The global growth of the biotechnology sector, including the transportation of biopharmaceuticals and clinical trial materials, also requires specialised temperature-controlled logistics solutions to maintain product integrity.
While this growth presents opportunity and boosts activity in the industry, it also brings with it a need to adapt operations to limit the industry’s impact on the environment. Sustainability has become a top priority for many companies in recent years, driven by various factors. These include mounting public pressure, increasingly stringent regulations, and the tangible impacts of climate change such as extreme weather events, droughts, storms, and the rapid melting of glaciers. What many companies have come to realise is that reducing CO2 emissions is not only crucial for mitigating the risks associated with climate change but also for managing financial risks.
In the near future, many regulators are expected to implement “net zero policies,” mandating reductions or compensation for Scope 3 emissions. It’s worth noting that reducing emissions is often significantly more cost-effective than compensating for them. For instance, a large pharmaceutical company emits approximately 10 million tonnes of CO2 per year. At current compensation rates of around $100 per tonne, the annual cost of compensation for such a company would amount to US$1 billion.
“We’re witnessing a growing trend wherein advanced big data and AI solutions are being leveraged to simultaneously reduce risks, costs, and CO2 emissions,” SkyCell’s co-founder and CTO, Nico Ros, said.
“These technologies are proving to be instrumental in helping companies navigate the complexities of sustainability and achieve their environmental and financial goals.
“Our partnership with Ivoclar aims to cut carbon emissions and reduce waste associated with empty return journeys by filling SkyCell containers with Ivoclar pallets. By integrating Ivoclar pallets into our hybrid containers, we can optimise freight efficiency, leading to reduced CO2 emissions. We predict that our partnership will result in approximately 2,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions saved annually.
“Cost reduction is realised through increased trip efficiency and fewer empty returns, which lower transportation costs per unit. Ultimately, optimised logistics reduce fuel consumption and related expenses. Additionally, the savings from reduced CO2 emissions offer financial benefits, considering potential regulatory pressures and carbon taxes.”
Visible and transparent
The advancement of digitisation and enhancing data visibility will be important tools when it comes to reducing the environmental impact of airfreight and cold chain logistics. For example, by leveraging real-time data insights, stakeholders across the supply chain can minimise energy consumption, reduce CO2 emissions and streamline their operations.
The industry can also expect to see a significant shift in traditional packing and shipping methods. For example, single-use containers rely on excessive cooling which leads to substantial waste and pollution. Innovative solutions that reduce the need for cooling and offer sustainable alternatives for transporting temperature-sensitive goods will be pivotal in minimising the carbon footprint of cold chain operations.
