Edited by Eamonn Ryan
The following presentation was delivered at the 2024 Cold Chain Refrigeration, Logistics and Technology Summit in Cape Town, by Sean Petzer, founder of ESBD (ES Business Development), on the topic ‘Leveraging AI and digitalisation in cold chain logistics’. This is Part 2 of a two-part series.
ESBD also offers customised solutions tailored to the specific needs of clients. For example, their work with one client has significantly reduced the number of boxes required per vehicle per day from 11-15 to just two, enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Its solutions extend beyond reusable boxes to include full pallets and thermal blankets, which are 100% paper-based and free from foil or plastic. These blankets offer the same performance as traditional thermal blankets, with the added benefit of being environmentally friendly. The protective sleeves enable double stacking, optimising limited bed space in transport vehicles.
“This approach has led to a 70-100% elimination of single-use plastics for many clients. Our vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) ensure that boxes last a minimum of five years, significantly reducing landfill waste,” says Petzer.
By utilising validated loaders that can be placed in any vehicle, ESBD enables clients to transport products at various temperatures without the need for temperature-controlled vehicles. This flexibility allows for the efficient use of transport resources, reducing the number of vehicles on the road and associated costs. For instance, a vehicle can now carry products at multiple temperatures, maximising payload and minimising environmental impact.
“These boxes maintain temperature integrity even when deliveries are delayed, allowing products to be stored safely until they can be moved to cold storage.”
Incorporating IoT technology, ESBD utilises Bluetooth data loggers to provide real-time monitoring of temperature and box status. These loggers record every opening and closing event, offering detailed reports that help ensure compliance and product safety. “This transparency is crucial, especially when dealing with high-value pharmaceuticals where even a minor temperature deviation can result in significant losses.
“One of our most compelling benefits is the substantial cost savings for clients. By reducing the reliance on single-use plastics and enhancing the efficiency of reusable packaging, clients have seen reductions in packaging costs, waste management expenses, and overall environmental impact. For instance, a client transporting R20 million stock annually realised a 51.3% cost reduction by switching to ESBD’s solutions,” claims Petzer.
The implications of effective cold chain management extend beyond cost savings. Properly managed logistics can prevent the spoilage of vaccines and other critical pharmaceuticals, thereby avoiding public health crises. “For instance, the Western Cape Department of Health, which transports R500 million worth of vaccines annually, improved packaging solutions helped mitigate risks associated with vaccine spoilage, ensuring that essential immunisation programmes are not compromised.”