WEEKLY NEWS


WHY SMALL PARCELS ARE A BIG TEST FOR CONTRACT PHARMA


AIR CARG O WEEK


BY Delphine PERRIDY, CCO at Envirotainer


IN today’s pharmaceutical landscape, complexity is the new normal. With decentralised clinical trials, personalised medicines and direct-to-patient therapies on the rise, pharma supply chains must move faster, smarter and more precisely than ever before. As these needs grow, so too does the role of small parcel shipments. For contract development and manufacturing organisations (CDMOs), small parcels have become an


essential link between breakthrough therapies and the patients who need them. But they also introduce a unique set of risks and opportunities, especially where CDMOs are tasked with managing multiple clients’ needs at pace. Every shipment must meet meticulous temperature control and stringent regulatory compliance requirements, while also offering full visibility and risk mitigation across the entire shipment journey. These non-negotiable requirements are driving CDMOs to increasingly rely on trusted partners to meet this evolving demand.


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Rising stakes While commercial-scale bulk shipments still form the backbone of pharmaceutical logistics, the surge in small parcel demand, particularly for clinical trials and advanced therapies, is reshaping the market. But these advancements come with added complexity. Small parcels need to move quickly, often through multiple handovers, border checks and last-mile


courier networks with zero room for error. Routes can span continents, passing through unpredictable climates and variable infrastructure. With treatments often time-sensitive and patient-specific, even minor delays or temperature excursions could lead to compromised efficacy, disrupted care, costly re-shipping or treatment failure. With therapies becoming increasingly sensitive and time-critical, the margin for error is shrinking. Every shipment must deliver on precision, speed and security.


Smarter packaging To protect these high-value shipments, the industry is turning to advanced packaging technologies, with a combination of hardware (PCMs and VIPs), alongside data, visibility and reusable, sustainable infrastructure. Recent innovations in the sector, such as Phase Change Materials (PCMs) and Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIPs), help maintain consistent internal conditions and protect products from external shocks in transit, even when environments fluctuate. These innovations not only improve temperature control but also support organisations to meet


global GDP requirements and regulations across multiple regions. These solutions offer under-pressure CDMOs an efficient way to ensure service quality whilst maintaining efficiency.


Delicate balance Governments and healthcare providers are increasingly demanding sustainability from every part of the supply chain. CDMOs must now factor in environmental goals, regulatory compliance and client expectations with every packaging decision. Meeting sustainability requirements is a non-negotiable, with the industry working towards achieving


a green supply chain by 2030. Contract pharma organisations must include ESG within their decision- making, selecting providers that offer reusable solutions which both reduce waste and minimise carbon emissions. Packaging that ensures temperature excursions and product loss are minimal will mean fewer occasions where products need re-shipping, supporting both environmental targets and cost efficiency simultaneously. “Forever-use” packaging is an increasingly popular choice here. By reducing waste,


limiting the


need for re-shipments and lowering carbon emissions, forever-use containers are often seen as the gold standard. However, they are not always viable, especially on complex or remote routes where infrastructure is limited or return logistics are unfeasible. In these circumstances, CDMOs should look for reliable and resilient single-use options so that vital medicines can reach even the most inaccessible areas. Smart packaging choices are at the heart of resilient and responsible small parcel supply chains.


Tomorrow’s cold chain As demand for small parcel shipments grows, so does the need for close collaboration across the supply chain. For CDMOs, the ability to scale compliant, high-performing packaging quickly is a competitive advantage. But they cannot do this alone. Strategic partnerships across the supply chain will enable CDMOs to access specialised technologies,


shared insights and flexible infrastructure that adapts to shifting regulatory and patient needs. These partnerships reduce cost, drive innovation and help CDMOs respond faster and more safely to global demand. The benefits of lasting partnerships between pharmaceutical companies, CDMOs and cold chain experts are clear: increased operational efficiency, reduced costs, stronger resilience and better patient outcomes.


Small parcels, big impact Small parcels may seem simple on the surface, but they are often one of the most complex pieces in the supply chain. As pharmaceutical innovation accelerates and therapies become more targeted, these shipments will only grow in importance. For CDMOs, now is the time to future-proof logistics strategies by investing in smarter packaging,


embracing sustainability and building collaborative frameworks that enable safe, timely and compliant delivery. Because in today’s pharmaceutical supply chain, even the smallest shipments carry the greatest responsibility.


ACW18 AUGUST 2025 www.aircargoweek.com


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