Goodpack

TheRoRocube

Based in Singapore, with a global network of depots, Goodpack has over 30 years’ expe rience delivering efficient, integrated supply chain solutions via a network of strategically located global depots and fleets of returnable containers. Chief Operating Officer Peet Leong Kok, Goodpack Korea Country Manager Chul Hee Chun, and Regional President, Northeast Asia and Global Business Director Synthetic Rubber Chee Heng Sng discussed Goodpack’s news and operations. A report by Phil Nicholls.

Disruptions to the global supply chain remains a challenge for almost every business. Logistics experts at Goodpack have developed the innovative RoRo Cube which enables customers to side step many of the problems affecting the free movement of global trade.

“We have a partnership with Wallenius Wilhelmsen,” Goodpack Korea Country Manager Chul Hee Chun explained. “They provide us space on their RoRo vessels, we provide them with packaging solutions and transportation equipment. For example, there has been a lot of congestion in US container ports. However, they use their own terminals or contracted terminals which are different from container ship terminals, so once the RoRo vessels arrive , they can quickly release their cargo.”

Goodpack began in Singapore in 1990, focused on logistics for the rubber industry. The company quickly expanded into

a global network of supply chain solutions working across multiple sectors. Recent years were dominated by the Covid pan demic and its impact on businesses. Goodpack showed its agility by shifting supply chains to limit the impact on the business, a successful process which enabled growth to continue throughout the pandemic.

A s a global operation, Goodpack has 350 associates operating across 80 countries with over 5,000 delivery and collection sites spread through six continents. The company deploys over four million return able bulk containers and supports close to seven million deliveries each year.

The RoRo Cube

Goodpack delivers efficient, end-to-end supply chain solutions via this worldwide network of depots. At the heart of this provision for customers lies innovative

container solutions, such as the RoRo Cube The business concept of RoRo Cube was developed alongside Wallenius Wilhelmsen, a global market-leader in RoRo shipping with a fleet of over 130 vessels operating on every ocean.

“We realised that a container would be a good solution for a RoRo vessel,” Regional President, Northeast Asia and Global Business Director, Synthetic Rubber Chee Heng Sng said. “So, we looked at ways to work with Wallenius to find a product offering our customers an alternative to how they’re shipping things today. The result is the product we call the RoRo Cube.”

Headquartered in the heart of southeast Asia, Goodpack began serving the rubber industry. As the company expanded, it became involved in the supply chain for a range of industries. Goodpack containers can be fitted with hygienic food-grade

packaging. This facilitates transport and storage solutions for food and liquid products.

Another sector for Goodpack is the transportation of chemical products, such as inks, paints and resins. The company’s focus on streamlined transport and storage solutions are also applied to the shipping of components and consumer goods around the world, all customers benefitting from digitisation, payload visibility and speed to market.

Bespoke shipping solutions

“Goodpack enjoys a close relationship with CEVA, the biggest automotive logistics com pany,” continued Chief Operating Officer Peet Leong Kok. “We’re working with CEVA in the tyre space, with a programme to

develop TYRECUBE TM to transform the supply chain, using our container as the de facto movement medium for everything from intermediates – like compounds, bladders and tubes – to finished tyres.

“Our close relationship with Goodpack in developing innovative solutions for the tyre industry is a key factor for our tyre subsector growth strategy. Our ability to focus on automation, digitalization, and circular economy concepts are gaining the right momentum,” mentioned David Dudek , global automotive and tyre sector leader for CEVA.”

The development of new transportation options such as the TYRECUBE TM is a cru cial part of Goodpack’s growth strategy.

Goodpack relies upon its close partner ship with the network of third-party

logistics, suppliers, depot operators, trucking companies and freight forwarders. “We think of them as our arms and legs, executing our network,” Mr Kok said.

Sustainable shipping

The company is proud of its sustainability credentials, according to Mr Kok: “Our con tainer solutions have been tested by inde pendent valuers and verification bodies; these containers will last more than 35 years. When compared with a single-use packaging solution, the Goodpack method is definitely much more sustainable in terms of carbon emissions.”

In parallel with the inherent benefits of reusing the containers, often shifting them between industry sectors to meet fluctuations in demand, Goodpack is also investing in eco-friendly improvements within the company. The network of depots is steadily switching over to energy-efficient LED lighting.

From an operational perspective, the greatest challenge facing Goodpack has been the Covid pandemic and the restric tions this imposed on international ship ping. Similar limitations also reduced the opportunities for face-to-face meetings with clients, an important part

of building strong partnerships. As these restrictions are now steadily lifting, Goodpack can return to normal business practices meeting clients and colleagues around the world.

Viewing these signs of the world steadily returning to normal, Mr Kok gave a cau tiously optimistic assessment: “Economically, the world may be in a soft slowdown. We see good growth in food logistics, as people always need to eat. Goodpack is also looking at EV batteries as a growth market, at least in terms of sustainability and the automo tive industry, as announced recently with Wallenius Wilhelmsen. We’re looking into that segment to see how we can be the industry-standard for the supply chain of EV batteries to our automotive customers.”

Alongside this expansion into the distri bution of EV batteries, Goodpack is also investigating how to harness the accumu lated data from seven million voyages annually. Every year, customers demand better service from their logistics partners and Goodpack believes these wealth of data can add value for its customers.

Goodpack continues to enjoy the strategic benefits of its location in Singapore. “This part of the world remains very exciting,” concluded Mr Sng. “China has been a growth engine for us in the region over the better part of ten years as it continues to grow. Goodpack is excited about the future, helped by being so close to China, Japan and Korea. These three countries continue to be at the leading edge of the constant innovation and industrialisation that drives EV technology.” n

Chief Operating Officer Peet Leong Kok