🧊 CubeCold 2023 snapshot

ALSO: Cold chain packaging innovation in 2024

Welcome back to Cube Cold News where we cover the latest developments in the cold chain industry and temperature-controlled logistics.

In today’s edition:

  • CubeCold in 2023 snapshot

  • how innovation will bolster cold chain packaging solutions in 2024

  • Lineage expands its New Zeland network

  • RealCold Acquires Forte Frozen

Cube Cold - 2023 in review

News

How innovation will bolster cold chain packaging solutions in 2024 Increasing consumer demand for fresh and frozen food, pharmaceutical and biotech products, and the expansion of e-commerce are driving the growth of the temperature-controlled packaging market.

  • Regulatory standards are tightening, and global distribution networks are expanding, necessitating more efficient and innovative packaging solutions.

  • Smart sensors embedded in packaging materials will provide real-time tracking of temperature, humidity, and other crucial factors, ensuring product integrity throughout the supply chain.

  • This innovation offers unprecedented visibility and control over the cold chain process, minimizing the risk of spoilage and reducing costs.

  • The industry is witnessing a shift towards sustainable materials that prioritize functionality and eco-friendliness, aligning with businesses' sustainability goals.

  • There is a growing emphasis on compostable, recyclable, or reusable cold chain packaging products.

  • 2024 will bring advancements in insulation technologies, such as aerogels, phase change materials, passive and latent cooling applications, and vacuum insulation panels, setting new standards in temperature control.

  • Robotics will further streamline packaging processes, enhancing efficiency and precision in tasks such as product sorting, palletizing, and maintenance.

  • This integration will reduce human error and improve the overall reliability of the cold chain. (link)

Lineage expands New Zealand cold-storage network with new Tauriko facility Lineage has opened a new next-generation cold-storage facility in Tauranga, New Zealand, with over 3M cubic feet of space and more than 16,000 pallet positions.

  • The new facility is located at 15 Anianiku Place, Tauriko, less than 20km from the Port of Tauranga, providing strategic advantage for supply chain solutions and customer service.

  • Lineage expansion in New Zealand strengthens its offering to customers across the country, providing exporters with access to a leading global network.

  • The construction of the new facility prioritized energy efficiency, featuring a rainwater harvesting system, rapid doors to minimize temperature fluctuations, and an 890kW solar array for power generation.

  • Lineage in New Zealand now operates 25 facilities across the country, extending its presence from Auckland to Dunedin. (link)

RealCold Acquires Forte Frozen RealCold, a Florida-based cold storage provider, has acquired Forte Frozen, a leader in national temperature-controlled warehousing and fulfillment services.

  • The acquisition gives RealCold five currently operational, high-throughput facilities in strategic markets.

  • In addition to the facilities, RealCold will leverage Forte's best-in-class operating platform, which is comprised of traditional cold storage and transportation services, as well as industry-leading, high-touch, fulfillment activities including direct-to-consumer.

  • The acquisition enhances the company’s service offerings by providing new and existing customers with flexible cold storage solutions. It also expands RealCold’s geographic reach. (link)

European Investment Bank-backed ARCH Cold Chain Solutions launches first cold storage facility in Kenya The ARCH Cold Chain Solutions Fund has launched its flagship cold storage facility in Tatu City Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Nairobi, Kenya.

  • The facility is the first of its kind in Africa and offers various services, product ranges, and temperature ranges.

  • The facility aims to reduce food waste and enhance safety standards in food distribution in East Africa, targeting five core sectors and can accommodate up to 18,000 tonnes of goods at full capacity.

  • It is built to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Standard, aiming for a LEED Gold Certification, and also aims to minimize climate impact by using off-grid renewable power production.

  • The EIB contributed $15 million of the total funding of $81 million raised for the facility.

  • ARCH Cold Chain Solutions is focusing on developing and operating large-scale energy-efficient cold chain solutions to support the Eastern and Central African region, aiming to reach a combined capacity of 100,000 tonnes in cold storage space. (link)

Interstate Warehousing Opens Arizona Site Interstate Warehousing opened a new facility in Kingman, Arizona with 30,000 pallet positions and 43 dock doors.

  • The facility features state-of-the-art equipment and is designed for future expansion.

  • The company is excited to support Western U.S. distribution needs and strives to provide the best service in the industry.

  • Interstate Warehousing owns and operates more than 130 million cubic feet of refrigerated and frozen warehouse space nationwide.

  • The project was designed and built by Tippmann Construction, a sister company to Interstate Warehousing.

  • Both are part of the Tippmann Group family of companies based in Fort Wayne, Ind. (link)

That’s it for today!

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