Joel Wayment: Rethinking Waste in the Cold Chain

In the second part of his interview with Pharmaceutical Commerce ahead of Asembia AXS26, Joel Wayment, VP and general manager of 3PL Services and Packaging Solutions at Cardinal Health, turns to a less visible issue in pharma supply chains: the amount of waste generated through cold chain shipping. While the industry has made strides in using recyclable materials, some components, like gel packs and insulated containers, are still designed for one-time use. It’s a challenge that goes beyond surface-level sustainability efforts.

Wayment points to a more practical next step: shifting from recyclable to reusable. Newer shipping models allow the same containers to be used multiple times, helping reduce waste while also lowering costs for manufacturers and logistics partners. It’s a straightforward change that can make a meaningful difference at scale.

He also highlights opportunities to repurpose materials that can’t be reused within pharmaceutical distribution. By working with community organizations, such as food delivery programs or local schools, companies can redirect items like gel packs to places where they’re still useful. In doing so, supply chains can reduce disposal while also supporting communities, showing that small operational changes can have a broader impact.

Watch the first part of Wayment’s interview with PC:

1. Asembia AXS26: What the Rise in CGTs Means for the Supply Chain