Aramex UK is urging companies exporting pharmaceuticals overseas to be mindful about shipping to warmer climates.

Temperature fluctuations due to improperly configured refrigerated containers, unforeseen delays or other issues can lead to product damage or loss, costing potentially millions of pounds. Failures in temperature-controlled logistics could cost the global pharma industry around $35 billion per year, it says.

Middle East-based Aramex says that demand for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals has surged in recent years, and ensuring the safe delivery of critical medical supplies has become critical.

Temperatures in the Middle East and Asia often exceed 40°C making shipping pharmaceuticals more difficult – especially when adding regulatory requirements, security concerns, and supply chain disruptions to the mix.

As climate change increasing severe weather events and record-breaking temperatures year-on-year becoming commonplace, the need for a robust logistics strategy has never been more vital, it says.

Aramex UK has recently obtained a WDA (H) licence, allowing it to handle and distribute medicinal products in accordance with current compliance standards for safety, quality, and traceability.

Ronan Kitchin, who heads up Aramex UK’s Life Science & Healthcare division said: “The logistical solutions to ship pharmaceuticals have become much more refined. In order to cater to the increasing demands of the marketplace, and with regulatory compliance, we have created an end-to-end, customisable offering that is built upon ensuring that the integrity of every product within our care is preserved throughout the entire supply chain.”