DoKaSch Temperature Solutions and Japan Airlines have signed a new master rental agreement (MRA) for the usage of the temperature-controlled ‘Opticooler’ packaging solution.

The MRA opens up new possibilities to use the active Opticooler as a supply chain solution for pharmaceutical shipments to and from Asia as part of the cool service of the Japanese carrier, the companies said.

Japan Airlines estimates that it handles about 60 per cent of Japan’s total pharmaceutical import trade at its hub in Narita International Airport. It said the MRA would “strengthen its cool chain capacities for its safe and fast pharma service providing forwarders and pharma producers with highly reliable packaging solutions”.

The Opticooler comes in two sizes: the RAP container, which can hold up to five euro-pallets, and the smaller RKN version, which provides space for one euro-pallet. Both active containers are battery-powered, can easily be adapted to any transport scenario, and enable customers to always keep the temperature level between two and eight degrees at any given time, DoKaSch said.

“We have always focused on a strong cool chain within our network because the supply of lifesaving medicines is absolutely crucial,” said Japan Airlines’ team leader, cold chain logistics team Kiyoaki Yasui. “Thanks to direct connections to some of the most important hubs in Narita and Haneda, we can provide highly reliable and quick transports to a wide variety of destinations.

“The Opticoolers provided by DoKaSch Temperature Solutions are fulfilling our high standards and will support our extensive cool chain network in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.”

DoKaSch Temperature Solutions’ managing director Andreas Seitz commented: “The new MRA with Japan Airlines is an important addition to our partner network and significantly increases the availability of our Opticoolers in the Asia Pacific region. Since especially Japan is an important producer of pharmaceutical products, reliable cool chain capacities in the greater region are of great importance. By providing our Opticoolers for these routes, we are able to support the supply with lifesaving medicines in the region as well as worldwide.”