ISSN 2412-7779 REGULARS

INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN

10 Continued on

VOL . 36 - NO . 4 | JULY / AUGUST 2022

16 20 33

NEWS

5 Transport and logistics sector bounces back despite April setbacks 6 Warning issued : truck hijackings soar 7 Green light on more IPP ’ s 7 Gifting an underbar to a worthy establishment 8 Refrigerated transport enabled to take a load off 9 Supply chain planning for unexpected changes

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

10 Worlds biggest port returning to normal

PROJECT

1 , 16 Focus on excellence rewards

FEATURES

20 FRIGAIR 2022 : a review

Department of Health ' s

Coronavirus Hotline Number :

Monday - Friday : 8am - 4pm

Cold Link Africa Online

Cold Link Africa

ColdLinkAfrica

Climate change is affecting every country on every continent . It is disrupting national economies and affecting lives . Weather patterns are changing , sea levels are rising , and weather events are becoming more extreme .”

This was one of the statements made when the United Nations sustainable development goals were created in 2015 . Since then , the effects of climate change have become evident around the world – and South Africa has not been spared , with several abnormal conditions of nature coming about over recent years – from extreme heat and cold spells , to droughts , and more recently , excessive rains .

This , along with other local and international factors has some economists phrasing the current environment in the country as ‘ the perfect storm ’. For those that are not familiar with this saying – it refers to an especially bad situation caused by a combination of unfavourable circumstances . To top the climate factor that is directly linked to food security , we are amidst a lot of challenges from energy generation / stability to political influence , currency fluctuations , record fuel prices , general supply chain failures , port problems , and global leaders urging more – and faster action .

All of these elements have a heavy weight towards the success of the cold chain . Each influence separately has the ability to cause massive disruption , let alone a combination of them . One particular element of concern for the industry at large in terms of climate change action relates to the forced phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons ( HFCs ) that has been ongoing for some

years now and has reached the point where hydrochlorofluorocarbons ( HCFCs ), as replacements for HFCs , are now on the agenda to be subject to a phaseout schedule too .

One has to ponder the several questions around our particular status quo , and how we will simultaneously manage the phaseout of HFCs and HCFCs , as well as the tracking and reporting of our refrigerant use in general . One thing that the industry needs to be mindful of is the fact that once we have reached certain dates in the phasedown schedule , what is in the country at that particular time is what we get to work with , forever – for example R22 that is reportedly still widely used in the industry . If an adequate plan is not reached in terms of recovery and recycling – the direct impact will be that all of those systems using old refrigerants will essentially have to be replaced ( or modified where possible ).

Some serious discussions and actions will soon be required by many industry stakeholders where the organisations that will be affected most are those that have not been keeping up with essential changes or putting critical upgrades off . These are ( for the most part ) your clients and require guidance , at least . These discussions and actions will also take into account other related factors such as disposable cans that have been an agenda item with government for years too , and in fact , the DFFE is currently investigating the feasibility of these units that are questionably another vessel-type for illegal trade . Much to think about related to action , and so little space on a page …

In this issue we cover various local and international news of interest . We cover some association updates and look at what is happening within these operations . We have several contributions above our regular contributors and I hope that you are finding value in this information – I welcome your comments . If you are interested in being a regular contributor , please feel free to let me know – you have the knowledge and we have the channels to tell the world .

Our project case study in this issue is a little different and looks at the success of what has been dubbed “ the best table grape grower and packer in the world ,” according to renowned table grape expert Oscar Salgado . They have achieved this status through their impeccable quality and production processes , where even the smallest details are top of mind and all the staff live the philosophy of quality as a team .

This issue is furthermore the home of the FRIGAIR 2022 review . We are highlighting this event that has been equally compared to the best in the world as a high-level summary ( because we hope you were one of the many thousands to attend in-person ) with a lot of pictures of the exhibitors , speakers , SAIRAC past -president recognition award and general photos that made this years experience great ! In future issues you can look out for all of the technology , products and services that were showcased . Photo galleries will be set up in future as well so that you can also see all of the thousands of photos taken !

This month ’ s quote is one that can be linked to many aspects in reaching a goal and is

EDITOR ’ S COLUMN

particularly relevant under the circumstances of the changes we need to see .

“ Dreams don ' t work unless you take action . The surest way to make your dreams come true is to live them .” ― Roy T . Bennett

As always , I welcome you to get in contact with me to keep Cold Link Africa top notch and worldclass . This publication is all for you , so please do let me know what you think , or , your suggestions for articles that will add value for the industry or some better insights !

Have a wonderful month ahead … CLA

Ben

Please contact me via any of the following channels : Email : benjamin @ interactmedia . co . za Office : + 27 11 579 4940 Cell : + 27 82 940 0701 ( Call / Text / WhatsApp )