Packaging plays a crucial role in the global supply chain, safeguarding products and ensuring they reach consumers in optimal condition. This is especially true in cold chain logistics, where temperature-sensitive products like pharmaceuticals and perishable goods require precise thermal management.
DKSH is the leading Market Expansion Services provider for companies who want to grow their business in Malaysia. We provide our partners with sound expertise, on-the-ground logistics, and tailor-made services to large and small and medium-sized companies. We offer more than 170 clients and 14,000 customers a comprehensive portfolio of services along the value chain in the fields of consumer goods, healthcare, performance materials, and technology.
Challenge
The environmental cost of packaging, particularly single-use materials like Styrofoam, has become increasingly evident. Styrofoam, or expanded polystyrene (EPS), is a common packaging material known for its insulating properties and lightweight nature. Yet, its environmental drawbacks are significant:
Non-Biodegradable: Styrofoam can take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to landfill overflow and environmental pollution.
Resource-Intensive Production: Manufacturing Styrofoam is energy-intensive and relies on non-renewable petroleum resources.
Waste Accumulation: As a single-use product, Styrofoam contributes heavily to global waste, often ending up in oceans and harming marine life.
According to the National Solid Waste Department, Malaysia currently has 165 landfills, eight sanitary landfills, and three inert landfills for materials such as sand and concrete. Local environmental experts have forecasted that no space will be available by 2050 if nothing is done to reduce waste.
Approach
Recognizing these challenges, DKSH Malaysia has taken a decisive step towards more sustainable packaging solutions, particularly in the critical area of cold chain logistics. In line with its sustainability goals, the company has transitioned to using multi-use boxes, such as the Intelsius ORCA M.
These innovative packaging solutions offer numerous advantages over traditional Styrofoam, aligning with DKSH's commitment to environmental responsibility and efficient cold chain management.
The ORCA Multi-Use is a high-performance, temperature-controlled parcel shipper designed for multiple uses. It combines advanced phase change materials (PCM) and vacuum-insulated panels (VIP) to provide between 72 and 120 hours of temperature protection across dry ice, 2-8°C, and 15-25°C temperature ranges.
Result
In Malaysia, we have introduced more than 900 ORCA boxes since 2021, thereby reducing our use of single-use Styrofoam by 11% in 2022 compared to the previous year.
Our new cold chain packaging offers reliable thermal efficiency to maintain the integrity of temperature-sensitive products, reducing spoilage in cold chain logistics. Constructed from durable, eco-friendly materials, these multi-use boxes are reusable, significantly cutting packaging waste and lowering the carbon footprint.
While the initial investment may be higher, the long-term savings from reduced waste and reusability make them a cost-effective and sustainable solution for cold chain shipping. Reach out to us to find out how our packaging solutions can help your business achieve its sustainability goals.