Author: CCA

Few people have witnessed the evolution of the temperature-controlled logistics industry as closely as Honorary CCA Member, Sebastiaan Scholte. From handling perishables in Latin America to leading industry-wide efforts to establish standards, Sebastiaan’s career has been truly global.

His introduction to the cool chain came early in his aviation career at Aeromexico Cargo in Mexico.

“I first dealt with temperature-controlled products while I started at Aeromexico Cargo in Mexico,” he recalls. “Mainly perishables, and I immediately understood the need for on-time, high-quality processes.”

That early experience sparked a career specialising in temperature-sensitive logistics. Sebastiaan later joined Cargolux Airlines, where he was responsible for South America, overseeing shipments of flowers and fruit from Ecuador and Colombia, alongside seafood exports from Chile.

Helping shape a more professional industry

Looking back over several decades in the industry, Sebastiaan believes the biggest transformation has been the sector’s growing professionalism.

“It has become a lot more professional. The whole supply chain has adopted standards to a much greater extent, and, of course, technology has evolved as well.”

Those changes were something he actively helped drive during his time as Chairman of the Cool Chain Association between 2012 and 2017. Under his leadership, the Association championed common standards across the cargo supply chain, particularly for pharmaceutical logistics while also supporting best practice for perishables.

Sebastiaan recalls working closely with industry stakeholders to encourage wider adoption of shared standards – efforts that ultimately contributed to IATA taking the lead in developing what became the CEIV programme.

“It was encouraging to see the industry come together behind a common goal,” he reflects.

Collaboration over blame

Despite advances in digital technology, visibility tools and specialised equipment, he believes the industry’s greatest challenge has remained remarkably consistent.

“Collaboration remains key.”

For him, successful supply chains are built on trust rather than assigning blame.

“The technology and systems are there. The crucial factor is the willingness to cooperate and not enter into the blame game. We should actually reward people for pointing out mistakes instead of penalising suppliers through SLAs. We all benefit from each other’s success.”

It is a philosophy that continues to resonate across today’s increasingly interconnected supply chains.

Inspiring the next generation

When asked what advice he would offer those entering temperature-controlled logistics today, his answer is simple.

“Keep questioning things and do not become complacent with the status quo.”

Curiosity, he believes, is essential if the industry is to continue improving and adapting to new challenges.

Leadership is about helping others succeed

Rather than pointing to one defining achievement, he says the moments he values most are those where he has been able to help others grow.

“Luckily there are many achievements. Also the ones you’re less proud of, you learn from. But most importantly is to be able to inspire other people and help them excel.”

It is a perspective that reflects the leadership style for which many colleagues know him – focused on developing people as much as delivering results.

Outside work, family, friends and sport help keep life in balance, with swimming, wakeboarding and windsurfing among his favourite pursuits. And one piece of leadership advice has stayed with him throughout his career:

“Our ability to invent is a lot bigger than our ability to adapt.”

As the Cool Chain Association celebrates Sebastiaan’s contribution as an Honorary Member, his career serves as a reminder that while technology and standards continue to evolve, the industry’s greatest achievements are still built on people working together.

The Cool Chain Association Welcomes Laetitia Chery to its Board of Directors

The Cool Chain Association is pleased to welcome Laetitia Chery, Vice President Pharma & Healthcare EMEA and Pharma & Healthcare Champion at JAS Worldwide, to its Board of Directors.

A recognized leader in pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics, Laetitia brings extensive experience across operations, customs, international trade and commercial management, giving her a rare end-to-end perspective on temperature-controlled and time-critical supply chains. Throughout her career, she has focused on ensuring the safe, compliant movement of life-saving medicines and vaccines while challenging conventional approaches to drive innovation in highly regulated environments.

Reflecting on her journey into the industry, Laetitia says the responsibility of protecting patients has always been her greatest motivation.

“When a shipment involves life-saving medicines or vaccines, there’s no margin for error. A broken cold chain isn’t just a logistics failure—it can directly impact patient outcomes.”

Her commitment extends beyond operational excellence. Alongside her leadership role, Laetitia lectures at international institutions, serves on MBA juries, supports humanitarian initiatives focused on youth in Africa, and actively champions sustainability, diversity and inclusion across the supply chain profession.

Laetitia was first introduced to CCA while participating in a panel discussion on balancing sustainability, speed, cost and environmental impact at Airfreight Pharma 2025. She was inspired by the Association’s collaborative approach to solving industry-wide challenges.

“The cold chain isn’t something any single company can manage alone. It requires the kind of cross-industry dialogue and standard-setting that CCA champions. Being part of an organization that shares that broader sense of purpose—not just moving product safely, but strengthening the industry as a whole—made it an easy decision to join the Board.”

As a Board member, Laetitia brings what she describes as a ‘get-it-done’ mindset, combining entrepreneurial thinking with a collaborative leadership style. She believes lasting progress comes from bringing people together to turn ideas into action and from maintaining a forward-looking perspective across the entire cold chain ecosystem.

Looking ahead, she sees the industry navigating several significant shifts, including reshoring of pharmaceutical manufacturing, increasingly complex multimodal networks, the rapid growth of advanced therapies such as cell and gene therapies, and the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence.

“The winners,” she says, “will be those who deliberately balance cost, risk and resilience, while never losing sight of the patient behind every shipment.”

For professionals entering the industry, Laetitia’s advice is simple: develop an end-to-end perspective, stay curious, embrace collaboration, and remember that behind every KPI is a patient, a livelihood or a community depending on the integrity of the cold chain.

Beyond the Boardroom

Outside of work, Laetitia’s curiosity continues to shape her perspective. A passionate traveller, she enjoys exploring new places with her family, believing that experiencing different cultures broadens the way we see the world and ultimately makes us better leaders. Whether it’s watching a sunrise above the clouds during a flight or sharing a meaningful conversation, she finds inspiration in the moments between destinations.

The Cool Chain Association is delighted to welcome Laetitia to its Board and looks forward to the expertise, energy and strategic perspective she will bring as the Association continues to advance innovation, collaboration and excellence across the global temperature-controlled logistics industry.

Chair of the Cool Chain Association Board, Stavros Evangelakakis speaks at the IATA Cargo Experts Panel.

The Cool Chain Association is proud to share the latest insights from ThermoSafe’s IATA Cargo Experts Panel review, published on their knowledge-sharing platform, The Cold Chain Exchange. Read on below or at the original posting here.

When Transparency Saves Lives: Rethinking How We Share Data in Air Pharma

Highlights from the IATA Cargo Experts Panel

At the IATA Cargo Experts Conference (PHARMA), Bourji Mourad, Director, Global Leasing Market Development, ThermoSafe, led a dynamic panel exploring one of the cold chain’s most persistent challenges – how to foster real collaboration and transparency across the pharmaceutical logistics ecosystem.

Joining Bourji were Stavros Evangelakakis, Chairman of the Cool Chain Association; Wim Rauws, Global Air Logistics Healthcare Products at Kuehne+Nagel; and Clariss Kaya, Strategic Account Manager at Envirotainer. Together, they unpacked both the progress and friction points shaping the next chapter of air cargo’s temperature-controlled logistics.

Collaboration: Beyond the Buzzword

“Collaboration” has become an industry mantra – but is it more than a slogan?

Stavros opened candidly: “We hear collaboration, we hear transparency… but do we actually know what it means?” He reflected on the pandemic as a rare moment when competition paused, and the industry truly worked together to move urgent vaccines across continents at record speed.

“During COVID, forwarders collaborated with other forwarders, airlines with airlines. Everyone worked together – and it was amazing. The question is, how can we keep that spirit alive when the crisis ends?”

The panel agreed that the will to collaborate exists – but in a commercial world, incentives and boundaries often pull in opposite directions. As Bourji noted, “We’re all in the business to make money. So how do we reconcile collaboration with competition?”

Transparency: The Currency of Trust

For collaboration to work, transparency must come first. Wim Rauws emphasized that trust is built when stakeholders are open about how they operate – their processes, capabilities, and the quality measures behind them. “Transparency is what gives confidence throughout the supply chain – from shipper to forwarder to airline,” he said. “We document, audit, and verify. That’s how we make sure we do what we say and say what we do.”

Transparency also builds resilience. The pandemic, natural disasters, and cyberattacks have all shown how fragile data systems and logistics networks can be. Resilient supply chains require visibility at every step – and readiness when one link fails.

Data Sharing: The Double-Edged Sword

Digitalization and data analytics are now key enablers of transparency. But as the panel discussed, data sharing is also one of the industry’s biggest sticking points.

Wim described a clear divide between vertical sharing (between partners in a chain, like shipper to forwarder) and horizontal sharing (between competitors or peers). The latter remains far less common due to commercial sensitivities and compliance rules.

It was highlighted by someone in the audience how AI may finally help structure and interpret vast amounts of logistics data to create predictive models – for example, forecasting the best way to move emerging therapies or preparing carriers for the next decade of cell and gene therapy growth.

Yet, as several panelists noted, not all data can – or should – be shared equally. Data sharing depends on:

• The type of company and level of trust between partners
• The length and depth of the relationship
• The competitive stakes and whether data reveal operational advantage.
• The type of products – shipping generics at +15°C to +25°C poses less risk than
  patient-specific cell and gene therapies.

As Stavros put it, “Collaboration isn’t only about moving goods – it’s about moving mindsets.”

Building Resilience in a Volatile World

Resilience, Wim reminded the audience, means planning for when things go wrong. From typhoons and trade disruptions to cyber incidents and geopolitical shocks, resilience is no longer a reactive exercise – it must be designed into the supply chain from the start.

“Everybody who works within a GDP environment needs to have business continuity planning in
place,” Wim said. “Putting all your eggs in one basket might not always be the best strategy.”

Business continuity by design means building flexibility into every link of the chain – not relying solely on one route, one partner, or one packaging system. It includes:

• Multiple supply chain options (air, sea, or hybrid lanes) that can be activated when
  disruptions occur.
• Individual risk assessments for each shipment or trade lane, evaluating exposure to
  weather, strikes, or conflict.
• Packaging backup plans, such as maintaining alternative qualified systems or ensuring
  access to different container providers in case of equipment shortages or repositioning
  delays.
• Backup operational processes, including the ability to switch to manual or paper-
  based systems during digital outages.
• Partner contingency alignment, ensuring that airlines, forwarders, and packaging
  providers all have mirrored recovery plans and communication pathways.
• Resilience also depends on the right data visibility. The faster stakeholders can see
  disruptions coming – and trust the data they receive – the faster they can respond.
• Ultimately, resilience is not just about surviving crises but ensuring continuity of care for
  patients who depend on temperature-controlled medicines. As Bourji summarized, “If the patient
  is truly at the center, resilience isn’t an option. It’s an obligation.”

Packaging Collaboration: A Call to Competitors

The conversation then turned to packaging – one of the most tangible and overlooked areas where collaboration can drive real progress.

Stavros posed a provocative question: Why can’t active and passive container providers collaborate to reposition equipment and reduce empty returns?

Clariss agreed: “We all have one goal – saving lives. Why not use each other’s strengths to reach that goal?”

It’s a radical idea in an industry where brand differentiation is fierce. Yet it underscores a growing awareness that collaboration among competitors may be necessary to achieve sustainability targets and improve fleet efficiency.

Sustainability and Innovation: Cost or Opportunity?

When asked what’s next for packaging innovation, Clariss didn’t hesitate: sustainability.
“The environment is everyone’s responsibility. We’ll see continued focus on lighter-weight systems, solar panels, and reuse programs that prevent empty containers flying around the world,” she said.

Panelists debated whether sustainability necessarily means higher cost. Some argued that sustainable materials and reuse programs add short-term expense. Others pointed out that lighter, smarter packaging directly reduces fuel burn and CO₂ emissions – lowering long-term cost and carbon footprint.

Examples included paper-based thermal blankets, cardboard pallet beams replacing wooden ones, and new reusable pallet shippers driven by European legislation requiring reuse before recycling.

The Over-Engineering Dilemma

Another lively discussion centered on whether pharma packaging has become too protective
for its own good.

For years, shipping systems were designed to withstand extreme scenarios – but with better data monitoring and cost-effective passive containers – many companies are discovering opportunities to right-size their protection.

As Wim observed, “We’ve gone from 400% over-engineered to maybe 50%, because we now understand the supply chain better.”

Still, Bourji reminded the audience that “over-engineering isn’t always bad – it’s a safety net.”

The risk of losing a multi-million-dollar shipment of cancer drugs and not administrated to patient on time outweighs the savings of a cheaper solution for example thermal blankets . The key, all agreed, is balancing protection, cost, and carbon impact with real-time data and process control.

The Way Forward

Fifteen years ago, the air cargo cold chain barely resembled what it is today. Temperature-control standards, training, and technology have all advanced dramatically. Yet, as this discussion revealed, the next phase of progress will not necessarily be technical – it will be cultural.

Greater transparency and smarter data sharing will enable a more resilient, sustainable, and patient-centric future. But that will require a shift in mindset — from protecting turf to protecting trust.

As Bourji closed, he left the audience with a challenge:

“We’ve proven we can collaborate when the world demands it. The
question is – can we keep doing it when it doesn’t?”

Get to know the CCA Board of Directors

Today, we interview Stavros Evangelakakis, Chairman of the Cool Chain Association (CCA) and Head of Global Healthcare at Cargolux Airlines.

With decades of experience in the air cargo and temperature-controlled logistics sector, Stavros has been at the forefront of driving collaboration, innovation, and high standards across the cold chain. Under his leadership, the CCA is working to increase its visibility, deliver tangible success stories, and inspire new members to join its mission. In this conversation, Stavros shares his journey from industry involvement to CCA leadership, his views on the most exciting innovations in the sector, and his advice for the next generation of professionals — along with a surprising personal fact that might just make you smile.

What inspired you to become involved in the cold chain industry, and then a board member of the CCA?

What’s one strategic priority or initiative you’re most excited about within the CCA right now?

To drive the CCA to be more visible, achieve concrete success stories, and inspire member attraction.

What unique perspective or experience do you bring to the board?

Connecting people and having a good network, while being authentic in presenting.

What’s the most exciting innovation you’ve seen recently in the industry? 

One of the most exciting innovations I’ve seen comes from SmartCAE, a valued member of our association. They introduced the concept of simulating packaging performance for the pharmaceutical industry. This technology allows companies to model and predict how packaging will perform under various temperature and environmental conditions before it is physically produced or shipped. It not only reduces the time and cost associated with physical testing, but also helps ensure compliance, improve product safety, and support sustainability by minimising waste.

How do you see the Cool Chain Association driving change or innovation in the coming years?

We could be a driver, but only if we succeed with something very special.

What advice would you give to the next generation of professionals entering temperature-controlled logistics?

Be curious, ask questions, and do your own research.

On a lighter note — what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I am a shy person (I am sure you will laugh now, but it’s true!)

Get to know the CCA Board of Directors

Today, we interview Vijan Chetty and explore his journey from agricultural inspector to global cold chain advocate, his role on the Cold Chain Association board, and how he’s championing innovation, collaboration, and inclusive leadership—while also finding time to run 15 Comrades Marathons!

What inspired you to become involved in the cold chain industry, and then a board member of the CCA?

What’s one strategic priority or initiative you’re most excited about within the CCA right now?

One of the fundamental and most understated priorities of the Board is collaboration. The CCA cannot exist without its members and requires active collaboration, with research and innovation being significant pillars in shaping the industry. Encouraging partnerships and shared knowledge among members is essential to driving the industry forward. The CCA’s ability to effectively communicate with its members and the broader industry is another significant milestone. We must be able to communicate both our project successes and failures transparently and constructively. This openness fosters trust, encourages learning, and ensures that the entire industry can benefit from our collective experiences.

What unique perspective or experience do you bring to the board?

Through my participation, I was able to showcase the potential for cross-regional collaboration and emphasize the importance of incorporating global viewpoints into the decision-making processes of the CCA. This has laid the groundwork for more inclusive representation and has highlighted the value that international members bring to the association’s mission of improving cold chain logistics on a global scale. Further to this my 26 years of experience within the cold chain environment within South Africa and managing the research, development and innovation business unit with the PPECB had added benefits to the CCA.

What’s the most exciting innovation you’ve seen recently in the industry? 

Artificial intelligence, drone technology, real-time cold chain monitoring, less reliance on human error, telematics, digitisation and ESG becoming more relevant.

How do you see the Cool Chain Association driving change or innovation in the coming years?

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) legislation in Europe is driving many research initiatives across industries. For stakeholders within the cold chain sector, compliance with and a deep understanding of this legislation are essential.

What advice would you give to the next generation of professionals entering temperature-controlled logistics?

The CCA can play a critical role by actively engaging with legislative authorities to fully grasp the implications of ESG regulations on the entire cold chain value chain. This engagement will ensure that industry voices are heard and that regulatory developments are well-understood and practically applicable. Another key initiative for CCA is to review existing industry standards and lead the development of a dedicated CCA Standard tailored for the perishable goods sector. Establishing these standards will position CCA as a thought leader and pioneer in the industry.

Importantly, the standards must be:

• Clearly written and accessible
• Practical and straightforward to implement
• Aligned with ESG compliance needs

This dual approach—policy engagement and standard-setting—will place CCA at the forefront of innovation and regulatory alignment in the cold chain industry. In the cold chain, regular review of legislation, standards, and best practices is vital to drive ongoing improvement. Given the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of this environment, robust monitoring and evaluation processes are essential. Research, development, and innovation play a critical role in ensuring the effective implementation and long-term success of cold chain systems. Furthermore, open and transparent communication of insights, experiences, and advancements is key to fostering growth and enhancing the overall efficiency and resilience of the cold chain.

On a lighter note — what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I currently hold a demanding national portfolio within South Africa that requires extensive weekly travel. Despite the pressures of this role, I maintain a consistent commitment to personal discipline and physical endurance through early morning training. I begin my runs at 04:30 each morning, often in unfamiliar towns and in low-light conditions due to my travel schedule. To date, I have successfully completed 15 Comrades Marathons—an ultra-distance race spanning approximately 90 kilometers. I have just completed my 15th Comrades Marathon, demonstrating my continued dedication to long-distance running and personal resilience, even in the face of professional demands.

Get to know the CCA Board of Directors

Today, we interview Chiara Venuti and explore her passion for innovation in the cold chain industry, the importance of stakeholder collaboration, and her enthusiasm for sustainability and AI-driven solutions.

What inspired you to become involved in the cold chain industry, and then a board member of the CCA?

What’s one strategic priority or initiative you’re most excited about within the CCA right now?

We really want to bring the different stakeholders together, we can deliver the strongest supply chain when all individual rings of the chain are solidly attached and looking into the same direction.

What unique perspective or experience do you bring to the board?

I started my “cool chain” career with one of the TOP global freight forwarders in the perishable field, I then moved on into a young and fast growing temperature-controlled packaging company for healthcare industry to now be VP Global Drug distribution in one of the top healthcare precision logistics companies. I am lucky to have collaborated with the largest pharmaceutical companies and I can bring different perspective to the Board.

What’s the most exciting innovation you’ve seen recently in the industry? 

Recently the hot topic is sustainability, with comes with its own challenges on how it can be measured and what exactly does it mean (fewer CO2 emission, recyclable solutions, reusable solutions). The other area of interest is AI, with real time visibility, predictive analytics and intervention. Both fields are brining very interesting initiatives and new products into the market.

How do you see the Cool Chain Association driving change or innovation in the coming years?

We will drive innovations together with our members and in alignment with the other associations of the field. We will bring people together with our events and we will discuss and further analyse the topics that are closer to our members and the industry itself.

What advice would you give to the next generation of professionals entering temperature-controlled logistics?

Keep your eyes and mind open, be curious and open your arms to innovation.

On a lighter note — what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I am Italian but I am a terrible cook! I know my basics but I can easily do with ordering in a pizza 😉

Get to know the CCA Board of Directors

Today, we speak with Gerton Hulsman, the longest-serving member of the CCA Board, to learn what continues to inspire him, hear about exciting projects on his radar, and gather valuable advice for the next generation of cold chain professionals.

What inspired you to become involved in the cold chain industry, and then a board member of the CCA?

Early in my career in airfreight and airline management, I realised the critical role that time- and temperature-sensitive logistics play—not just in business, but in people’s lives. From life-saving pharmaceuticals to essential perishables, the cold chain is about trust and precision. As a Board Member, that’s the message I aim to share.

What’s one strategic priority or initiative you’re most excited about within the CCA right now?

I’m particularly excited about strengthening end-to-end transparency and collaboration across the entire cold chain ecosystem. We aim to unify our members’ voices and extract valuable insights and expertise from them to drive continuous improvement.

What unique perspective or experience do you bring to the board?

With many years in the industry, I’ve had the privilege of building strong, lasting relationships across the airfreight and logistics sectors. These connections have often allowed me to open doors—sometimes literally—that might otherwise remain closed.

What’s the most exciting innovation you’ve seen recently in the industry? 

The integration of IoT, AI, and blockchain has been revolutionary in terms of traceability. I’m particularly fascinated by innovations like phase-change material containers and smart labels, which are transforming how we manage cold chain logistics.

How do you see the Cool Chain Association driving change or innovation in the coming years?

Through robust data platforms, collaborative R&D, and the establishment of clear industry standards, the CCA can drive the next wave of cold chain innovation. Our goal is to ensure that pharmaceutical and perishable goods reach people safely, sustainably, and efficiently.

What advice would you give to the next generation of professionals entering temperature-controlled logistics?

Be curious. Embrace new and exciting innovations, and don’t fear change.

Remember: “The best way to predict the future is to create it” — Alan Kay.

On a lighter note — what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m 71 years old and bring over 40 years of experience in the industry. My generation has handed the helm to a new wave of capable, intelligent professionals. But by listening to us, you might gain insights that aren’t found in books. We learned by doing—today’s world is driven by theory. Blend your ideas with the wisdom of ‘experienced oldies’.

Tailoring Solutions for Perishables and Pharma:

Specialising in perishables, Challenge Group manages diverse perishable traffic at its cargo hub in Liege, including the transport of flowers from Africa on various trade flights. The company has established tailored infrastructure, featuring fast lanes and three dedicated cool rooms for temperature control.

Challenge Group is also the first handling agent to achieve a pharma certification. Collaborating with major producers and shippers along specific trade lanes, the company utilises a variety of containers, including industry-leading solutions like Skycell.

Adaptability in Action:

Challenge Group has adapted to changing industry demand by diversifying its product offering to build resilience in its operations after identifying that the market for specialised temperature-controlled services is growing rapidly.

While cargo is its core business, Challenge Group is branching out into perishables, pharma, data centres, and even artwork transportation.

Innovating Data Centre Transportation:

Challenge Group is a partner carrier for the transportation of data centres and is spearheading new research in the best temperature-controlled containers to transport these goods.

The company has been involved in meticulous ground testing of these prototype containers and has helped to carry out trials which test their effectiveness along the entire supply chain.

Strategic Partnerships:

Challenge Group asserts that the key to thriving in the future logistics landscape involves fostering strategic partnerships, as collaboration is crucial to developing innovative approaches, especially for the transportation of specific cargo types such as data centres.

By working closely with its partners, Challenge Group aims to create cutting-edge solutions that not only meet current demands but also anticipate and address emerging challenges in the dynamic logistics industry. This forward-thinking approach underscores the company’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve and providing comprehensive, specialised services to meet the evolving needs of the market.

To contact the working group about the new label project, visit www.coolchain.org

The Cool Chain Association (CCA) has welcomed Chiara Venuti, Vice President, Global Drug Distribution at MARKEN to its Board.

Chiara brings a wide pharmaceutical supply chain perspective to the panel of experts leading the group.

Venuti joins the Association leadership team as the CCA plans new projects with like-minded groups in the temperature-controlled supply chain, including launching a study with pharma.aero.

“I am looking forward to further supporting our industry by joining the Board of Cool Chain Association. We are committed to help drive strategic initiatives in the Cool Chain space that will bring value to the many stakeholders involved,” said Venuti.

Venuti has over 20 years’ experience in logistics, with a focus on perishables and temperature-controlled supply chain solutions, holding senior positions, including at Kuehne + Nagel, and, most recently, at Skycell AG.

CCA recently grew its Board with the appointments of Natalie Niers, Chief Operating Officer, Validaide and Ian Buck, Head of Business development, AEROTURF whilst appointing Vijan Chetty its new treasurer.

CCA chairman Stavros Evangelakakis, Cargolux Airlines, will be chairing the Airfreight Pharma conference in Istanbul, Turkey, from the 29^th to 31^st October.

Details regarding the new pharma.aero programme will be announced soon.

For more information about the conference please visit: https://caasint.com/our-events/aviation-connect-airfreight-pharma-2/

The Cool Chain Association (CCA) has a proud history of making strides in the cold chain industry. Behind this is our members, who are the CCA’s greatest strength. We’re inviting you, our dedicated community of industry professionals, to be proactive in steering our initiatives towards greater success.

Here’s a breakdown of how you can get involved and make a real impact:

1. Suggest New Trials and Initiatives

If you’ve got innovative ideas for trials or projects that could improve how we handle goods in the cool chain, we want to hear them. Whether it’s a new approach to temperature control, a better tracking system, or smart packaging solutions, your ideas can drive real change in our industry.

2. Share Your Industry Insights

You all bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Don’t keep it to yourself! Share your practical insights, best practices, and lessons learned. Your experiences can help others in the complex world of cold supply chains.

3. Collaborate with the CCA’s Technical Committee

Our Technical Committee plays a crucial role in many of our projects. They work hard to develop and implement new strategies, technologies, and best practices. But they can’t do it alone. Your active participation can provide valuable guidance.

4. Highlight Challenges and Opportunities

If you’ve faced challenges or spotted opportunities that you believe the CCA should address, reach out. Your input can shape our agenda and ensure we focus on the issues that matter most to you.

5. Embrace the Power of Community

Remember, the CCA isn’t just an organisation; it’s a community of professionals committed to excellence in cold supply chains. Together, we can achieve more than any one of us can on our own.

So, please get in touch with us, share your ideas, and let us know how we can support your projects. Your engagement and contributions are what make the CCA strong. Your involvement isn’t just welcome; it’s essential. Let’s continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the cold supply chain industry, together.

Get in touch via secretary@coolchain.org.

Nicola Caristo, Senior Quality Manager and Secretary General of the Cool Chain Association, and Chiara Venuti, Global Head of Strategic Partnerships, both from SkyCell AG, recently shed light on the sustainable challenges facing the pharmaceutical supply chain and the innovative technologies that are helping to address these challenges in a presentation at Airfreight Pharma.

SkyCell serves pharmaceutical supply chains with temperature-controlled hybrid containers and advanced technological solutions which are designed to safeguard the integrity of medicines, as well as protect the environment.

Sustainability: A Top Priority for Pharma

Sustainability has taken a prominent place on the pharmaceutical industry’s strategic agenda as the sector acknowledges its role in contributing to environmental challenges. When it comes to transportation, the numbers are stark: a single pharmaceutical transport can be responsible for emitting up to 8 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), equivalent to the emissions from driving four cars for an entire year.

In their presentation ‘Packaging Solutions’, Caristo and Venuti emphasised several key strategies for optimising the sustainability of air-freight pharmaceutical transport:

Choose the Right Pharma Container: Selecting the appropriate container foryour pharmaceutical product and shipment size is crucial. SkyCell offers temperature-controlled hybrid containers that are not only efficient but also environmentally friendly.

Maximise Space: Make the most of the available space within your pharmaceutical container. This minimises the need for additional transports and reduces emissions.

Optimise Pallet Size: Align the pallet size with the pharma container size to eliminate wasted space and enhance efficiency.

Embrace Loose-Loading: Whenever possible, opt for loose-loading to maximise container space and reduce the need for additional shipments.

Forge Partnerships: Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to reduce empty transports, thereby cutting down on unnecessary emissions.

Consider Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Transitioning to SAF can result in an 80% reduction in emissions compared to traditional aviation fuels. By using SAF and implementing other sustainable practices, companies can work toward completely eliminating the remaining emissions from air-freight logistics.

A Sustainable Future for Pharma Transport:

Caristo and Venuti highlighted that the pharmaceutical industry’s journey toward sustainability is gaining momentum. By optimising air-freight pharmaceutical transport, choosing the right containers, and embracing sustainable practices like SAF, the industry can look forward to a future where pharmaceutical supply chains are both efficient and environmentally responsible.

The Cool Chain Association held its AGM in Rome on the 6^th July 2022, attracting key industry leaders to share their latest reports and updates within the cool chain and logistics industry.

The event attracted speakers from Brussels Airport, Challenge Group, Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) and Tive Inc.

A summary of the highlights from the event are presented below.

Brussels Airport’s new Perishable Management app to reduce waste and deliver transparency

Sam Quintelier, Cargo Business Development Manager, Brussels Airport attended CCA’s AGM to demonstrate the new Perishable Management App developed to tackle wastage, and increase transparency between airline cargo handlers, freight forwarders and authorities.

The main benefits of the app include a streamlined document exchange, real time tracking and clear and customisable overview of all shipments.

Challenge Group presents new label for Perishables shipments trial results

The results of Challenge Group’s new perishables shipments label test, detailing both commodity and temperature readings for packaging perishables shipments, were presented by Israel Amsterdamer, Vertical & Project Operation Manager, CAL Cargo Airlines.

Feedback was largely positive from both handlers and warehouse operators who trialled the new label for perishables shipments between Belgium and Israel.

“Challenge Group and CCA see the bigger picture – solving a very real problem, saving costs in the long run, and playing an important part in stopping food loss.” said Israel Amsterdamer.

The benefits of the new labelling initiative, focussing on reducing waste and increasing efficiency, are key to the CCA’s vision.

Lucien Jansen, CEO, PPECB shares his insights about the Perishables industry and digitisation

Lucien Jansen, CEO of Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB), South Africa’s official perishable produce export certification agency, was warmly welcomed to the AGM.

Lucien gave an update on the function of the PPECB, its challenges, ongoing plans and digitalisation programme.

He emphasised the importance of patience when implementing internal change, outlining the need to weigh up the benefits of digitalisation against initial resistance and set up costs.

Brice Marion explains how Tive brings tangible change to the supply chain industry with its real-time visibility trackers

Brice Marion, Sales Director of CCA’s latest member Tive presented informed delegates of the benefits of end-to-end visibility of shipments with the use of Tive’s trackers and cloud platform to give real-time updates on location, condition, and security of products.

Brice focussed on the importance of combining the past, present and future when analysing a shipments journey in order to mitigate damage and loss.

Tive brings its expertise in real-time visibility to bridge the gap in supply chain transparency and reduce waste, in line with CCA’s core objective.

Chiara Venuti, Skycell spoke on the importance of a stronger female presence in logistics and plans to shake up representation on the CCA board

Chiara Venuti, Business Development Director and Airline Partner, Skycell, described the need for greater female representation at Pharma events.

Chiara described the continued lack of diversity in the industry and how this represented both an anachronistic approach and a missed opportunity.

Members ofCool Chain Association (CCA) Technical Committee Programme have completed the first stage of a project to trial a new label for perishables shipments, driven by Challenge Group.

The results were discussed at the CCA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Perishables event last week in Rome, Italy, where a launch Risk Management Programme tracking asparagus consignments was also announced.

The label trial, undertaken by handlers and warehouse operators, tested the benefits of using a new label, including details of both commodity and temperature requirements on packaging for perishables shipments between Belgium and Israel over the last three months.

Under current regulations for perishables shipments, commodity must be indicated on packaging, but temperature range is either not indicated or indicated on a second label, potentially leading to temperature deviation errors.

“During both acceptance and storage, the new label helped avoid temperature deviations, as well as avoiding time-consuming activities such as checking documents,” said Israel Amsterdamer, Vertical Operations Manager, Challenge Group, who project-managed the trial.

“Feedback from participants was largely positive, but there were concerns around the costs involved in developing the new labels and additional implications related to the revision of the process flow.

“Challenge Group and CCA see the bigger picture – solving a very real problem, saving costs in the long run, and playing an important part in stopping food loss.”

The trial was the first milestone completed under the CCA’s Technology Committee Programme, which is part of a broader project to facilitate perishable identification and handling, with the mission to improve quality in the cool supply chain.

“With this trial we have started a process to explore a solution to a specific problem and we will now move onto next steps to further align industry best practices and stakeholder needs with international requirements and legislation” said Nicola Caristo, Secretary General of the CCA and Senior Quality Manager, SkyCell.

“CCA is perfectly placed to drive this sort of project because we are a neutral platform involving all stakeholders.

“We want to move away from a top-down approach and instead encourage collaboration to drive change.”

Within the ongoing CCA Risk Management project, the decision to continue with the analysis of different trade lanes and products and in particular with the transportation of asparagus was also announced at the meeting by CCA Board Member Eric Mauroux.

CCA’s Risk Management Committee members, who include Able Freight, TIVE, Nature’s Pride, SMARTCAE and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) will plan and test the movement of asparagus from Peru and the USA to Europe, initially in a virtual environment.

This will be followed by a real-time trial, with the results of both trials analysed to provide practical suggestions for improving the cool chain for asparagus.

“We must free up financial resources, invest, stop asking each other which one of us is going to pay for improvement and instead look at overall costs and potential gains,” said Mauroux.

“CCA wants to offer solutions that are workable in the real world and not only theories to be talked about.

“With this project, we aim to show that it makes sense for stakeholders to invest in order to make gains in terms of shelf life and to reduce wastage.”

Delegates at the AGM also heard an update about Board member Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB)’s new research department, which will be able to participate in future CCA projects.

“We have invested in undertaking research in-house to look at improving processes and new ways of doing things,” said Lucien Jansen, Chief Executive Officer, PPECB.

“For example, we might not know the optimum temperature for transporting a new product variety, so we can undertake research and trials and start to make recommendations for temperature regimes and handling protocols.”

CCA member Tive, which specialises in tracking devices, spoke about the benefits of real-time data analytics, and new member Brussels Airport, presented its Perishables Management App.

The CCA, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, holds two events a year, with the next scheduled for the 6th of September 2022, in Athens, Greece.  

To find out more about joining CCA, taking part in a project for the Technical Committee, or taking part in the Athens event, contact Ebele Nwakude at cca@meantime.global.

Boston, USA – based Tive has developed trackers that transmit real-time shipment data across all modes, including temperature and humidity readings. 

Tive’s single-use and multi-use trackers can stream location and condition information for any food or perishables shipment. 

“Having accurate, real-time temperature tracking helps companies manage and maintain their stability budgets,” said Blerta Lataj, Referral Partner Manager at Tive. 

“Real-time, hyper specific location tracking is Tive’s bread and butter, and this service is vital for managing time-critical shipments.” 

“We are very happy to become a member of CCA and strongly believe that the values and mission of CCA closely align with our solutions for temperature and time-critical shipments of perishables and the pharma sector.” 

Blerta has written a short article to introduce Tive. 

The best way to ship perishables is to have end-to-end shipment condition visibility, but what that means for your organization depends on the products you are shipping. If you are shipping frozen foods, for example, the temperature of your shipments may be the only condition you need to track. Meanwhile, a company shipping inks and dyes might be far more concerned with monitoring the light exposure of their shipments than any other condition. 

With that said, the types of shipment condition visibility that retailers shipping perishable products might need to track — and, subsequently, the types of shipment condition visibility provided by Tive’s hyper-accurate location and condition trackers — include: 

• Temperature Monitoring – Any product that must be stored in specific temperature conditions needs to have its temperature carefully monitored throughout the supply chain. 

• Shock Monitoring – Fragile products that are prone to damage from hard impacts need to be monitored for shock absorption to determine when such an impact occurs. 
• Humidity Monitoring – Wood, fabric, and various other materials can be damaged by excess humidity, making humidity levels an important factor to monitor for some retail companies. 
• Light Exposure Monitoring – Certain pharmaceutical products, along with products such as film and ink, must be kept out of direct sunlight, making light exposure an important factor in monitoring these products. 

Tive’s industry-leading hyper-accurate location and condition trackers enable retail companies shipping perishable products to track all of the conditions outlined in the previous section in real-time from a single user-friendly dashboard. Simply placing one of these trackers in your cargo container puts the power of complete shipment condition visibility at your fingertips. 

Along with allowing you to monitor the condition of your products in real-time, Tive’s trackers also send immediate alerts anytime a container’s conditions drift outside the limits you choose. This feature makes it easy to pinpoint cargo that might have incurred damage and, in some cases, enables shippers to fix the issue before damage occurs. 

In addition to providing complete shipment condition visibility, Tive’s trackers also make it easy to track the hyper-accurate location and status of your shipments in real-time, providing reliable track and trace capabilities to go along with complete shipment condition visibility—it’s everything needed to ensure you have the best way to ship perishables. 

The Best Way to Ship Perishables? Partner with Tive! 

Global container shipping line MSC and South African terminal operator FPT join the Perishables Products Export Control Board (PPECB) to support the virtual conference

Luxembourg, Monday 6th September 2021: The Cool Chain Association (CCA) is requesting delegates for its virtual Perishables Conference on 15th September 2021 to donate to children’s charity Every Infant Matters instead of paying a registration fee.

The conference, supported by platinum sponsor PPECB, gold sponsor MSC and silver sponsor FPT, will provide a platform for delegates to learn about new ways to drive quality and efficiency in the temperature-controlled supply chain.

The event will see Board members provide an update on current CCA projects that are supporting a more quality-driven cool chain.

“CCA members work together on projects that will help improve the quality of the cool chain and we have plenty of useful information to share at our conference, especially given the challenges of COVID,” said Stavros Evangelakakis, CCA Chairman.

“The value of collaboration is in sharp focus at the moment, and we will be sharing knowledge and information to help support stakeholders from across the cool logistical value chain to be more agile and less wasteful.”

The virtual event will take place on Wednesday 15th September from 15:30 to 18:00 CET.

Guest speakers will include Lucien Jansen, PPECB Chief Executive Officer, and Dr Radhika Batra, Founder of Every Infant Matters, the CCA’s chosen charity.

Every Infant Matters serves poverty-stricken communities in India, Nigeria, and the Dominican Republic with last mile healthcare solutions.

The conference programme will feature talks by Evangelakakis and Nicola Caristo, CCA Secretary General and Airline Partner Manager of SkyCell AG, along with round tables chaired by CCA Board Directors examining data sharing, risk and change management, and collaboration in practice.

To register to attend the CCA’s Global Perishables Event, please click this link or contact Ebele Nwakude at ebele@meantime.global

The seventh CCA Perishables conference will take place virtually on the 15th of September 2021 with a focus on innovation and tech and an overview of the South African perishables market

Luxembourg, Tuesday 10th August 2021: Miguel Rodríguez Moreno, Senior Manager Climate Control Products, Qatar Airways Cargo has joined the Cool Chain Association (CCA)’s Board of Directors.

He will take part in the CCA’s Seventh Perishables Conference, which will be virtual for the first time, on the 15th of September at 15.30 CET.

Rodríguez brings over six years’ experience in cargo, including four years as Global Pharma Development Manager for Etihad Cargo.

“It is an honour to join CCA’s Board of Directors and I look forward to sharing our expertise while at the same time hearing from other stakeholders so we can collaboratively improve and enhance the cool chain,” said Rodríguez Moreno.

“Digitalisation is one of the key pillars of our strategy; tech and automation is being implemented across all areas of our services including cool chain solutions and I am looking forward to being part of the CCA Perishables Conference where the focus is on innovation and tech.”

The Conference, sponsored by the South African Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB), will focus on innovation and technology, giving an introduction to current CCA projects supporting a quality-driven temperature-controlled supply chain.

Guest speakers will include Lucien Jansen, PPECB Chief Executive Officer, to give an in-depth overview of the South African perishables landscape, and Dr Radhika Batra, founder of Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Every Infant Matters, the CCA’s chosen charity, to talk about reshaping healthcare to make it more accessible.

“CCA members work together on projects that will help improve the quality of the cool chain and we have plenty of useful information to share at our conference, especially given the challenges of COVID,” said Stavros Evangelakakis, CCA Chairman and Head of Global Healthcare, Cargolux.

“The value of collaboration is in sharp focus at the moment and we will be sharing knowledge and information to help support stakeholders from across the cool chain to be more agile and less wasteful.”

The two-and-a-half hour event will feature talks by Evangelakakis, as well as Nicola Caristo, CCA Secretary General, and Airline Partner Manager, SkyCell AG.

Round tables chaired by CCA Board Directors Vijan Chetty, General Manager PPECB; Eric Mauroux, Founder and President, FreshBizDev; and Fabrizio Iacobacci, Head of Pharma Business Development, BCUBE Spa, will look at data sharing, risk and change management, and collaboration in practice.

While the event is free to attend, the CCA is asking delegates to donate to its chosen charity Every Infant Matters, which serves communities in poverty in India, Nigeria, and the Dominican Republic with last mile health solutions.

For more information on sponsoring or attending  the CCA Perishables Conference 2021, contact cca@meantime.global.

The announcement comes as Qatar Cargo becomes the latest member and former CCA Secretary General Edwin Kalischnig is made Honorary Board Member.

Luxembourg, Tuesday 6th July 2021: The Cool Chain Association (CCA) has launched a newly-established Technical Committee and welcomed five new members.

The Committee’s aim is to assist, analyse, study, and manage critical points affecting product quality along the cool chain, as well as developing standards, and initiating projects.

It will include CCA members who are not Board members and have volunteered to become Project Coordinators, responsible for the facilitation of initiatives and the proposal of final solutions to the Board.

“The Committee itself is open only to CCA members, but we welcome any suggestions for projects that will progress the ambition of the Association to reduce waste and loss and improve the quality, efficiency, and value of the cool supply chain,” said Nicola Caristo, Secretary General, CCA and Airline Partner Manager, SkyCell AG.

“It will allow the CCA to concentrate its efforts and resources on specific topics and projects, whilst showcasing the benefits of joining the Association to cool chain companies through white papers and proof of concept.”

The Committee was launched at the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), during which former CCA Secretary General Edwin Kalischnig, Chief Executive Officer, Xtreme Technologies, was made an honorary Board member.

The five new CCA members include Qatar Cargo, 7P Solutions, FreshBizDev, SmartCAE, and AirCargo Consultancy Global.

CCA is planning its Cool Chain Association Perishables Conference 2021 in partnership with

The Perishables Products Export Control Board (PPECB), which will take place virtually in September.

Details and an agenda will be released shortly.

CCA members will take part in a Cargo iQ Pilot Program exploring Care Mapping in the pharma cool chain

Luxembourg and Geneva, Monday 17th February 2020: The Cool Chain Association (CCA) is backing a new Cargo iQ initiative for Care Mapping in the temperature-controlled supply chain.

CCA members will join an Advisory Board supporting Cargo iQ’s Pilot Program, which aims to develop tools and standards for planning and control, as well as for process and provider evaluation of conditions under which shipments move.

“CCA members are focused on improving the cool chain to help reduce food loss and to ensure that life-saving pharma shipments arrive safely with the patients that need them,” said Stavros Evangelakakis, CCA Chairman, and Head of Global Healthcare at Cargolux Airlines.

“To achieve true transparency and move the industry forward, it is vital that we collaborate and share knowledge with like-minded stakeholders such as Cargo iQ and its members.”

Cargo iQ’s Care Mapping Pilot will initially focus on pharmaceuticals, with other Special Care services, such as valuables, live animals, and perishables, being road-tested once the methodology has been finalised.

“Cargo iQ works with leading stakeholders such as CCA from across the air cargo industry to test the concept and help develop a simple, scalable method to provide both top-down and bottom-up planning, as well as transparency for all operators in the supply chain,” said Ariaen Zimmerman, Executive Director, Cargo iQ.

CCA will be announcing a series of new initiatives and events over the coming months, all focused on delivering tangible benefits to the temperature-controlled supply chain.

CCA will host two events this year, its Eighth Pharma and Biosciences Conference in Vienna, Austria, on the 21st and 22nd September 2020, and a Perishables Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, in June.

Cargo iQ will officially launch its Care Mapping Pilot, announcing the companies that are taking part, at the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s World Cargo Symposium, Istanbul, Turkey, on 11th March 2020.

Cargo iQ will also hold its Annual General Meeting in Istanbul together with announcement of another Pilot on parameters for service differentiation.

Cargo iQ Pilots are open to any relevant company and are not restricted to Cargo iQ members.

Cargo iQ’s next working group meeting will be held from 12-14 May 2020. Location to be announced in due course.

For more information on Cargo iQ, visit cargoiq.org

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday 15th January 2020 – On the back of its recent successes in obtaining IATA CEIV certifications for both its pharma and fresh products, Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Aviation Group, has announced an extension of its cold chain global business partnerships by joining the exclusive Cool Chain Association as well as Pharma.Aero.

The affiliation with the two cross-industry associations, which includes pharma shippers, CEIV certified cargo communities, airport operators and other air cargo industry stakeholders, provides the UAE-based carrier with active participation in the development and enhancement of industry standards and processes.

The news comes less than a year after Etihad Cargo became the first regional carrier and airport Hub in the Middle East to be awarded CEIV certification in Pharmaceutical Logistics, and only the second carrier in the world to obtain the CEIV certification in Perishables Logistics (Fresh) two weeks ago. Its dedicated TempCheck and FreshForward products provide specially designed, temperature-controlled equipment to transport pharmaceuticals and perishable items in the quickest possible time, adhering to the highest compliance guidelines.

Andre Blech, Head of Cargo Operations and Delivery at Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Our memberships of the Cool Chain Association and Pharma.Aero are testament to the progress Etihad Cargo has made over the past 18 months as we continue to drive forward our ambition to provide reliable end-to-end air transportation for perishable and pharmaceutical shippers.”

The Cool Chain Association will provide Etihad Cargo with a strategic conduit for knowledge exchange and technological ideas, in addition to a tailored platform to expand its current government, industry and supply chain partnerships on a global level.

Stavros Evangelakakis, Chairman of the Cool Chain Association and Global Product Manager, Cargolux, said: “The CCA brings together industry leaders from across the cool chain to network, share insight, and trial new ideas. CCA members are focused on driving genuine change in the pharma and perishables cool chain with a focus on contributing to reducing waste and improving the lives of patients by ensuring transportation meets the requirements of the shipper, and Etihad will bring valuable insight and input from an airline perspective. We look forward to their contribution.”

Etihad Cargo’s Pharma.Aero membership carries active participation at IATA LAPB meetings and regulation updates, ensuring its seat at the centre of industry-wide decision-making processes.

Nathan De Valck, Chairman of Pharma.Aero, said: “We welcome Etihad Cargo into the Pharma.Aero membership and look forward to their active contribution in our project groups to further improve pharma handling processes in collaboration with the pharmaceutical manufacturers. As the first Middle sEast carrier to join Pharma.Aero, Etihad Cargo marks the expansion of our global membership into that region”.

Etihad Cargo’s network, consisting of 60 global operating stations, provides pharmaceutical and perishables logistics services and seamless connections across more than 100 trade lanes listed as IATA CEIV certified.

For more background on Etihad Cargo’s membership please visit www.coolchain.org and www.pharma.aero.

The LAX initiative was launched as part of our ongoing goal to find tangible ways to improve the temperature supply chain and fight food loss, as well as making sure pharma consignments safely reach their destinations.

The initiative was built on our data sharing pilot last year, when we tracked and measured perishable shipments moving along the Los Angeles and Amsterdam trade lane. A second exercise then took place to track data from perishable consignments moving from Latin America to the Middle East. 

Both tests involved tracking shipments of commodities, such as avocados and berries, from grower to consignee via electronic logging devices attached to pallets and containers. They showed valuable results and clarified how important it is to run these tests in as many trade lanes as possible to collect a wide selection of data.  

Although today’s supply chain landscape has meant our priority is supporting our members with COVID-19 vaccine movement best practise, we remain committed to finding ways of collaborating and ensuring this project reaches the goal of improving the temperature supply chain and fight food loss. 

We plan to put together a team to ensure that the initiative continues to push forward and educate the industry. 

The team will work to expand on previous tests, increasing the number of lanes and types of goods we track, and create a calendar for seasonal products and a detailed test schedule.

All members of the supply chain will share the collected data to identify temperature excursions and pinch points along the supply chain.

The LAX Initiative is open to all interested CCA members and complete results will be available for purchase upon completion of the tests to demonstrate how collaboration can tangibly improve the cool supply chain. 

The project was launched at the CCA’s COVID-19 Taskforce Workshop when members also called for pharma shippers to sign up to Known Shipper schemes to help ease bottlenecks along the value chain

Luxembourg, Monday 16th November 2020: The Cool Chain Association (CCA) has launched a COVID-19 Distribution Change Management Matrix aimed at supporting airports to prepare their logistics for COVID-19 vaccines in a methodical way.

The Matrix looks at adherence to temperature requirements, packaging, forecast and quantity, and timeframe across different stages in a vaccine’s journey through an airport.

CCA will share the Matrix with members for them to complete and then bring together the information to help the supply chain to focus on potential pinch points, training needs, safety and security, as well as supplier and risk management, and quality.

The Matrix also incorporates sections on facilities, and warehouse, and ramp operations.

“CCA members can share vital information, which, once consolidated, will provide a useful resource as the industry prepares in the best way we can for the distribution of the vaccines,” said Nicola Caristo, Secretary General of the CCA and Airline Partner Manager, SkyCell.

“We are not aiming to suddenly find an end-to-end solution, but focussing on airports, where we know there are potential bottlenecks and where we can use the vast knowledge in our network to help establish workable guidelines.”

The scheme was unveiled during CCA’s recent COVID-19 Taskforce Workshop, where the focus was also placed on the need for both shippers and legislators to play their part.

“It will be essential to have the buy-in from Customs and other legislators,” said CCA Board member Fabrizio Iacobacci, Head of Pharma Business Development at Bcube Air Cargo

”But we should also look at encouraging shippers to be involved and start investing in signing up for Known Shipper status wherever possible to help speed up the process.”

Guest speaker Ruud van der Geer, Global Deliver Strategy Team MSD said the pharma industry was working to be as prepared as possible in volatile times.

“The biggest challenge is that we have to develop a network, but there are still so many unknowns, from the required shipping temperature to where it will be manufactured and delivered, and the overall manufacturing capacity,” he said.

“We have to build something scalable and sustainable, sustainable because we have other products in our portfolio, and we have to make sure this doesn’t impact access to existing medication.

“We need a standardised solution, there is no benefit to everyone coming up with their own supply chain solution, that means we need to stay connected and keep talking.”

Workshop members also heard from new CCA member Stefan Braun, Managing Director of SmartCAE, behind a software platform for the simulation of Temperature Controlled Logistics called the Virtual Cold Chain.

Braun demonstrated a case study on how the Virtual Cool Chain could help plan a robust distribution of Covid vaccines needing to travel at -70 Celsius.

“The idea is to connect all of the different stakeholders, from packaging companies to the pharma companies, to put the data together so that we can determine what the optimal packaging is and the optimal service on the lane to deliver with minimum risk and in the most cost-efficient way, “ he said.

“To do this virtually takes minutes, versus hours for an actual journey.”

To find out more about the project and take part, contact Nicola email nicola.caristo@coolchain.org

CCA and IATA join forces to drive improvements in the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of the temperature-controlled supply chain

Luxembourg and Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday October 22nd 2020: The Cool Chain Association (CCA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) supporting the drive for the safe, sustainable transport of perishables and pharmaceuticals.

CCA and IATA have joined forces as part of a common goal to improve the quality of the temperature-controlled supply chain by sharing feedback, experiences, knowledge, and best practice.

They also plan to develop common work programs, including temporary task forces and round tables, for specific initiatives such as the transport of vaccines and life science products.

“Both CCA and IATA have a common interest in ensuring the secure handling and transport of perishables and pharmaceuticals by means of robust standards,” said Nicola Caristo, CCA Secretary General and Airline Partner Manager, SkyCell AG.

“Through this agreement we are establishing a formal basis of collaboration to better assist the global industry to improve, as well as increasing sustainability and reducing waste.

“We will be working together to promote the implementation of methodologies and quality criteria such as the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Fresh and Pharma programs.”

The initiative will see representatives of both organisations attending each other’s industry meetings as observers, to present best practice and communicate the results of ongoing projects such as the CCA’s data sharing trials.

As a first step, CCA yesterday (October 21st) took part in IATA’s webinar on the industry’s readiness for the transportation of vaccines and life science products lead by Andrea Gruber, IATA Head of Special Cargo.

“Air cargo has been critical throughout this crisis in supporting medical staff on the front line fighting COVID-19 whilst ensuring that global supply chains are maintained for the most time-sensitive products including medical and food supplies,” said Glyn Hughes, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo.

“With these experiences it is evident that collaboration and alignment with industry initiatives are key elements that will transform the future of our industry.

“This MOU between the CCA and IATA formalizes an ongoing collaboration between the two organizations with the aim of better assisting the industry in improving the quality of pharmaceutical and perishable consignment handling and transportation.”

CCA aims to reduce wastage and improve the quality, efficiency, and value of the temperature-sensitive supply chain by enabling collaboration and encouraging innovation among its members.

CCA members are planning a new series of data sharing tests, under a project called the LAX Initiative, to monitor perishable shipments on global trade lanes in a bid to improve supply chain management and reduce food loss.

Social media is an essential tool for associations and businesses, facilitating the instant spread of news, campaigns, and support throughout different verticals.

More importantly, these platforms help connect businesses with customers, increase brand awareness, and boost leads and sales.

But how does social media make this possible?

Building Awareness

One of the key aspects of social media is that it provides a presence on a variety of platforms which can be used to raise awareness on everything from new members to mergers.

It is important to remember that if potential customers are not aware of the business or association, they will never become customers or members.

Social media boosts visibility and can be used to address specific sectors of audiences for targeted connections and interaction through the use of hashtags and groups.

For example, a new piece of technology used for transporting temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals would be relevant for a variety of different specialisms (pharma packaging manufacturers, track-and-trace developers, air cargo operators, Customs officials, etc), but the key messages required by these verticals may differ to pique interest – this is where targeted social media posts can be used to ensure that each selected group receives the prime information they require.

Providing Authority

As an association, authority on a subject is pivotal to not only provide guidance for members, but to highlight expertise and entice others into joining.

Developing and running robust social media profiles with frequent updates of relevant content will build brand authority and create positive first impressions that highlight trustworthiness, knowledge, and approachability.

This can be done through tasks as simple as sharing or commenting on another post or thought piece made by a highly regarded business, to writing your own expert-led discussions surrounding pressing topics for your vertical and building the conversation from there.

Taking the initiative and making a statement can go a long way on social media.

Encouraging and Supporting Growth

One of the best things social media provides is easy communication with customers and peers.

Gone are the days of calling customer service lines or searching for an individual’s extension number when a simple Twitter search or LinkedIn connection can provide the same results.

Businesses wanting to capitalise on the benefits of social media should take the time to engage with comments on their pages, look to join conversations on other pages and interest groups, show support with new developments for other businesses and important individuals, and prove yourself as responsive and engaged with the concerns or questions that you could solve.

Being Human

Finally, social media allows businesses and associations to show personality and that individuals are behind the screen. Think about your brand and what voice you want to go with it – how will this represent who you and your colleagues are to your target audiences?

It is the case that customers simply are not interested in reading or engaging with dry, corporate-style social media posts; they want to be a part of a conversation and to get to know the people behind the posts.

This is why platforms such as LinkedIn are a great tool for building connections as those working for the business or association can easily be linked, providing a face and a name for potential members or customers that are looking for an easy way to get in touch.

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” still rings true on social media, which is why platforms such as Instagram are great for showcasing the lighter, funnier side of work.

Fridays are also a good time to embrace that more casual ‘end of the week’ feeling with simpler, less challenging posts on topics such as team building experiences or remembering previous events.

For examples on social media posts, make sure you follow the Cool Chain Association on LinkedIn and Twitter, and follow Meantime Communications on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook for news, topics, and inspiration.

The perishable industry within the African Continent is experiencing challenges in both the marketing and logistical value chain as a result of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the beginning of July, the African Continent had reported 478,467 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, with the countries most impacted countries being South Africa (SA) and Egypt representing almost 41% and 15% of COVID-19 positive cases respectively.

The South African perishable industry reported increased productions in most of the fruit types and grain commodities. The increased productions combined with good quality and phytosanitary standards has positively impacted both local market and export supply chains. However, the disruptions caused by COVID-19 throughout the value chain negatively impacted the industry.

Within SA, many businesses were terminated during the national lock down due to the inability to sustain and afford business ventures. This had resulted in increased numbers of unemployment, thus leaving many households in a state of helplessness.

Most SA airports were placed on lockdown resulting in no exports through these hubs. The only airport within SA permitted to operate international flights is OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng. The South African flower industries are in dire straits due to market closure and limited international flights. The main South African export market to Netherlands, flowers, was closed and reports indicate that this market is dumping their flowers. It has been reported that perishable airfreights have reduced by 40% and flowers by 60% across the globe.

Global trade is being slowed down by the sluggish recovery of China’s logistics sector from the pandemic. The initial build-up of containers at the Chinese ports has created logistical problems around the world, such as the availability of refrigerated containers used in sea freight, being drastically reduced. Within SA, the shipping lines had reported extremely low levels of refrigerated container stocks, which had a negative impact on agricultural and perishable exports. This problem was compounded by the growing number of staff at container depots testing positive for COVID-19 which further negatively impacted operations.

The South African seaports had remained operational during the pandemic. However, their human resources were negatively impacted resulting in low productivity and many hours of down time. One of the major container terminals in SA had reported that approximately 50% of staff were absent from work due to the pandemic. This had resulted in delays in vessels within SA and shipping lines adding a congestion surcharge to container shipments, further adding costs to the industry.

However, there have been some positives from the crisis:

• A decrease in silo mentality within operations between all sectors, including Government and private industries.
• An improvement in agility within organisations and re-purposing of operational and business models.
• Business has conducted strategy reset exercises and reviewed growth and innovation platforms to be open to diversification, especially within the perishable industries
• Business unusual prevails and the industries are now working in close collaboration
• Working from home has become the latest trend within SA and many countries
• Communication and information sharing drastically improved
• An urgent drive to digitalise processes

Shippers to share insights at the two-day event Sustainability Matters in Los Angeles from 18th to 20th November 2019

Luxembourg, Thursday 31^st October: Shippers will share insight into challenges facing the temperature-controlled supply chain at the Cool Chain Association (CCA)’s Americas Conference, Sustainability Matters, next month.

The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and California-based berry shipper Driscoll’s, will join speakers from Air France KLM, Cargolux, and Able Freight, amongst others, for a two-day event focused on a people, profit, planet business model for a sustainable cool chain future.

Thought leaders and innovators from across the supply chain will share insight on new developments, and delegates will take part in a tour of facilities at Los Angeles International Airport, as well as a live demonstration of the Kold Kart, a temperature controlled air cargo dolly.

“The business landscape is rapidly changing, with technology bringing new opportunities, and evolving consumer and customer demands,” said Stavros Evangelakakis, Cool Chain Association Chairman, and Cargolux Global Product Manager Pharma & Perishable.

“At the same time, there is a pressing need for us to address sustainability issues, from better caring for our environment, to ensuring a responsible and healthy future for our industry, and for the people who rely on it from first, to final mile.

“Our cool chain industry must ensure product integrity, learn from each other, collaborate, innovate, digitalise and share data to embrace the people, profit, planet framework and drive sustainable development for both pharma and perishables.”

The conference will cover the shippers’ perspective, innovation and new ideas, data sharing and transparency, standards and certification, challenging products, and packaging.

For more information and to join the event at the Belamar Hotel, Manhattan Beach, visit coolchain.org

Luxembourg Thursday 11th July 2019: Registration for the Cool Chain Association (CCA)’s Airfreight Pharma Conference has opened, promising a program that will shine a light on collaborative solutions to final mile challenges.

Sustainability and innovation will take centre stage, with topics ranging from the benefits of drones for the pharma chain, to learning from shippers about the importance of getting the cool chain right to help save infant lives.

Dr Radhika Batra, founder and President of Every Infant Matters, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) registered in India and dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children, will join the debate with Wolfgang Engel, Head of Competence Center Logistics, DQS, and Niels van Namen, Vice President Healthcare, UPS Europe.

Other panellists include Nourddin Odris, Head of Transport management Global Supply Chain, Roche, Agnes Turek, Project Manager Services, Bayer, and Navid Choudhury, Senior Manager, Supply Chain Planning, Novo Nordisk.

“Cool Chain partners are seeking new ways whereby stakeholder collaboration delivers a cost-effective, and high-quality service in a rapidly changing pharma landscape,” said Stavros Evangelakakis, Global Product Manager, Cargolux and Chairman, CCA.

“We need new ways of working together to meet the growing demands of our pharma customers and ensure that when it comes to the last mile, we are part of the solution.

“There is a clear need for all stakeholders to investigate ways to collaborate and find solutions to make sure there is a successful end-to-end chain.

“Embracing new innovations and technology is at the forefront of the debate to help fix the problem.” The CCA event, at the Marriott, Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris will include a mix of panel discussions, presentations, and debate, as well as round table discussions and networking opportunities.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Monday 3rd June 2019 – Nicola Caristo, Pharma & Business Development Manager – Auditing & Certification Manager for Alha Group, has been announced as the new Secretary General for the Cool Chain Association (CCA).

Caristo has worked in a variety of roles during a 22-year career for the Alha Group, one of Italy’s leading air cargo logistics providers.

He is also one of the 25 members of the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA’s) Time and Temperature Working Group, which develops and maintains standards for the transportation of healthcare goods.

“It is an honour to be appointed Secretary General of the Cool Chain Association,” said Caristo.

“I was keen to be involved as the Cool Chain Association already benefits from high visibility within the cargo industry.

“This means we can be influential when trying to reach the goal of establishing best practice in the transportation of pharma and perishables.”

Based at Milan Malpensa Airport, Italy, Caristo has previously focused on auditing roles that have ensured compliance with safety standards and environmental management.

More recently he has ensured that Alha’s services comply with IATA’s CEIV Pharma certification, which sets an industry standard for safe and secure handling of pharmaceutical products.

Caristo takes over from Edwin Kalischnig, who has served as Secretary General of the CCA for the last seven years.

Kalischnig is CEO of Xtreme Technologies, which provided the NFC loggers used in the recent CCA data sharing pilot, aimed at improving the supply chain and tackling food loss.

“We would like to thank Edwin for his tireless service and his energy and enthusiasm in helping us support our members,” said Stavros Evangelakakis, Chairman of the Cool Chain Association and Global Product Manager Healthcare and Perishables, Cargolux.

“It is also exciting for us to welcome Nicola, who is widely respected within the cargo industry and is arriving with a wealth of experience.”

Two new members, fruit and vegetable importers Fresh Partners BV, and manufacturers of thermo blankets Trip & Co have joined the CCA.

Elianne Kok, Account Manager, Trip & Co, and Puck and Fons Arents of Fresh Partners BV, attended the CCA’s Perishables Conference at Fresh Park Venlo, the Netherlands, last month.

CCA’s next event will be the Pharma and Biosciences Conference, taking place in Paris, 23rd-24th September 2019. For further details click here.

Nicola Caristo and members of the CCA Board will be available to speak to journalists at Air Cargo Europe in Messe München this week. To book an appointment please contact Emma Murray emma@meantime.global

Data sharing pilot demonstrates benefits of transparency for Cool Chain partners fighting food loss

Cool Chain Association members plan next stage of data sharing project after successful pilot and endorse new thinking and a change of culture

Venlo, The Netherlands, Wednesday 15th May 2019 – Cool Chain Association members last week shared temperature data from perishable consignments moving from Latin America to the Middle East, piloting a new scheme aimed at improving the supply chain and tackling food loss.

Five pallets of berries and avocados, were monitored from Guadalajara, in Mexico, to delivery in Kuwait, using loggers powered by secure Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.

Partners for the pilot included Cargolux, Able Freight, AirFrance KLM, SmartCAE and Xtreme Technologies.

“This has never been done before, said Edwin Kalischnig, outgoing Secretary General of the CCA and CEO of Xtreme Technologies, which provided the NFC loggers used in the pilot, working with Avery Dennison.

“Once we identify gaps, we can look at where we can improve, and that is how change happens.

“Establishing trust is important and I hope that together we make an impact, and this is the beginning of a journey towards less food waste.”

Temperature movements, including excursions, revealed by the pilot data will be analysed by Philippe Schuler, food waste campaigner with Too Good To Go, a free smartphone app which enables users to buy leftover food at the end of the day from retailers.

He presented preliminary findings with Edwin Kalischnig at the CCA’s Perishables Conference at Fresh Park Venlo, The Netherlands, yesterday.

“Forty percent of the food transported around the world [air, ocean, land] needs refrigeration and 20 percent of food loss is caused by a breakdown in the cool chain,” said Schuler.

“If you have the common objective of reducing food waste, you can achieve it, but we are not transparent across the cool chain and accountability is a problem.

“The CCA project is a starting point, and as we get more data, we will be able to be more scientific and look to develop best practices and solutions.”

Three NFC loggers were placed in an aircraft lower deck pallet during last week’s pilot scheme to measure the temperature at the top, bottom, and in the middle of each consignment.

Schuler and Kalischnig suggested data collected during the program could be analysed in the context of a metric called Degree-Hours, which takes temperature and time into consideration to give an absolute figure against which consignments on a given journey can be measured.

“This opens up a new way of working, where we are not pinpointing the excursion, but looking at the journey as a whole and developing solutions,” said Eric Mauroux, Director Verticals & Global Head of Perishable at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, and CCA Treasurer.

“When we talk about data sharing, often people approach it from the angle of transparency.

“In fact, it is also having an understanding that data creates value and it is up to each part of the cool chain to understand the value it brings to them.

“That could mean developing an adapted offer, or complying, or introducing traceability or increasing shelf life, for example.”

Andrea Gruber, Head-Special Cargo, International Air Transport Association (IATA) spoke to delegates about IATA’s new industry certification—the Center for Excellence for Perishable Logistics (CEIV Fresh) during the two-day event, which brought together members from across the cool supply chain to network and share best practice.

She said IATA was looking forward to continuing to get feedback, share ideas and work with the CCA as it develops CEIV Fresh.

“We have due diligence as an industry to make sure we can improve on reducing product loss in the cool supply chain,” she said.

“The CCA project is a good example of bringing everyone involved in perishable business together to find solutions.

“To ensure transparency a change of mindset is needed for all of us.

“Let us all be very honest and not hypocritical as an industry so that we can work towards improvements and reliable partnerships.”

The CCA’s data sharing program is part of a focus by the group to deliver tangible benefits to members and to the industry to help drive improvements.

“Let us be the change,” Stavros Evangelakakis, Chairman of the Cool Chain Association and Global Product Manager Healthcare and Perishables, Cargolux.

“If you really believe what you are doing and you want to be part of the change, do it, don’t wait for anyone.”

Xavier Ripoll, Sales and Marketing Director, Able Freight Service, which took part in the project agreed.

“Let’s work together on the problem, not parallel to the problem,” he said.”

The CCA will hold its next event, with a focus on the Pharmaceutical sector, in Paris, France in November.

For more information or to join CCA, contact sec@coolchain.org or visit coolchain.org

‘Too Good To Go’ has recently launched online free access Knowledge Hub, which includes information, facts and comment, on the issue of food waste.

Visit toogoodtogo.com/en/movement

Perishable consignments will be tracked on every stage of a cool chain trade lane to identify inefficiencies within the value chain.

Luxembourg Wednesday 27th March – Cool Chain Association (CCA) members will pilot a data sharing initiative to monitor perishable shipments on trade lanes from Latin America to Europe, and from the USA to the Middle East, in a bid to improve supply chain management and reduce food loss.

The pilot will involve tracking shipments of commodities such as avocados and berries from grower to consignee, with all members of the supply chain sharing data to identify Temperature Excursions and pinch points and working together to find solutions.

The data will be analysed by Food Loss and Waste Expert Philippe Schuler, and the results made available to the industry to demonstrate how collaboration can tangibly improve the cool supply chain.

Initial results will be discussed at the CCA’s Global Perishables Event at Fresh Park Venlo, The Netherlands, May 14th to 15th 2019.

“As we move along the supply chain, we will use the information in a proactive way so that everyone within the value chain can adjust their procedures to improve the cool chain together,” said Eric Mauroux, Director Verticals, Global Head of Perishables at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo and CCA Treasurer.

“We all have pieces of information but there is no platform so far for sharing it and yet data sharing not only helps us improve but also helps create value.”

The pilot will start in April, with CCA members as well as growers and importers taking part to track the consignments.

“The data sharing will be based on information from recorders in the shipments and we will have the full coverage from the producer to the importer so that we can reconcile the temperature curve with the timeline of handling,” said Mauroux.

“You can spend hours writing processes, but when it comes to making it happen on the ground, the best way to asses if it is working is looking at time, temperature, and tolerance.

“Moving forward, we can test and suggest the platforms on which data is shared.”

The shipments will be monitored over a period of three months to give a sizeable body of data, which can be analysed to provide ideas for collaborative work flows to improve the cool chain.

The CCA is focused on reducing wastage and improving the quality, efficiency, and value of the temperature sensitive supply chain and has already worked on templates for global standards and certification projects for both perishables and pharmaceuticals.

“With a third of the world’s food going to waste, it is important that from grower to consumer, we all contribute to taking action,” said Stavros Evangelakakis, Global Product Manager, Healthcare and Perishables, Cargolux and CCA Chairman.

“The freight industry can do its part, ensuring proper handling, and respecting temperature during storage, build up, and transportation.

“We can create value and have an impact on shelf life.”

The CCA holds two events a year, one focused on perishables, which this year takes place at Fresh Park Venlo, The Netherlands, on the 14th and 15th of May, and one on pharmaceuticals, which this year takes place in Paris, France, from the 24th to the 25th September.

To find out about attending the events or joining the Cool Chain Association, visit  coolchain.org

Last mile awareness, automation and data sharing will top the agenda at the 7^th CCA Pharma and Biosciences Event in Paris in September 2019

Luxembourg, Wednesday 20^th February 2019 – The Cool Chain Association (CCA) is placing the spotlight on collaborative solutions for a final fix in the pharma chain with a focus on innovation and data sharing at its 7^th Pharma and Biosciences Conference in Paris, France, in September 2019.

Drones, automation, and digitisation will also top the agenda at the two-day conference, which brings together decision makers from across the global pharma supply chain.

“It takes 10,000 miles to reach the final one, and all too often that is when the cargo is compromised,” said Stavros Evangelakakis, Head of Global Healthcare, Cargolux and Chairman, Cool Chain Association.

“Without jeopardising what has been done prior to the shipment arriving at the final leg of its journey, we need to better investigate ways to collaborate and embrace innovative ideas to make sure we are working with our stakeholders to be part of the solution.

“This is important, not only to ensure we drive the high-quality cost-effective services they deserve, but also because we will be helping ensure that critical pharma supplies are successfully delivered to the end destination – to the patients who need it.”

CCA is aiming to team up with thought leaders from all parts of the supply chain, as well as stakeholders in charge of the last mile such as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and innovators with new solutions, including drones, to explore how they can work together to provide the infrastructure needed to ensure a successful end-to-end cool chain delivery.

“The conference will be part of an ongoing push to bring all stakeholders together and find new and better ways of working together,” said Edwin Kalischnig, Secretary General, CCA.

“Our vision is to contribute to making the world a better place by helping to improve the cool chain.”

CCA is a non-profit organisation that aims to improve the quality, efficiency, and value of the temperature sensitive supply chain, in order to help reduce and prevent loss in the chain.

The Association holds two events a year, with one focussed on pharma and one on perishables.

This year’s perishables event will discuss strategies for reducing food waste and will take place in Venlo, the Netherlands in May 2019.

For more information on the 7^th Pharma and Biosciences Event, contact Edwin at sec@coolchain.org

For more information on joining the Cool Chain Association, call +31 639837627, visit www.coolchain.org, or email sec@coolchain.org

Delegates at the Cool Chain Association (CCA) conference told to innovate ready for a new normal, which could see drivers also being nurses delivering vaccines.

Brussels, Belgium, Wednesday, 26th September 2018 – Shippers and logistics suppliers must share information to build a more secure and efficient pharma supply chain, delegates at the Cool Chain Association (CCA) 6th Pharma and Biosciences Conference in Brussels, Belgium heard this week.

Cool chain partners must come out of their data silos to ensure the best service in a rapidly evolving pharma landscape, where patients expect tailored products to be delivered to their door, or even administered by a nurse.

“There will be a differentiated future – a much broader range of products, a natural split between the very cheap accessible products in the local supermarket and very personal products which are very high value,” said Niels van Namen, VP and Managing Director, Healthcare, Europe, UPS.

“There will be a much broader range of delivery channels, we are already delivering to the patient at home, and that can mean a nurse giving the injection.

“The new normal could be the delivery driver is also the nurse giving the injection.

“We need to have a physical infrastructure knitted together to make sure the product ends up with the patient, at home, at work, or in the hospital, safely, securely, and in the right condition.”

Pharma experts taking part in the two-day discussion all agreed that the cool chain was improving, but that fear of sharing information and embracing new ideas was an issue.“Each part of the chain is doing much better in its own area, but the chain is not there yet, we are not good at sharing information,” said pharma logistics expert Yoram Eshel.

“Information must be shared between regulators, pharma agencies, forwarders, and all parts of the supply chain so that everyone can learn and improve.

“My message is do not be afraid to share information.

“The pharma industry together with all logistics stakeholders need to work hand in hand in order to improve product integrity and patient health and safety.”

Sessions at the CCA event also focused on facilities, insurance, security, and the benefits of the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) and Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certification.

Delegates agreed that increasing demands from regulators would force the cool chain industry’s hand to adopt certification as a “need to have, not a nice to have”.

Shippers in the audience said certification was already part of their process when choosing a lane.

“You also have to start with a proper facility and with training,” said Rinzing Wangyal, VP Planning North America, Worldwide Flight Services (WFS).

“It is important that we are transparent just as the disruptors are and we should learn from them.”

“Within three or four years all the paper will be gone, and we should focus on this and not fight against e-cargo.

“E-commerce is going to give us a lot of opportunities and ideas, and now is the time for us all to work together and work with them.”

Cool Chain Association Chairman Stavros Evangelakakis said the focus should also be on the last mile, especially in developing countries.

“As an industry, starting from the shipper all the way to the patient we should also think about the challenges faced by the people delivering on the last mile through jungles and up mountains,” he said.

“There are thousands of preventable deaths of infants under five years old every day and we should be part of the solution.”

CCA hosts two events a year, with one focused on perishables and one on pharma issues.

This week’s event was organised by Eva International Media.