When a leader in materials solutions, specialising in plastics and latex binders, faced the complex challenge of transporting temperature-sensitive latex from Germany to Turkiye, they saw an opportunity to improve their logistics. With rising pressures to cut costs, reduce CO2 emissions, and protect the integrity of their product, the company set out to find a smarter, more sustainable solution to optimise their supply chain.

Transporting latex comes with inherent challenges. Temperature control is critical to preserving the quality of the product, which must remain within specific thresholds throughout the journey. Latex has mid-risk temperature limits of 4°C to 32°C and high-risk thresholds between 0°C and 43°C. Deviating from these ranges could compromise the cargo's usability, causing significant financial losses.

Elevating performance with smarter container technology

The materials provider partnered with AELER to utilise their cutting-edge smart containers equipped with flexitanks, capable of handling more than usual liquid cargo like latex. AELER’s solution addressed the need for precise temperature control, insulation, and cost efficiency. Beyond offering containers, AELER also aimed to demonstrate the environmental benefits their solution could bring to the company’s operations.

An estimated €350,000 in cost savings

One of the primary objectives was to reduce logistics costs for the materials provider, without compromising quality or efficiency. Through the use of AELER’s smart containers, the company would achieve an estimated €350,000 in savings by using Unit One for 1,150 shipments, translating to a 12% reduction in cost per ton. 

These savings were largely due to the higher payload capacity of AELER's containers, which allowed for fewer shipments. This, in turn, drove a 40% reduction in leftover materials—wasted cargo that remains in the flexibag after unloading, a common occurrence in liquid transport, and  typically amounting to 50 kg per shipment. Additionally, the company saw a 28% reduction in fitting material costs for the flexibags that were no longer needed.

A reduction of 217 tons of CO2e annually

Sustainability was another core focus. With increasing pressures to reduce carbon footprints, AELER’s smart container solution helped the client make measurable progress towards their environmental goals. By integrating AELER’s CO2 calculator, which is aligned with the GLEC framework, the client was able to accurately quantify the emissions saved over the course of the project.

Based on the same 1,150 shipments, the solution would lead to a reduction of 217 tons of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) annually, representing a 6% decrease in transportation-related emissions. The savings came from reducing the number of shipments required, eliminating waste, and optimising fitting materials, which resulted in fewer flexibags being used.

Temperature control and product safety

Perhaps most importantly, the internal temperature of the containers remained stable and well within the safe range throughout the journey, averaging between 10°C and 25°C. This not only ensured the quality of the latex was preserved but also demonstrated AELER’s capacity to handle sensitive cargo reliably over long distances.

The stability in temperature throughout the logistics chain—despite the variability of external conditions—illustrates how AELER’s smart containers provide enhanced protection compared to traditional methods. This helped the materials provider avoid costly product damage or deterioration, offering peace of mind throughout the supply chain.

Conclusion: driving significant cost reductions and environmental impact

By partnering with AELER, this global materials provider achieved significant gains in cost efficiency, sustainability, and product safety. The project’s success underscores the value of investing in innovative logistics solutions that address modern challenges in transportation, particularly when it comes to high-value, temperature-sensitive goods.

With cost savings of €350,000, a 217-ton reduction in CO2 emissions, and a reliable system for temperature control, AELER’s smart container technology proved to be a vital tool for this company’s future logistics needs. The results clearly demonstrate that combining innovation with sustainability is not only possible but profitable.

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