DHL unveils new cold-chain product

   DHL Global Forwarding has launched a temperature-controlled, high-visibility air freight service targeted at the life sciences and healthcare industries.
   DHL Thermonet uses Smartsenor RFID technology to ensure constant monitoring of temperature-sensitive shipments during transport, and customers can even ask add on the SmartSensor XP option, which will transmit temperature data from the goods surrounding the customer’s shipment. All the data is uploaded to the Internet for easy access.
   “The current situation within the life sciences and healthcare market, facing an increasingly regulated environment, demands a higher level of service compliance. By means of DHL Thermonet, we will meet our customers’ requirements, enhance our cold-chain activities, and expand our market leading capabilities in Life Sciences and Healthcare, one of DHL’s key focus sectors,” DHL’s Angelos Orfanos said in a statement.
   According to DHL, 25 percent of pharmaceutical sales globally are temperature sensitive, and the integrator is hoping to gain even more marketshare in this arena. The future looks bright too; it estimates that the sector will generate 50 percent more sales in the next five years.
   “The global market for pharmaceuticals has reached a total volume of over $1 trillion in sales, with the U.S., Japan and China being the largest markets,” DHLGF Chief Executive Officer Roger Crook said. “The life sciences and healthcare industry is a key sector for DHL, and we are heavily investing in new products and services to provide comprehensive solutions to the needs of our customers.” – Jon Ross