Upcoming Trends In Cold Chain Logistics For 2024

With a new year now underway, it’s time to start planning just how to make the most of another financial year of operation. As with other industries, nothing stands still in the world of pharmaceuticals and cold chain logistics, so what are some of the trends that we should be taking a look at as the year progresses? Here are some of the top trends for 2024 in pharmaceutical and cold chain logistics.

Pre-Pandemic Normalization

It’s been a few years now since the global pandemic swept across the world and affected every industry, especially logistics. The increased demand for home delivery, combined with shortages in supplies and even delays and breakdowns in the logistics chain, meant things were very challenging for the industry.

As 2024 arrives, however, many in the cold chain logistics industry and pharmaceuticals are seeing a curve that indicates a return to more normal levels of operation. The industry as a whole looks forward to pre-pandemic activity and fewer related obstacles and challenges.

More Sustainability

Another ongoing trend not just in logistics but the world in general is a great emphasis on sustainability. This is where initiatives such as the use of passive pallet protection can come in extremely useful. Sustainability is a combination of being less negatively impactful on the environment while being more cost-efficient at the same time.

This means that sustainability is not just good for the environment. It is often good for reducing operational costs. Losses from products no longer viable due to temperature shifts during shipping delays—such as ineffective pharmaceuticals—are prevented through sustainable efforts like passive pallet protection. These safeguards keep products at their correct temperature even when removed from active environmental control systems, such as reefer units, for extended periods.

Artificial Intelligence

While new technology assessments now push the idea of self-driving vehicles further into the future than people initially suspected, there’s a new technology contender, and that is artificial intelligence, or “AI.” While this still isn’t “true AI” in the sense that it is sentient, self-aware software, AI, as we have it now, is still able to process vast amounts of information and find patterns in that data.

AI is extremely useful in logistics for inventory management, supply chain planning, and someday even visual damage inspection. All of these functions can streamline cold chain logistics and make the process less prone to errors.

If you’re shipping a lot this year and are looking for lower-cost, sustainable shipping alternatives, we can help. Contact Protek Pharma with your questions and get a free sample.