Here’s a look at some cold
The value of the global cold chain logistics market size was estimated at $341 billion in 2024, Global Market Insights reports. “It is a massive investment by the world, but there are still kinks in the armor,” says Li, who is an investor in Humphrey Slocombe Ice Cream. He realized the company was spending as much to store its ice cream cold as it did to produce it. The cold chain industry has largely been using the same solutions for decades, says Brian Bejarano, chief commercial of cer with Ember Life Sciences, a global temperature control brand. Roughly 75% of cold chain shipments rely on Styrofoam and ice, or paper and ice to maintain their temperature, he estimates. Improved refrigeration could save nearly half the 1.3 billion tons of food that is wasted each year across the globe, nds University of Michigan research. In addition, half of the new medicines that will be launched over the next ve years are expected to require cold storage—up from 37% that required cold storage between 2013 and 2017, reports IQVIA. The cold chain sector is responding to the need for new solutions. “New technologies are broadening options for cold storage refrigeration systems, renewable energy generation, low- emission refrigerated transportation, automation, AI-driven data monitoring systems, and more,” says Sara Stickler, president and CEO with the Global Cold Chain Alliance.
platform can recommend packaging solutions for each shipment based on its assessment of relevant parameters. The platform also integrates carrier logistics data, the Internet of Things, real-time thermal modeling, and geofencing technology to develop a precise view of each shipment. Shippers can quickly identify and work to resolve challenges. In addition, the platform’s intelligent data management capabilities collate information from every shipment so shippers can analyze route performance and monitor thermal behavior, among other factors. “Companies can reduce waste, lower costs, improve reliability and—most importantly—protect product integrity from manufacturer to patient,” Rizzo says. AUTOMATING FACILITIES » Technology is also enhancing cold storage warehouses and distribution centers. Within an Americold cold storage facility in Russellville, Arkansas, COLD CHAIN BEST PRACTICES These three guidelines can help shippers eectively manage their cold chain operations. 1 Leverage historical, real-time, and predictive data. “Having clear, timely insights helps shippers make better calls about where to hold inventory, and how and when to move it,” says Brian Beattie of Lineage. 2 Consider the cold chain network a living system. Optimizing the network has to be a continuous eort. “The pivot needs to be part of the plan,” Beattie says. Even if you don’t know exactly how your firm might pivot, it pays to position your cold chain organization to be ready when a need to pivot arrives. 3 Weigh the cost of quality cold chain operations against all costs incurred due to a lack of temperature control. Maintaining an eective cold chain requires an investment of time, eort, and money. Yet, a faulty cold chain can lead to wasted products, as well as the potential for reputational damage and resulting safety implications.
chain innovations. » Advanced temperature tracking technologies are changing how the cold chain industry operates at a global level. Real-time tracking provides end-to- end temperature visibility that not only demonstrates that the cold chain has been continually maintained, but also enables rapid responses to avert potential problems. The granularity and accuracy of the data now available allows operators to identify and mitigate risk points, apply data-driven decision making, optimize routes, and explore predictive analytics. One example is the SmartSense Voyage solution from Digi International, a provider of connectivity solutions. The sensor, about the size of a credit card, can track a shipment’s location, temperature, and condition in real time, says Guy Yehiav, president of SmartSense by Digi. The system can issue real-time alerts when the condition of a shipment moves outside an established range. DIGITIZING OPERATIONS » The digitization of cold chain operations is a game changer in terms of compliance, optimization, and real- time visibility, says Anthony Rizzo, chief commercial of cer with Cold Chain Technologies (CCT), which provides temperature-controlled packaging. By using a smart logistics platform, shippers can continuously improve operations and mitigate potential challenges. For instance, the smart selection engine within CCT’s Smart Solutions
The Ember Life Sciences Cube is a self-refrigerated, cloud-connected shipping box that protects temperature-sensitive medical products using onboard sensors and real-time GPS tracking.
26 Inbound Logistics • December 2025
Powered by FlippingBook