B Medical Systems has announced that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Etihad Cargo to develop sustainable transport solutions for pharmaceutical products.
Announced during the BIO International Convention, the partnership will see the companies develop and launch an airline-specific passive temperature-controlled solution for the sustainable transportation of life-saving drugs, vaccines, and high-value pharmaceuticals.
Pioneering sustainability in the pharmaceutical sector
The partnership between B Medical Systems, a Luxembourg-based manufacturer and global distributor of medical refrigeration devices, and Etihad Cargo, will see the development of more sustainable temperature-controlled container units that work on a passive cooling technology.
The units will retain temperatures from -80 to 25°C for up to five days without requiring an external power source, with load capabilities ranging from two to 1,500 litres. Through the reduction in power needed to maintain the temperature for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments, these units will significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Further adding to the sustainability of the containers, their robust design and multi-use capabilities enable an operational life of over ten years. B Medical Systems’ current product portfolio includes products that use solar energy as well as green refrigerants.
Martin Drew, Etihad Aviation Group’s Senior Vice President, said: “While other traditional active container providers are offering containers fit for multi-modal transportation, Etihad Cargo is the first airline globally to collaborate with a partner in the development and launch of units specifically tailored to air transportation.
“Sustainability has been and continues to be a priority for Etihad Cargo. While the aviation sector only accounts for 4% of global carbon emissions today, if the sector continues to grow at its current pace, it could account for up to 25% of emissions by 2050. This is why it is so important for the sector to invest in more sustainable transport solutions for its customers. Partnering with B Medical Systems is the latest step by Etihad Cargo to achieve its sustainability targets. By replacing legacy active cold chain air transportation containers with aviation-specific units that consume less energy, Etihad Cargo is future-proofing the transportation of pharmaceuticals, providing a better solution for Etihad Cargo’s customers, the aviation industry and the environment.”
Mr Jesal Doshi, the Deputy CEO of B Medical Systems, commented: “Our mission at B Medical Systems is to create technology that helps save lives across the world. Transportation of temperature-sensitive specimens needs a robust cold chain. Etihad Cargo’s operational knowledge along with our expertise in creating quality medical cold chain solutions will enable us to develop aviation-specific sustainable units for the safe, effective, and environmentally friendly transportation of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and specimens.”
Trials of the sustainable container units will commence shortly, and a commercial launch date will be announced following the successful completion of the trials.
