Integrated Pharmaceutical Eco-Lanes (IPEL) Project Officially Launched at Pharma Logistics Summit in Barcelona

The GDP-UCI (Good Distribution Practice - Universal Compliance Initiative) was pleased to announce the official launch of the Integrated Pharmaceutical Eco-Lanes (IPEL) project at a prestigious Pharma Logistics Summit held at the Port of Barcelona on 11 October 2024.

Hosted by the Barcelona Port Authority (APB) alongside the 37th America’s Cup, the one-day event featured industry leaders discussing the potential impact of the IPEL project and the critical role that ports play in the future of sustainable pharma logistics.

The Pharma-Logistics Summit in Barcelona was a highly interactive event. The GDP-UCI IPEL project is prioritising low-carbon intermodal solutions for the transport and distribution of medicines and vaccines.

A Significant Moment for Sustainable Pharma Logistics

The IPEL project is focused on creating certified intermodal freight lanes that are GDP-compliant and environmentally sustainable. Summit attendees learned about two planned IPEL pilot exercises — one linking Barcelona with Poznań in Poland and the other connecting Budapest in Hungary with the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. These ‘proof-of-concept’ field pilots will demonstrate the potential of intermodal freight lanes to significantly reduce carbon emissions while maintaining strict Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards.

Alan Kennedy, Executive Director of GDP-UCI, stated at the event: “The IPEL project marks a pivotal moment for pharmaceutical logistics. To achieve the sector’s sustainability goals, it’s crucial for pharmaceutical companies and their supply-chain partners to come together in support of this initiative. Only through collaboration can we create eco-friendly transportation solutions that meet strict GDP standards while improving supply chain efficiency.”

Key benefits of IPEL include sustainable logistics solutions wherever possible, prioritising rail, sea, and waterways to significantly cut carbon emissions compared to road and air transport; full GDP compliance across all eco-lanes; and cost-efficient shipments through the economies of scale available from aggregated volumes and shared transportation.

Speaking on behalf of the Port, Olga Salvador, Reefer Manager of the Container Division, said: “We are proud to be part of this groundbreaking project that closely aligns with our commitment to sustainability and innovation in logistics. The IPEL project not only reduces the environmental impact of transporting pharmaceuticals but also strengthens Barcelona’s position as a key pharmaceutical logistics hub in Southern Europe.”

Interested parties are invited to contact GDP-UCI at IPEL@GDP-UCI.org for further information.

About GDP-UCI

The Good Distribution Practice - Universal Compliance Initiative (GDP-UCI) is an independent, subscription-based, membership organisation committed to improving Good Distribution Practice in the pharmaceutical industry. Through the IPEL project, GDP-UCI is pioneering sustainable solutions for the transportation of medicines and vaccines.

About Port of Barcelona

The Port of Barcelona is a leading logistics hub for the pharmaceutical industry in Spain and across Southern Europe. It features state-of-the-art facilities for temperature-sensitive products, offering cold storage, specialised customs clearance, and strong intermodal connections. Its strategic location ensures quick access to key European markets, making it a vital link in the pharmaceutical supply chain and ensuring compliance with international regulations.

Source: GDP-UCI