Growing interest in sustainability in the European market for temperature-controlled packaging systems

Advances in bioplastic technologies

Another notable innovation is polylactide (PLA), an innovative bioplastic derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. PLA has excellent thermal insulating properties and is fully biodegradable after composting, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional materials. This advancement is particularly important for industries that rely heavily on temperature-controlled logistics, such as pharmaceuticals.

Sustainability in the pharmaceutical industry

The pharmaceutical industry is leading the way in adopting sustainable practices within cold chain logistics. The 2020 Cold Chain Logistics Sustainability Survey by packaging supplier Pelican BioThermal, for example, shows biopharmaceutical companies’ focus on sustainability in their business and operational strategies. About 50% of respondents consistently consider sustainability in their cold chain purchasing decisions, with 53% emphasizing the importance of choosing packaging options that improve their organization’s sustainability profile.

Key features of sustainable packaging

Features such as recyclability, weight reduction and energy-efficient design are considered critical in addressing sustainability needs. Reusable packaging further contributes to sustainability efforts in the industry. This shift toward environmentally conscious practices is influencing the European market for temperature-controlled packaging systems. Companies are increasingly integrating sustainability features into their product offerings in response to demand for environmentally friendly solutions from both consumers and regulators.

Impact on the European market

As the trend toward sustainability gains momentum, it is expected to shape the future market for temperature-controlled packaging systems in Europe. Companies are investing heavily in research and development to create packaging solutions that comply with regulations and respond to growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products. This has led to an increase in innovations aimed at improving the sustainability of packaging materials and designs.

Case study: Bunzl Group’s sustainable logistics

An exemplary case study is the international services and distribution group Bunzl, where sustainability has become a cornerstone of their business philosophy. Under the expert leadership of Bunzl’s Sustainability Manager, Joost Lips, the company has achieved a remarkable 60% increase in CO2 efficiency since 2010, which is an industry standard to be proud of. Bunzl’s collective ambition is to increase CO2 efficiency by an impressive 25% from 2019 levels by 2025, and achieve a 50% increase by 2030. This strategy includes the optimization of transport vehicles, a transition to a sustainable fleet, the seamless integration of green energy into their processes and the continuous improvement of their operational infrastructure.

Market Outlook

The integration of sustainability into the European temperature-controlled packaging systems market is expected to drive significant growth and innovation. Companies that adapt to these changes are likely to gain a competitive advantage with products that are attractive to consumers and meet government and regulatory standards. As the industry evolves, the focus on sustainable practices will not only contribute to environmental conservation, but also promote economic resilience and corporate social responsibility. The pharmaceutical industry is at the forefront of this with a strong commitment to sustainable cold chain logistics.