Tokyo (SCCIJ) – The Swiss start-up Aeler based in the canton of Vaud is disrupting the global shipping industry by innovating the standard container. The cutting-edge technology is set to increase the sustainability of the logistics industry.
Aeler Technologies from Switzerland plans to transport goods valued at 350 million francs in the current year (© AELER Technologies).
Upgraded containers
The shipping container is the building block of the globalized economy. 80% of the world’s goods transit through a container. Yet they haven’t changed in 60 years with many businesses having to fit inside this box. By upgrading the container with new technologies and services, Aeler is impacting the whole of logistics.
Traditional containers were fraught with inefficiencies: outdated space utilization, needing more advanced tracking capabilities, and not meeting current sustainability standards.
Aeler’s containers are designed to be stronger, insulated, intelligent, and more durable, offering a higher payload and catering to a wide range of industries.
They are particularly adept at transporting bulk liquids, temperature-sensitive goods, and high-value-added goods, such as electronics and raw materials for consumer goods production. “We’re reinventing the container so that it adapts to your needs. Not the other way round,” the company states.
Model “Unit One”
The unveiling of a prototype in November 2018 marked a significant milestone. After a positive response from the industry, Aeler deployed its latest model, Unit One, which represents a paradigm shift in shipping technology. Made with advanced composite materials, it offers increased cargo capacity and significantly reduces CO2 emissions by up to 20%
Moreover, the Control Tower platform, utilizing sensors and Internet of Things technology, has transformed logistics operations by providing real-time insights into the container’s status, offering transparency and efficiency previously unheard of in maritime logistics. This innovation not only meets the modern demands of logistics but also aligns with the urgent need for sustainability in the sector.
Twelve global partners
Last year, Aeler signed Procter & Gamble, a global leader in container goods, as a long-term customer. In 2024, the Swiss start-up which is located at the Innovation Park of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne expanded its network of partners to 11 globally, including a strategic partnership with Leman SA, a Scandinavian logistics provider.
The depot network has grown rapidly, expanding to over 80 depots worldwide to meet increasing customer demands. Aeler plans to add 50 more depots by the end of June 2024. To support its ambitious growth plans and meet the rising demand, the Swiss young company is in the process of raising 20 to 25 million francs in a Series A financing round.
Text: GGBA and Aeler Technologies (Editing by SCCIJ)
