Cold Chain Masterclass Part 2: Biopharma, GLP-1 Logistics & Where Systems Break

Welcome to the Sustainable Design Lab podcast by Veritiv. Hosted by Chris Bradley and Brodie Vander Dussen, this show is your go-to resource for cutting-edge insights into the world of sustainable packaging. Join us as we reimagine packaging innovation and turn every decision into a powerful act of sustainability. Part 2 of the Cold Chain Packaging Master Class moves into biopharmaceutical cold chain, where failure carries consequences that go beyond cost or delay. Chris and Brodie explain how biopharma cold chain systems break in practice, not because the science is wrong, but because real-world variability exposes weak assumptions. From fragile biologics and GLP-1 therapies to lane handoffs, temperature bands, and hidden failure modes, this episode shows why systems that look validated often fail quietly, long before alarms ever trigger. The information presented in this episode is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Any references to recyclability in this episode are provided for general informational purposes only. Actual recyclability depends on local regulations and the availability of appropriate recycling facilities in your area. Please check with your local recycling program to confirm whether specific materials or packaging formats discussed can be recycled where you live.

Part 2 of the Cold Chain Packaging Master Class moves into biopharmaceutical cold chain, where failure carries consequences that go beyond cost or delay. Chris and Brodie explain how biopharma cold chain systems break in practice, not because the science is wrong, but because real-world variability exposes weak assumptions. From fragile biologics and GLP-1 therapies to lane handoffs, temperature bands, and hidden failure modes, this episode shows why systems that look validated often fail quietly, long before alarms ever trigger.

What You’ll Learn:

Why biopharmaceutical cold chain failure affects patient outcomes, not just logistics performance
How biopharma risk compounds across product sensitivity, time at temperature, and regulatory exposure
Why GLP-1 therapies expose weak cold chain systems through scale and operational pressure
Where lane-based validation breaks down in real-world biopharmaceutical shipments
What distinguishes high-performing biopharma cold chain systems that prevent excursions rather than document them

Chris Bradley is the Chief Marketing Officer at Veritiv, where he leads design, marketing, and sustainability with a focus on building recyclable, compostable, and reusable packaging systems. With more than 25 years of experience, he has driven innovation for leading CPG brands including Clorox, Colgate-Palmolive, Nestlé, and Procter & Gamble. Chris is an inventor with over 40 patents and a long track record of award-winning work in sustainable design. He is also a pioneer in reusable packaging, grounded in decades of hands-on experience bringing scalable solutions to market.

Brodie Vander Dussen is a sustainable packaging strategist focused on helping brands build responsible, future-ready packaging systems. With deep expertise across materials, substrates, and formats, she works across CPG, retail, and circular startups, combining technical insight with practical problem-solving. Brodie is an active voice in the sustainable packaging community through podcasting, education, and industry collaboration, and is a frequent speaker at global events including Paris Packaging Week and the Sustainable Packaging Innovation Forum.

The information presented in this episode is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Any references to recyclability in this episode are provided for general informational purposes only. Actual recyclability depends on local regulations and the availability of appropriate recycling facilities in your area. Please check with your local recycling program to confirm whether specific materials or packaging formats discussed can be recycled where you live.