Boasting a global presence with over 66 service centres strategically positioned worldwide, Envirotainer offers innovative and reliable cold chain solutions for the transportation of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals. 

With the largest fleet of containers, totalling more than 7,500, Envirotainer offers a comprehensive portfolio that spans a diverse range of options for customers. 

“We have a global reach with uncontested capacity. For almost 40 years, we have been driving the development of different types of cold chain solutions in the market,” Niklas Adamsson, COO of Envirotainer, said. “The market has matured now and we have evolved by designing and producing better solutions to serve the market and improve our capabilities.” 

The company’s new generation of containers, Releye, is the latest example of the company’s approach, providing an offering to meet the strictest requirements in pharmaceutical air freight. 

With up to 170 hours of battery life, it has the ability to maintain the temperature and protect the shipment, while also providing live updates through its connected monitoring service. This provides insight into the condition, location and progress of the shipment worldwide 24/7.

Sustainable set-up

In response to the growing focus on sustainability in the industry, Envirotainer ensures that 100% of the electricity used in its production facilities for pharma logistics is sourced from renewable energy.  

Envirotainer has also contributed to sustainability by offering leased solutions that are reused hundreds of times, reducing reliance on single-use solutions that contribute to environmental waste. 

“We have developed one of the most sustainable solutions because our key mission is to ship as much pharma as possible with the lowest carbon footprint,” Adamsson said. “That’s a goal I’m picking up from conversations with our customers.” 

Envirotainer recognises that sustainability does not come simply though, acknowledging that it requires a larger strategy that seeps into all aspects of a company’s operations. 

“It’s about providing the most sustainable packaging solutions but also that we work very closely with airline partners and freight forwarders to make sure that we have as efficient a supply chain as possible,” Adamsson explained. “No one can fix it on their own. It’s really an industry joint effort that is required.” 

READ: Envirotainer invests in Canada

Minimising risk

With pharmaceutical goods, and perishable cargo in general, any disruption has to be avoided or the shipment could be spoiled. Labour shortages, strikes, environmental challenges and other unexpected delays can be disastrous if the right measures aren’t in place. 

“If there is a delay in the customs process, or any disruption, the risk exposure with Envirotainer’s Releye solution is very, very small,” Adamsson highlighted. “If something is about to go wrong, we are able to catch that right away in real time. And then, boots on the ground can interject and do something in order to mitigate that potential problem.” 

For Envirotainer, that’s why technology is key, making sure that any disruptions in the supply chain are handled in a way which makes sure the pharma reaches the customer. 

“Everyone is playing a part with technology and our equipment is state-of-the-art when it comes to line monitoring and sensor data,” Adamsson said. “That’s why we ensure an open approach to data sharing — in order to mitigate or minimise any disruptions in the supply chain.”

Strategic growth

Envirotainer’s approach is driven by agility, following the customers they have and identifying the key markets they need to serve to support their work, as seen in the recent growth of the company’s station network. 

“It’s a very market-driven and customer-driven approach,” Adamsson explained. “By teaming up with va-Q-tec, a pioneer of sophisticated solutions and services for temperature-controlled supply chains, Envirotainer has secured an even better reach and operational excellence to meet the growing global demand.” 

Mainly working with regional players has provided Envirotainer with the opportunity to be more connected to the markets they operate in, understanding the on-the-ground situation first-hand.  

“It’s a win-win situation. We are able to expand with the regional players and they are able to serve their markets better,” Adamsson stated. “Some of these players are both regional and global. It’s one of the fascinating parts of our business. Any movement involves several players in different regions because of our global footprint.”

READ: Envirotainer expands network capabilities in Americas

Pharma future

Envirotainer is clear that pharma will remain a key market segment going forward, only growing in size.  

“We see that in all regions, especially in the more developing parts of the world. The Asia-Pacific region, China, etc., is a booming market segment,” Adamsson said. “We can expect that this growth we’ve seen in recent years will continue in the future.” 

To meet this opportunity, Envirotainer is focusing on investing in terms of capabilities and capacity to make sure it has the ability to serve the market ensuring they stay ahead of the curve through their sustainability and digitalisation efforts. 

“We don’t want to be in a situation in a few years where the market has been growing and we’re not able to serve it. So our strategy is very clear – build capacity in line with the growing pharma industry,” Adamsson stated.