🧊 A shift towards sustainability in cold chain

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

In today’s edition:

• A shift towards sustainability in cold chain

• Emergent Cold consolidates its position as the largest cold storage company in Latin America

• Tower Cold Chain unveils an industry-first container design

• SINGAUTO secures $45M in funding

Sustainability

With Earth Day this week, it's crucial to recognize the importance of sustainability in the cold chain. Recent developments highlight a shift towards more eco-friendly practices, such as DP World's initiative to reduce freezing temperatures by 3°C.

In the article "Redefining Cold Chain Standards: A Shift Toward Sustainability and Efficiency" DP World Americas COO, Morten Johansen suggests that by reducing the standard freezing temperature for transportation and storage by 3°C, from -18°C to -15°C, the industry could greatly reduce its carbon footprint.

This change is expected to cut CO2 emissions by approximately 17.7M metric tons annually and could also reduce supply chain costs by 5% to 12%, making the industry more competitive.

Innovative packaging is increasingly crucial for reducing food waste, with stakeholders like governments and brands recognizing its potential to conserve resources and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Ranpak Holdings Corp announced the North American launch of two eco-friendly packaging solutions, climaliner Plus™ and naturemailer™, which are paper-based, fully recyclable, and offer up to 72 hours of thermal protection without compromising the environment.

As we move forward, it's essential for all stakeholders to collaborate and invest in sustainable technologies and practices to create a more resilient and environmentally friendly cold chain.

News

Emergent Cold consolidates its position as the largest cold storage company in Latin America Emergent Cold Latin America (Emergent Cold LatAm) has solidified its status as the leading temperature-controlled storage and logistics company in Latin America and the Caribbean for the second consecutive year, also ranking 6th globally.

• This recognition comes from the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), which bases its rankings on the total capacity of temperature-controlled space operated by its members as of December 31, 2023.

• Emergent Cold LatAm's achievement is a result of its rapid expansion strategy, which includes operating over 70 warehouses across 11 countries with a storage capacity exceeding 4 million cubic meters and 560,000 pallet positions.

• In 2023, the company completed seven acquisitions and inaugurated two new warehouses, marking its entry into Ecuador and the Dominican Republic.

• Additionally, Emergent Cold LatAm has several construction and expansion projects underway in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay.

• The company's growth is driven by its mission to offer expansive, integrated solutions for customers across the food supply chain, supported by strategic alliances and investments in technology and operational excellence. (link)

Tower Cold Chain unveils an industry-first container design Tower Cold Chain has introduced a groundbreaking container, the KTEvolution 12, which represents a significant advancement in the transportation of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products.

• Launched at LogiPharma 2024, this container incorporates a novel pyramid-shaped plate design that integrates either phase-change materials or dry ice, ensuring superior internal temperature consistency.

• This design maintains temperature control even when the container is positioned on its side, a first in the cold chain industry.

• The KTEvolution 12 is specifically engineered for last-mile delivery, laboratory distribution, and clinical trials, catering to the needs of life science sectors including high-value commercial products, and cell and gene therapies.

• It can maintain internal temperatures ranging from below -60°C to above +20°C and ensures maximum product protection.

• The container can hold up to 12 liters and provides thermal control for over 96 hours without needing external power or human intervention, making it suitable for both domestic and international shipping. (link)

SINGAUTO secures $45M in funding SINGAUTO, a Singapore-based technology company specializing in new energy-intelligent refrigerated vehicles, has successfully secured $45M in funding to boost its production capabilities and accelerate the development of its trial vehicles.

• SINGAUTO's flagship products include the S1 new energy cold chain vehicle, the V1 intelligent commercial vehicle, and the E1 self-charging vehicle.

• The S1 model, which features a storage capacity of 18 cubic meters and a 300km range on a single charge, is set to make its global debut in May 2024 with deliveries expected to start in 2025.

• The company aims to leverage this funding to expand its market reach beyond China, targeting regions like Southeast Asia and the Middle East, where there is a high demand for refrigerated transport solutions. (link)

Other headlines

The Global Cold Chain Alliance has announced its new Board of Directors for the transportation division for 2024, led by Chairman Don Durm.

A fire at the Lineage Logistics warehouse in Benton County prompted a mass evacuation and a shelter-in-place order due to hazardous smoke.

That’s it for today!

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