2022 was another challenging year for the global Dangerous Goods (DG) supply chain. As the leading solution provider to the DG industry, Labelmaster is committed to keeping the market informed on the latest trends, challenges, regulations and best practices to help organizations maintain safe and compliant supply chains. Here are some of the top insights we saw in 2022 that helped shape the industry in 2023 and beyond.

Technology

• Occupational Health & Safety: Why Dangerous Goods Automation is Critical in Today’s Supply Chain: Most modern supply chains automate at least a portion of their processes with TMS, ERP, WMS or OMS platforms. But without true DG automation, they may be operating at a competitive disadvantage.

• Air Cargo Week: Dangerous Goods Transport Survey Reveals Challenges: A global survey of DG pros highlighted the need for greater process consistency, increased automation and more reliable data to facilitate the safe and secure transport of DG.

• Supply & Demand Chain Executive: Driving Supply Chain Automation: Automating DG management can help organizations gain efficiencies and fill gaps when short staffed or up again supply constraints that impact productivity.  

Packaging

• Chemical Engineering: Reusable Shipping Container for Hazardous Materials: The Capsuloc™ hazmat shipping container for transporting flammable liquids provides a lighter, safer, and more convenient alternative to traditional metal “paint can” secondary containment packaging.

• Reverse Logistics: Navigating the Rise in Reverse Logistics: The rapid growth of ecommerce has brought with it an increase in reverse logistics activity, which can be challenging for retailers, manufacturers and consumers shipping DG.

• Pharmaceutical Commerce: Dealing with Dangerous Goods: The packaging and shipping of hazardous goods has added further challenges to the distribution pressures affecting pharmaceutical companies.

Lithium Batteries

• EV Magazine: EV Market Growth Brings Lithium Battery Transport Challenges: The growing electric vehicle market has brought with it several supply chain challenges when it comes transporting large format lithium batteries, especially those that are damaged, defective or recalled.

• Supply & Demand Chain Executive: Managing Electronics Returns: The growth of e-commerce has brought with it an increase in sales (and returns) of electronics that contain hazardous components, including lithium batteries. Here’s why having a well-defined and compliant reverse logistics process in place is critical. 

Training

• SupplyChainBrain: Embracing Digital Hazmat Training: Effective training is critical in ensuring the safe and compliant shipping and handling of DG. Unfortunately, many organizations’ DG training is insufficient and ineffective.

• Industrial Supply: Warehouse Solutions: Ongoing supply chain and labor issues continue to cause delays and frustration for many distributors, but there’s a range of solutions available to help warehouse facilities and distribution centers operate more efficiently.

In 2023 it will be crucial for businesses to stay on top of the latest DG trends, challenges and regulations, and proactively take steps to ensure safe and compliant supply chain operations. To help you stay ahead of the curve, Labelmaster will continue to keep you informed on the latest industry news and best practices and provide best-in-class technology, packaging, processes and training to help you navigate the complex and ever-changing world of DG shipping.