# Blockchain-based Cold Chain Containers for Pharmaceutical Transport

> SkyCell develops temperature-controlled containers for pharmaceutical goods with IoT sensors and blockchain technology for tamper-proof real-time cold chain monitoring. The containers protect goods worth over 2.5 billion US dollars monthly and achieve an on-time delivery rate of 99.26 percent. Additionally, the containers reduce CO₂ emissions by 2 to 24 tons per pallet compared to traditional solutions.

**Sector:** Tertiary sector · **Industry:** Freight forwarding and transport · **Organisation:** SkyCell · **Maturity level:** Production

Canonical URL: https://www.sapientblock.com/en/use-cases/skycell-kuehlcontainer-live-ueberwachen

## Documentation status

- **Project status:** Production
- **Evidence:** Evidence high
- **Editorial review:** Ufuk Avci, 15 April 2026

## Description

SkyCell (Zurich) develops smart pharmaceutical cold containers (hybrid containers) for global air freight. The company integrates blockchain technology for seamless documentation of temperature data throughout the entire transport.

Pharmaceutical air freight is critical: biologics, insulins, cancer medications and vaccines must be transported at temperatures of 2-8°C or -20°C. Any deviation can destroy efficacy. The problem: paper-based temperature logs can be altered retrospectively; in case of damage, liability is difficult to determine. SkyCell solves this with IoT sensors in every container: temperature, humidity and GPS are measured every 60 seconds; data is immutably stored on a blockchain; all authorised parties (pharmaceutical companies, airline, recipient, FDA/EMA) can view live what is happening. Trans.INFO reported extensively on the blockchain approach for pharmaceutical cold chain transports. SkyCell closed a 116 million USD Series D in 2021 (investors: SUSI Partners, SBB Pension Fund among others). The punkt4.info press release documented an earlier 32 million CHF round. SkyCell supplies the largest pharmaceutical companies and vaccine manufacturers worldwide.

## Benefits

- Companies achieve automatic compliance fulfilment through blockchain-based documentation, thereby reducing audit and administrative costs.
- Containers protect pharmaceutical goods worth over 2.5 billion US dollars monthly through tamper-proof monitoring.
- The on-time delivery rate of 99.26 percent significantly reduces product losses and increases customer satisfaction.
- CO₂ emissions are reduced by 2 to 24 tonnes per pallet through optimised cooling systems and route planning.
- Logistics employees save time through automated data collection and can focus on value-adding activities.

## Challenges

- Companies need to adapt their existing logistics systems and train employees in the new technology.
- The integration of IoT sensors and blockchain technology requires technical expertise and can pose implementation hurdles for smaller companies.
- Dependence on stable internet connections can lead to data transmission issues in remote areas.
- Employees require training in handling digital dashboards and interpreting real-time sensor data.

## Technology foundation

The solution uses blockchain-based software that tamper-proof documents real-time data on temperature, humidity and geolocation. The decentralized platform creates immutable records for waybills and customs forms, giving all supply chain participants confidence in data integrity.

## Sources

- [SkyCell nimmt 32 Millionen Franken ein](https://punkt4.info/nachrichten/detail/news/skycell-nimmt-32-millionen-franken-ein/)
- [SkyCell closes US$116 Million Series D](https://blog.skycell.ch/blog/skycell-closes-us116-million-series-d)
- [Transport von Pharmazeutika: Blockchain ermöglicht effektivere Kontrolle](https://trans.info/de/transport-von-pharmazeutika-blockchain-ermoeglicht-effektivere-kontrolle-von-temperaturschwankungen-141494)
- [Delivering Reliability at Scale](https://blog.skycell.ch/blog/delivering-reliability-at-scale)