Distribution in remote and rural regions poses many challenges, especially when it comes to sensitive materials like pharmaceuticals.Transporting these temperature-sensitive drugs is, however, not only getting easier logistically speaking, but also more affordable thanks to the innovative and effective solutions of TOWER Cold Chain Solutions.According to Sean Petzer of TOWER Africa, while more than 30 of the world’s largest pharma companies and 3PLs are already using this solution, it is now also starting to gain traction in Africa as the value of the company’s KryoTrans (KTM) range of passive thermal containers becomes evident. While a reusable controlled-temperature container may not sound all that extraordinary, these units are reducing cost, maximising load and eliminating risk in the pharmaceutical logistics supply chain.“Our units are all pharmaceutically validated and we can cater for the ultra-high-value and time-sensitive cargoes such as clinical trials as well as the bulk market for finished goods, including vaccines,” said Petzer.Eliminating the need for airfreight or the use of temperature-controlled vehicles, these units offer far more f lexible and cost-effective road-based solutions as pharmaceuticals can now be transported by general cargo vehicles.“One does not need to sacrifice quality for cost reduction either,” said Petzer, explaining that the unique design meant that not only could multiple product types be transported on one vehicle without fear of contamination, but multiple temperature conditions could also be maintained within one truck.“The handling of cold chain is made easier as there is no need for packing and loading by hand, while these units can even be left in the sun to be unpacked at a later time due to delays at warehouse or slots missed. Once the KTM unit is packed and sealed its temperature is maintained for seven days.”The containers have built-in data loggers which means validated reports can be downloaded during the entire trip, keeping track of both the internal and external temperatures of the units.“Using these KTM units, temperature-sensitive cargo is shipped as general goods and no special handling or requirements are necessary to maintain the temperature at all. Adhering to the stringent regulatory requirements required for temperature-controlled products while managing costs and ensuring an end-to-end audit trail to prove compliance, they ultimately address the two critical supply-chain management challenges faced by our industry.”Petzer said considering the lack of temperature-controlled vehicles in the country, this was a solution speaking directly to the market’s needs. “It is also a more cost-effective solution than temperature-controlled trucks."