Page 15 - LUA September - October 2024

Envirotainer is leading the way in
providing cutting-edge solutions for the
transportation of sensitive products like
cell and gene therapies.
“For extremely sensitive products
like cell and gene therapies, we
provide cryogenic solutions capable
of maintaining stable temperatures as
Tower Cold Chain’s low as -150°C for up to 35 days. These
approach to developing technologies feature advanced insulation
innovative products is and multi-layer systems that protect
against external influences, maintaining
based on a series of the integrity of these vital therapies
Envirotainer's temperature-controlled existing and pending throughout their journey,” states
air freight containers Adamsson of Envirotainer.
patents, applicable
key role in tackling the significant issue of
post-harvest losses, which can reach up across multiple WHAT IS THE FUTURE
to 50 per cent for certain crops in some regions. OUTLOOK?
African countries. This challenge was also “The future of cold chain packaging
highlighted by Patricia Koech, Commercial NIALL BALFOUR in Africa is likely to be shaped by the
Manager, Cold Solutions Kenya, during TOWER COLD CHAIN increasing adoption of technology and
the Flower Logistics Africa (FLA) and a growing emphasis on sustainability.
Perishable Logistics Africa (PLA) 2024 sensitive goods is patented for its modular As the African market continues to
event in Nairobi Kenya, organised by construction, which includes a plurality of expand, there will be a greater demand
Logistics Update Africa. Speaking on the thermally insulated container sections and for smart packaging solutions that
panel discussion "Future of perishable means for fixing these sections together,” incorporate real-time monitoring and
logistics through cold chain & packaging says Balfour of Tower Cold Chain. data analytics to ensure the safety and
innovations," she noted that food loss in the “Our KTEvolution container has a quality of perishable goods throughout
Kenyan market is estimated to be between patent pending harness design which the supply chain. There is a clear trend
40-60 per cent. By extending shelf life and allows the lid to be retained acting as toward more sustainable packaging
maintaining quality, cold chain packaging a hinge but having a minimal effect solutions. With the global push for
is enabling farmers, fisheries, and dairy on size. The harness also incorporates reducing environmental impact, African
producers to access broader markets, reduce lifting handles and a very positive companies will increasingly seek out
waste, and improve food security. closure system, without adding to the packaging materials that are not only
Cold Solutions Kenya is also setting up external volume. The positive closure effective in maintaining temperature but
satellite cold chain facilities at the farmgate system incorporating weatherproof, also eco-friendly. This includes the use
level across Kenyan counties to reduce food airtight seals, also means that the units of biodegradable or recyclable materials
losses and support farmers, says Koech. perform even when placed on their sides and the reduction of overall packaging
Innovations from the demanding regardless of orientation.” waste. At Apak Packaging, we are
needs of pharmaceutical logistics often Environmental concerns are also driving committed to staying at the forefront of
apply to food transport, and vice versa, the adoption of biodegradable insulation these trends by continuously innovating
leading to versatile, cost-effective materials and recyclable outer packaging, our products to meet the evolving needs
solutions for Africa's unique challenges. making sustainable solutions increasingly of the African cold chain sector,” says
common in the African market. Pinto of Apak Packaging.
INNOVATIONS IN MATERIALS “Our products are designed with The journey towards comprehensive
AND DESIGN flexibility in mind, allowing them to perform and efficient cold chain packaging
Recent years have witnessed significant reliably in any part of Africa. The materials solutions in Africa is ongoing, but the
advancements in the materials and design of we use are selected for their high thermal progress made thus far is promising. As
cold-chain packaging solutions. Advanced resistance and ability to maintain the stakeholders from government, industry,
insulation materials, such as vacuum required temperatures for extended periods. and international organisations continue
insulated panels (VIPs) and aerogels, are By continuously refining our designs and to collaborate, the outlook for cold chain
being integrated into packaging designs, incorporating feedback from our clients, we packaging in Africa remains positive,
offering superior insulation properties while ensure that our packaging solutions meet with the potential to drive significant
reducing weight and thickness. the highest standards of performance and improvements in health outcomes, food
“The Tower KTM thermally insulated reliability, no matter the external conditions,” security, and economic growth across
container for transporting temperature says Pinto of Apak Packaging. the continent.

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