By Eamonn Ryan
On 17 February, Buhler, a global leader in industrial solutions, delivered its financial results for 2024 by webcast, showcasing solid growth across multiple sectors, with particular focus on the refrigeration and cold chain industries. This is Part 2 of a two-part series.
Pharmaceutical and life sciences sector
In addition to the food industry, Buhler’s refrigeration and cold chain solutions play an indispensable role in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors. The COVID-19 pandemic brought heightened attention to the importance of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical logistics, including the transportation of vaccines and other life-saving medications. As pharmaceutical companies continue to ramp up their production and distribution, Buhler’s high-performance refrigeration systems ensure that temperature-sensitive products remain safe and effective from production to delivery.
Buhler’s service-oriented approach in the pharmaceutical sector has gained momentum, with the company providing ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and digital solutions to ensure the highest standards of cold chain management. In 2024, Buhler reported an increase in demand for its digital and AI-driven cold chain monitoring systems, which help track and control temperatures during the transportation and storage of temperature-sensitive products. These innovations allow pharmaceutical companies to comply with increasingly strict regulatory standards, while also improving operational efficiency.
Buhler continues to invest heavily in the development of cutting-edge refrigeration technologies that can drive energy efficiency and sustainability. One of the key trends in the refrigeration sector is the growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions. Buhler’s advancements in energy-efficient refrigeration systems not only reduce costs for clients but also help mitigate the environmental impact of refrigeration operations.
Energy-efficient refrigeration technologies are particularly crucial as companies seek to comply with global environmental regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Buhler is in the process of developing natural refrigerants and low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) options, which are increasingly being adopted in commercial and industrial refrigeration systems.
Furthermore, the company’s cold chain solutions are becoming smarter, incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, AI and cloud-based platforms to improve monitoring and control. These systems allow companies to track refrigeration units in real time, ensuring that the right temperature is maintained at all times. This is especially critical for the food and pharmaceutical industries, where even slight temperature fluctuations can result in product spoilage or loss of efficacy.
Looking ahead to 2025, Buhler remains optimistic about the potential for continued growth in refrigeration and cold chain markets, particularly in emerging regions like Southeast Asia, India and Africa. As these markets modernise their infrastructure, Buhler is positioned to offer solutions that will enhance operational efficiency, improve product quality, and support sustainability.
Buhler’s global footprint, with operations spanning across Europe, North America, Asia and Africa, provides the company with a unique advantage. This allows Buhler to leverage its local expertise and customer relationships to expand its refrigeration and cold chain offerings in key regions. The company’s investments in infrastructure, particularly in developing economies, will allow it to tap into the growing demand for refrigeration systems as these markets scale their food and pharmaceutical industries.
With the global cold chain market expected to continue expanding over the next decade, Buhler is well-positioned to lead the way in providing sustainable and efficient refrigeration solutions to meet the growing demand. By focusing on customer needs, sustainability and technological innovation, Buhler is shaping the future of the refrigeration and cold chain industries, creating new opportunities for growth and enhancing the safety and quality of temperature-sensitive products worldwide.
Conclusion
Buhler’s 2024 results demonstrate the company’s strong position within the cold chain, as well as its ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability and global expansion. As the company prepares for the next phase of growth, it remains dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that support the evolving needs of its customers in the food and pharmaceutical industries. With a focus on energy-efficient refrigeration, smart monitoring technologies and global expansion, Buhler is poised to continue its leadership role in the cold chain market in the years to come.