In pharmaceutical transport, consistency isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. One misstep in temperature control and test samples can easily be ruined or generate false readings. Vaccines can spoil, putting lives at risk.
Perfect transport is required, every time. That’s challenging enough. But, now add another layer into the mix: sustainable packaging that doesn’t languish in landfills for hundreds of years.
Environmental responsibility continues to become a greater focus within the pharmaceutical industry. As regulations evolve — like the proposed Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation requiring all pharma packaging to be “demonstrably recyclable at scale” by 2035 — smart pharma companies need to start planning for a more sustainable future today to keep pace.
So, how can you marry safe, compliant and consistent cold chain packaging with packaging that’s also sustainable? You might be surprised to learn that modern packaging innovations are already available, designed specifically to meet these dual needs.
Low temps, high stakes, higher testing standards
Let’s start with how to assure both compliance and safety. What works in a warehouse might not cut it in transit, making packaging a crucial part of the cold chain.
That’s why more pharma companies are turning to total packaging solutions that include both UN and comprehensive thermal testing. These materials are often high-value, and outsourcing this kind of testing saves time, resources and stress. Thermal testing isn’t one-size-fits-all either — it factors in minimum and maximum load sizes, seasonal extremes and whether cold packs or dry ice are in play. In my experience, this type of testing isn’t just a nice-to-have; it truly validates the security of my products while in transit.
Unpacking environmental impact
As you likely already know, many goods within the pharma supply chain are classified as dangerous goods (DG) requiring specialized packaging.
Unfortunately, traditional DG packaging often doesn’t cut it when it comes to sustainable solutions.
Take expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, for example. It’s an effective insulator, but it’s an environmental nightmare that lingers for centuries and sheds harmful microplastics. Metal containers? They’re heavy, require more energy to move and are prone to dents.
Traditional EPS coolers also pose logistical challenges — they can’t collapse like corrugated shippers, making them bulky to store and more expensive to transport. While modular cooler options exist, the assembly process is often cumbersome.
But there’s good news. You don’t have to choose between prioritizing sustainability and green initiatives and protecting your bottom line. The right solutions can give you both.
Pharmaceutical companies embrace change
Innovative materials and designs are reshaping pharmaceutical logistics by offering more reliable and sustainable alternatives to conventional packaging.
Since 2021, the pharma industry has made significant strides: sustainable packaging adoption has increased by 25%, packaging material usage has dropped by 40% and renewable energy in manufacturing has achieved 85% efficiency.
Increasingly, I’m seeing pharma executives expressing interest in bio-based, sustainable packaging. In fact, one company was recently looking for a cooler in a new size not currently available. When offered standard EPS instead, they declined — stating they’d only consider switching from their current supplier if the new solution was more sustainable.
A more sustainable cold chain foam cooler is just one new innovation. Several others prove you don’t need to choose between safety and sustainability.
The future of hazmat and pharma packaging is crystal clear: greener, smarter and built to last. The pharma companies that adopt sustainable solutions today will be leaders tomorrow.
