Page 14 - LUA September - October 2024

FEATURE

Tower Cold Chain specialises in
temperature-controlled packaging
solutions for the pharmaceutical,
biotech, and life sciences sectors.
The company operates two hubs in
Africa, located in Port Elizabeth and
Johannesburg. The company is also
currently working with 3PL (third-party
logistics) providers in Africa to extend
its capabilities in the region.
“Apak Packaging has designed its cold
chain packaging solutions specifically
to tackle the challenges posed by the
African market. Our products, such as
insulated boxes, pouches, and pallet
covers, are engineered to maintain the
thermal integrity of perishable and
pharmaceutical goods, even under the
most extreme conditions, our range of
containers are also validated to WHO
standards,” adds Pinto of
Apak Packaging.

UNDERSTANDING CURRENT
MARKET DYNAMICS
The African cold chain logistics market
is expected to be worth $10.88 billion in SECTOR-SPECIFIC
2024, according to Mordor Intelligence. The APPLICATIONS
market is expected to grow at a compound Cold chain packaging solutions in Africa
annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.28 per cent are making significant impacts across
to reach $14.85 billion by 2029. various industries, with pharmaceuticals
Some factors that are driving the and perishable goods at the forefront. In the
growth of the cold chain market in pharmaceutical sector, these technologies
Africa include growing demand for are crucial for maintaining the efficacy of
perishable products, rapid delivery vaccines, insulin, and other temperature-
requirements for food and beverage We’re deeply sensitive medications, especially in remote
delivery, increasing consumption of areas with unreliable power supplies.
processed and frozen foods, and a rise in committed to The Covid-19 pandemic has further
disposable income. sustainability. Our underscored the importance of robust cold
In terms of packaging solutions, solutions are designed chain solutions for vaccine distribution.
there's a trend towards more sustainable “Our Releye container range, for example,
and cost-effective options. Reusable not just to protect the is a great illustration of how we push the
thermal packaging systems are gaining efficacy of medicines boundaries when it comes to innovation.
popularity, offering a balance between but also to minimise We’ve secured multiple patents for its
performance and environmental advanced technical features. These include
responsibility. These systems often environmental impact. cutting-edge innovations such as frost
utilise high-performance insulation NIKLAS ADAMSSON protection, which prevents ice accumulation
materials and phase change materials ENVIROTAINER that could otherwise compromise the
(PCMs) to maintain stable temperatures container’s efficiency, and a unique airflow
for extended periods. distribution system that creates an even
Another notable development is the including temperature and humidity, climate throughout the container. This
increasing adoption of smart packaging even in extreme environments. Our real- prevents hot or cold spots, which are critical
solutions. These incorporate sensors and data time monitoring and IoT capabilities for maintaining the stability of temperature-
loggers to provide real-time monitoring of allow us to quickly detect and respond sensitive pharmaceuticals,” says Adamsson
temperature conditions during transit. to issues as soon as possible, helping to of Envirotainer.
“Our solutions are designed to minimise disruptions,” says Adamsson Simultaneously, in the perishable goods
maintain precise internal conditions, of Envirotainer. sector, advanced packaging is playing a

12 LUA SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2024