Ethics, Environment & Efficiencies: New Business Drivers for Perishable Transport & Logistics” will be the theme of the 3rd Cool Logistics conference, taking place in Hamburg on 20-22 September 2010.

Major retailers are taking an increasingly proactive approach to sustainable procurement, including carbon footprint and waste reduction, plus ethical sourcing policies. While current initiatives are largely voluntary and market-driven, more stringent policy regimes may also loom on the horizon at both national and international level. Speakers at Cool Logistics 2010 will explore the impact of these concerns on perishable logistics and transport, including maritime, air and landside distribution, at a time of continued pressure to take operational costs out of cold supply chains. More than ever, efficiency appears to be the mantra - but what does this really mean in practice and can common efficiency solutions be found to address sustainability and cost concerns? The conference will also review the extent to which predicted transport capacity constraints – particularly for reefer containers – are impacting perishable supply chain planning and execution, and how to respond in the short and longer term.

Continuing the successful format of Cool Logistics 09, the 2010 event will include a 2-day conference plus half-day pre-conference technical workshop, exploring how technology innovations can generate operational efficiencies and cost savings.

The conference programme for Cool Logistics is being developed in consultation with an expert industry advisory group, including representatives from both transport and logistics and the producer community. Advisory group members for 2010 currently include: Alfred Cheung, Managing Director, ZIM Integrated Shipping Services (Japan) Ltd; Malcolm Dodd, Innovation Programme Manager at South Africa’s Fresh Produce Exporters Forum; Axel Guenther, Consultant for Lufthansa Cargo AG; Alex Schenz, Division Manager for New Zealand fruit producer Applemax; and Michaela Steineker, Global Reefer Co-ordinator for Hamburg Süd.