We manage cargo of any size, shape, or weight, ensuring it reaches its destination safely, whether it’s refrigerated, pharmaceutical, or hazardous. As part of our commitment to keeping our clients informed about industry advancements, we want to share exciting developments in material science—particularly new aerospace and building materials discovered by EU-funded researchers that can repair themselves using fungi and bacteria. These “living materials” have the potential to revolutionize various industries, including logistics.

The Future of Logistics: Potential Impact of Self-Healing Materials

Imagine a future where the containers and infrastructure involved in logistics can automatically repair themselves when damaged. While Breitto isn’t currently incorporating these materials into our logistics solutions, we believe it’s important to explore how such innovations, spearheaded by researchers like Dr. Kunal Masania at Delft University of Technology and Dr. Anna Sandak at the University of Primorska, could reshape the logistics landscape.

Global Impact of Material Damage in Logistics

Material damage is a significant concern in the logistics industry. According to industry reports, logistics companies worldwide spend billions of dollars each year repairing or replacing damaged goods and infrastructure. For example, in 2020 alone, it was estimated that damages and losses in the global supply chain cost companies over $1.5 trillion. These costs include not only the repair or replacement of damaged goods but also the associated downtime, lost revenue, and additional labor costs. Self-healing materials could one day lead to more durable and resilient logistics infrastructure, potentially reducing these expenses significantly by minimizing the need for frequent repairs and extending the lifespan of essential equipment.

Sustainability in Logistics: A Glimpse into the Future

These living materials, which are environmentally friendly and capable of self-repair, could play a crucial role in making logistics more sustainable. Dr. Masania’s work on incorporating fungi into aerospace materials and Dr. Sandak’s development of bio-based building skins illustrate how such innovations might be used to reduce waste in the logistics industry. Although this technology is still in its early stages, its potential to lower the environmental impact of logistics operations is something we at Breitto find particularly intriguing.

Keeping an Eye on Innovation

While the development of self-healing materials is still ongoing, we are closely monitoring these advancements. Understanding how such innovations might influence the logistics industry allows us to anticipate future trends and better serve our clients. As these materials continue to evolve, they could offer new opportunities for making logistics operations more efficient and sustainable.

*This article is based on research and information published by the European Research Council, as detailed in an article on the Horizon Magazine website.

*For more details, you can read the full article (https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/horizon-magazine/new-aerospace-and-building-materials-could-repair-themselves-thanks-fungi-and-bacteria ).