Thesis/Capstone
Publication Date
Authored by
Rohit Kapila, Nayantara Mehta
Advisor(s): Jarrod Goentzel
Topic(s) Covered:
  • Healthcare
Abstract

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, biotech companies faced an unprecedented challenge to develop vaccines within a very short time. The revolutionary nature of vaccines has expedited their development and deployment, but their association with ultra-cold storage and transportation poses challenges for equitable distribution. As the world approaches normalcy, there is a shift in demand from multi-dose vials to single-dose vials and pre-filled syringes. This capstone project aims to develop a robust and effective method for selecting cold-chain packaging materials for the biotechnology company’s post-pandemic packaging strategy while being in accord with the cold chain requirements. To achieve this, the project identifies and analyzes critical factors impacting thermo packaging solutions The study found that packaging options based on the mode, duration, and demand of transportation make it easier to visualize the network into manageable chunks and select the appropriate packaging for each cluster. The report aims to build a model that analyzes cost, risk, and environmental factors for global strategic cold chain packaging programming. The methodology employed and model were developed for vaccine manufacturers but can serve other industries and packaging programs. Through the utilization of the implemented methodology and selected model, organizations can assess different packaging options and make well-informed and strategic decisions regarding their packaging program, ultimately enhancing their product delivery process.

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