Blog Post


Cold Chain Sustainability Metrics: Tracking Environmental Impact and Achieving Green Logistics

Adapt Ideations • Nov 06, 2023

In a period where environmental consciousness and sustainable practices are becoming the cornerstone of various industries, the cold chain logistics sector is undergoing a pivotal transformation. The convergence of globalisation and the burgeoning demand within the pharmaceutical and perishable goods industries has propelled the cold chain market to new heights. The global cold chain logistics market has a projection of an astonishing valuation of $647.47 billion by 2028, boasting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.1%.

1. The Cold Chain Conundrum: Challenges & Waste

2. Why Sustainability Metrics Matter in the Cold Chain Industry

3. Measuring Sustainability Metrics

4. 4 Best Sustainable Business Practices in Cold Chain

5. Sustainability Metrics in the Global Context

6. Cold Chain Performance & Sustainability Goals

7. Take Action for a Greener Future

1. The Cold Chain Conundrum: Challenges & Waste 


This exponential growth comes hand in hand with substantial challenges, including a staggering $35 billion annual waste. The cold chain logistics industry has been experiencing the high cost of waste due to the complexity of the cold chain. The conundrum of maintaining temperature-sensitive products, ensuring compliance, and coping with infrastructural limitations poses a significant hurdle for businesses involved in the cold chain. Amidst this landscape, the implementation of sustainable practices and the tracking of environmental impact has become imperative.

The cold chain logistics industry has been experiencing the high cost of waste due to the complexity of the cold chain.

2. Why Sustainability Metrics Matter in the Cold Chain Industry


Sustainability metrics, often overlooked, are integral to addressing these challenges. These metrics offer a comprehensive framework to track, measure, and improve the environmental impact of cold chain logistics operations. They encompass a range of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) crucial in determining and achieving sustainability goals.

In this blog, we will explain the importance of cold chain sustainability metrics, the significance of tracking environmental impact and how these metrics are shaping the future of green logistics.

 

Read more about - Chilling Success: Mastering Cold Chain Logistics.

3. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Cold Chain Sustainability


What are KPIs?


KPIs, or Key Performance Indicators, are measurable values that help businesses gauge their progress in achieving specific objectives. In the context of the cold chain, sustainability metrics or KPIs play a pivotal role in evaluating the environmental impact of operations. These metrics offer essential insights for businesses looking to enhance their green logistics and sustainability efforts.


Measuring Sustainability Metrics


Here are some critical sustainability metrics for cold chain businesses:

 

  1. Energy Consumption Per Unit Transported: This KPI measures the energy efficiency of cold chain operations. It reflects the amount of energy required to transport a unit of goods over a specified distance. Lower energy consumption means a greener supply chain.
  2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Tracking greenhouse gas emissions is crucial in mitigating climate change. By assessing emissions throughout the supply chain, companies can reduce their carbon footprint.
  3. Water Usage: Water is a precious resource. Monitoring water consumption helps identify areas where water can be conserved, ultimately contributing to sustainability efforts.
  4. Waste Reduction: The cold chain industry generates substantial waste. Reducing waste through sustainable practices benefits the environment and lowers operational costs.
  5. Compliance with Sustainable Packaging: Sustainable packaging practices are gaining traction. KPIs in this category track the use of eco-friendly packaging materials and methods.
  6. Green Transport Practices: Efficient transportation plays a critical role in reducing the environmental impact of the cold chain. Metrics related to fuel efficiency and transport modes fall into this category.

 

These KPIs provide valuable insights into the environmental impact of cold chain logistics, helping companies make data-driven decisions to improve their sustainability practices.

 

Read more about - Can Cold Chain Operations Be Optimised With Data Analytics?

4. 4 Best Sustainable Business Practices in Cold Chain


Embracing sustainable business practices is no longer an option; it's a necessity. Not only does it help your bottom line, but it also aligns with global sustainability goals. Sustainable supply chain management involves optimising operations to minimise the environmental footprint. By embracing environmentally friendly initiatives, cold chain businesses can:


  • Reduce Costs: Sustainable practices often lead to cost savings through efficiency improvements and waste reduction.
  • Enhance Reputation: Eco-conscious consumers and partners are more likely to engage with companies that prioritise sustainability.
  • Boost Employee Morale: A commitment to sustainability can enhance employee satisfaction, fostering a positive work culture.
  • Mitigate Risks: Compliance with sustainability standards reduces the risk of legal issues and regulatory fines.

5. Sustainability Metrics in the Global Context


In today's interconnected world, sustainability metrics have far-reaching implications. They aren't just for internal use but play a significant role in attracting investments and partnerships.


Global investors are increasingly interested in businesses that prioritise sustainability.

Real-world examples underscore the significance of sustainability metrics. Take, for instance, the pharmaceutical industry. With daily pharmaceutical supply chain operations being highly temperature-sensitive, sustainability metrics and real-time monitoring solutions go hand in hand. This is due to the ability of these solutions being able to identify if temperature-sensitive shipments have remained within the prescribed range. This real-time monitoring aligns with global sustainability goals, reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.



Read more about - Cold Chain Logistics Solutions: How Asset Trackers Can Help Ensure Product Quality.

Real-time monitoring allows you to track and trace temperature-sensitive shipments, our devices are reusable.

6. Cold Chain Performance & Sustainability Goals


Achieving sustainability goals requires continuous monitoring of performance. That's where real-time monitoring comes into play. Also, this is where Adapt Ideations' innovative solutions come to the forefront. Our IoT monitoring devices, particularly KELVIN IoT Monitoring Devices for cold chain logistics and PIXEL Temperature Data Loggers for cold storage monitoring, are game changers in the quest for sustainability.

 

Real-time monitoring allows you to track and trace temperature-sensitive shipments. In addition, they also offer visibility at every stage of the supply chain ensuring that you remain compliant with all compliance standards and sustainably manage cold storage operations. The icing on the cake? Our devices are reusable, promoting the concept of sustainability at its core.

 

In conclusion, sustainability metrics in the cold chain industry are crucial for measuring and reducing environmental impact. As the world moves toward greener logistics, monitoring and real-time tracking play a pivotal role. Our KELVIN IoT Monitoring and PIXEL Temperature Data Loggers  are tailored solutions that can help your business achieve its sustainability goals. If you're looking to streamline your cold chain operations and ensure compliance with sustainability standards, contact us to learn more about our innovative IoT solutions.

7. Take Action for a Greener Future


Don't wait to embark on the sustainability journey. Measure your environmental impact, improve your cold chain practices, and align with global sustainability standards. Contact Adapt Ideations today to explore our IoT monitoring solutions, and let's work together to create a greener, more sustainable future for your cold chain logistics.

Get in touch with us today at enquiries@adaptideations.com for further information on our solutions.

Powerful and reliable, asset tracking and monitoring solutions.

Innovative monitoring solutions for high-value & temperature-sensitive assets.

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Awards & Recognition


A silver laurel wreath with the words india biologics and vaccines awards 2022 written inside of it.

Best Temperature Monitoring Solution Provider


Awarded by India Biologics & Vaccines Outstanding Industry Awards 2022

A silver leader recognition badge with a star and laurel wreath.

Adapt Ideations Recognised As A Supply Chain Leader


by Alcott Global on Supplify's Supply Chain Tech Map 2.0

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Technology Excellence in Cold Chain


Awarded at the 15th ELSC Leadership Awards


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Temperature-controlled logistics is a crucial aspect of global supply chains, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. Maintaining the correct temperature during transportation is not just a logistical issue but also a critical factor in ensuring the safety and efficacy of life-saving vaccines and other temperature-sensitive products. As the demand for temperature-sensitive products like vaccines and biologics continues to surge, ensuring their safe transportation is paramount. Any deviation in temperature during transit can compromise the efficacy of these products, leading to significant financial losses and potential health risks. This blog delves into the evolution of temperature-controlled logistics, critical challenges faced in this sector, and groundbreaking innovations that address these challenges. With a focus on real-time monitoring through IoT solutions, we aim to showcase the advancements that contribute to the efficiency and compliance of global pharmaceutical supply chains. Evolution of Temperature-Controlled Logistics Temperature control has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last two decades. Stringent global regulations, customer demand for new temperature ranges, emerging markets with extreme temperatures, and the growing value of drugs like biologics have been essential driving forces. These factors have spurred the evolution of temperature-controlled logistics to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. The landscape of temperature-controlled logistics is evolving, thanks to technological advancements. Trends include the growing availability of prequalified shippers simplifying the validation process, sophisticated supply chain services, a rising interest in reusable packaging, and advances in temperature-monitoring technology. These innovations contribute to the industry's ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic environment. Temperature-controlled logistics involves managing the flow of products through a cold chain. Divided into food and pharmaceutical sectors, the global market size of cold chain logistics is projected to grow significantly. From USD 242.39 billion in 2021 to USD 647.47 billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 15.1%, the industry is expanding rapidly, reflecting its critical role in modern commerce. 3 Key Challenges in Temperature-Controlled Logistics Compliance Issues Stringent Regulatory Standards: Global temperature-controlled logistics operates within a framework of strict regulations set by health and safety authorities. Meeting diverse regulatory requirements across international borders poses a significant challenge for companies in this sector. Documentation & Reporting: Compliance involves meticulous documentation and reporting of temperature-sensitive shipments. Keeping up with the evolving documentation standards requires streamlined processes and robust systems. Validation & Qualification: Ensuring the validation and qualification of equipment and processes according to regulatory standards is an ongoing challenge. The need for continuous validation adds complexity and time constraints to logistics operations. Risks of Temperature Deviations Product Integrity: Temperature-sensitive products, especially pharmaceuticals and biologics, are highly susceptible to temperature deviations. Even brief exposure to temperature breaches during transit can compromise the integrity and efficacy of these products. Financial Implications: Temperature deviations can lead to significant financial losses for companies. Replacing or disposing of compromised products and potential legal repercussions contribute to financial challenges. Supply Chain Disruptions: Temperature deviations can disrupt the entire supply chain, leading to delays in product availability. This not only affects businesses but can have critical implications for healthcare providers and patients relying on timely access to medications. Security & Theft Concerns Value of Cargo: Temperature-sensitive cargo, such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and high-value perishable goods, can become a target for theft. The significant value of these products heightens security concerns throughout the supply chain. Vulnerability During Transit: The vulnerability of cargo during transit, particularly in unsecured areas, poses a constant risk. The potential for theft during transportation adds complexity to securing temperature-controlled shipments. Need for Tracking & Monitoring: Ensuring the security of temperature-sensitive cargo requires robust tracking and monitoring systems. 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