GDP-certified Life Sciences and Healthcare facilities and temperature-controlled solutions to help Australian pharmaceutical companies meet growing global healthcare needs
Sydney, August 28, 2019: Australia’s thriving life sciences and healthcare industry is set to become a key growth sector for DHL Global Forwarding in the coming years. To cater to the industry’s stringent and unique requirements, the leading international provider of air, sea and road freight services has boosted its logistics capabilities in recent years, including establishing three main facilities in Australia that adhere to the European Union’s Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines for life sciences and healthcare supply chains.
At the inaugural DHL Global Forwarding Life Sciences and Healthcare Conference in Sydney, DHL representatives and customers discussed the future of the sector and how digitalization and technology, such as big data analytics and Internet of Things, are transforming supply chains to improve visibility, traceability and cost-efficiency with global healthcare expenditures forecasted to reach AU$14.84 trillion (US$10.06 trillion) by 2020.
“Longer life expectancies, prevalence of chronic diseases, and a growing middle class has led to an increase in global demand for healthcare products and services. Key sector trends such as precision medication and tighter regulations are equally compounding the need for a competent and compliant logistics infrastructure to support the evolution of the industry,” Charles Kaufmann, CEO – DHL Global Forwarding North Asia/South Pacific and President/ Representative Director – DHL Global Forwarding Japan K.K, said.
“Among the sector’s brightest growth spots are new frontier discoveries that demand extremely sensitive and intelligent logistics handling. It is critical that industry players embrace smarter logistics to overcome the significant risks inherent in moving delicate substances and equipment around the world.”
DHL Global Forwarding has a global network of facilities, and a complementary suite of life sciences and healthcare shipping solutions, designed to support Australian pharmaceutical businesses exporting to other markets. Two of its GDP facilities are also part of DHL Global Forwarding’s global network of air freight stations that meet International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) CEIV Pharma Standard. Integrating technology that allows real-time visibility and active monitoring, the DHL Air Thermonet and DHL Ocean Thermonet temperaturecontrolled freight solutions meet global industry standards in shipping products ranging from over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs to medical equipment.
Recognizing the potential of the industry, newly-appointed country manager for DHL Global Forwarding Australia, George Lawson, expects its life sciences and healthcare portfolio to be an important growth pillar for the business.
“Technological advancements and the support of a fully traceable supply chain are making Australia’s pharmaceutical products more affordable and accessible to patients everywhere. With our team of sector experts, I am confident that the growth of our life science and healthcare business will secure our market-leading position in Australia even as we tackle escalating volatility in global trade,” George said.
DHL Global Forwarding remains very active in the perishables business as well as the construction and mining sector, having recently signed a multi-year contract with Komatsu to import over one million kilograms of machinery parts into Australia and New Zealand.
