DHL: Globalisation, Generics & Biologics Drive Cold Chain Expansion

16-Apr-2013 - Last updated on 17-Apr-2013 at 11:27 GMT

Globalisation, outsourcing and a move towards biopharmaceuticals are leading innovation for pharma distribution companies, according to DHL Global Forwarding.

The global logistics company has expanded its secure cold chain distribution with 30 of its global forwarding sites achieving Qualified Envirotainer Provider (QEP) Accreditation - a programme developed by DHL’s cold chain management partners, Envirotrainer, and incorporating Good Distribution Practice Guidance from organisations including the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The deal with Swedish company Envirotainer was expanded in order to widen DHL’s product portfolio as market trends in the life service industries have shifted in the last few years, according to DHL spokesperson Juliane Ranft who highlighted “three main key trends within the market.”

“The first thing which changed the conditions in recent years is globalisation,” said Ranft to Outsourcing-Pharma.com.

As client’s continue to work in a more global arena, logistics firms are spreading their services and in DHL’s case it is adding its QEP accreditation to emerging markets sites including Dubai and China, as well as more traditional locations in Western Europe and the US.

Movement into emerging markets was also cited by Japanese distribution company, Yusen Logistics, in recent news announcing it would be expanding its global footprint.

“Outsourcing is the second major shift,” Ranft continued. “The whole supply chain is becoming more relevant” as pharma companies and clinical trial contractors opt for third-party distribution.

Thirdly, she told us the industry’s trend “towards generics and biopharmaceuticals” was a factor to consider, with issues of cost-effectiveness and global supply for the former and issues concerning specific temperature requirements along the entire distribution chain for biological products.

DHL has worked with Envirotainer for over ten years in order to provide temperature-controlled transport and storage for life science and healthcare clients. On top of the 30 locations which have achieved QEP certification, 48 more are planned in the coming months.