Following extreme icy weather earlier this month, Cold Chain Technologies is advising pharmaceutical manufacturers to consider the changing climate and related rise in incidents of extreme weather when selecting thermal packaging solutions.
While Central Europe may currently be facing the challenges of ice, snow and low temperatures, globally 2025 was the third warmest in modern history, with recent studies demonstrating an increase in the frequency and duration of heatwaves. Meanwhile, extreme rainfall events are increasing globally, alongside growing frequency of tropical cyclones in historically uncommon locations.
The number of weather-related disasters has increased by a factor of five over the past 50 years, driven at least in part by climate change and associated extreme weather. For those reliant upon consistent temperature regulation for the transport of life-critical pharmaceuticals, climate variability presents a significant challenge.
Temporary weather-related cold chain interruptions, during loading/unloading on tarmac or cross-docking activities at airports often involves some exposure to harsh weather elements, and while best practice should limit those interruption points to just minutes, this can extend to hours for a variety of reasons including labour shortages, complex customs procedures or unforeseen circumstances, such as de-icing of planes or delays.
For temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals and life-saving medications, the risk presented by these interruptions is huge. And, as extreme weather events become more frequent, and in some cases, begin to appear in previously unaffected regions, it is vital that the right solutions are selected to guard against incursions.
According to Luiza Cervetto, Senior Global Marketing Manager at Cold Chain Technologies, managing the pressures of an increasingly volatile climate requires a two-part approach.
“When dealing with sensitive and ultra-sensitive shipments, reliable temperature control is an absolute non-negotiable. While keeping product safe, dry and at a regulated temperature seems like the bare minimum of what packaging in these scenarios should provide, extreme weather demands truly robust solutions. Our range of solutions – including CCT’s reusable range and the Enshield (PCM reuseable blanket) for pharma corridors – are rigorously tested under a series of stressors, including extremes which simulate hurricane and heatwave conditions, in order to ensure they can protect product in even the most adverse circumstances.
“Furthermore, to keep shipments within required temperature ranges across complex multi-leg supply chains, which may include vastly different atmospheric conditions, it’s also vital to consider the digital tools available. Integrated solutions such as real-time monitoring and sophisticated data reporting allow customers to identify and plan against risk factors such as emerging extreme weather or likely interruptions to temperature maintenance such as lengthy administrative procedures. By utilising digital tools and intensively tested packaging solutions, suppliers can weather the challenges of our changing climate.”Read more about Cold Chain Technologies’ commitment to Net Zero here.
