As governments around the world impose more stringent regulatory processes, logistics operators are under pressure to deliver a greener cold chain. According to Paul Lawrence, Tigers South Africa managing director, there is a stronger focus from the industry on reusable or recyclable packaging, to provide a greener solution.“A lot of companies are investing in and experimenting with more energy-efficient solutions to prolong the shelf life of perishable products whilst using less energy, and there is an increased focus on the quality of products being purchased,” he told Freight News. “As the focus on healthy living and saving our planet continues to grow, emerging markets are fuelling the growth of the cold chain sector due to the demand for fresh and healthier produce. This, coupled with the increased cold chain capacities around the globe, projects substantial growth in the cold chain logistics sector.”Thanks to markets like India, which has doubled cold chain capacity, Brazil, which grew its cold chain capacity by 66%, and China, which grew 20% in 2020, there has been an increase in volumes being moved. “There will always be a need for medicines and vaccines, as well as fresh food commodities, and with the development of cold chain capacities, it is making it increasingly easier to supply these products to places that have the demand.”Lawrence said in developing countries like South Africa, cold chain solutions were focused on metropolitan regions and transport terminals (ports and airports).“We have, however, seen an increasing need for cold chain solutions in suburban and rural areas, especially for the distribution of vaccines, medicines, and fresh food products.”But according to Lawrence, despite the increased volumes, there are still stumbling blocks.“In South Africa, the challenges range from poorly functioning ports and airports, predominantly due to Covid-19, to road transport delays due to hijackings, strikes, and malicious protest action,” he said. “Any delays experienced in the movement of perishable cargo and pharmaceuticals can affect the cold chain negatively and have a huge impact on the quality and availability of such products.”Lawrence said increased competition for market share – detrimental to any supply chain – was clearly evident in the cold chain industry. “That’s particularly true in the economic environment that we are currently operating in, not only in South Africa but across the globe. There is a desperate need for an efficient and reliable cold chain to protect temperature-sensitive products, which is why we strive to deliver peace of mind at affordable prices to all our clients.”He said Tigers was renowned for always running a tight ship, ensuring its operations and services were up-to-date with the latest trends in the market.“We have developed our tracking and monitoring software programme called SmartHub:Connect, which offers clients a 24-hour live view into their shipment and stock movements,” he said. There is an increasing need for cold chain solutions in suburban and rural areas, especially for the distribution of vaccines, medicines, and fresh food products.– Paul Lawrence