SME Sustainability Story: SkyCell
- dominiquelizarbe
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
As the demand for sustainable logistics and resilient supply chains continues to grow, SkyCell stands out as a pioneer in integrating climate action into its core business strategy. Known for its innovative hybrid containers that safeguard temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals during transport, SkyCell is proving that sustainability and business performance can go hand in hand, even for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in energy-intensive sectors.
Who is SkyCell?
Founded in 2012, SkyCell is a supply chain technology company revolutionizing the pharmaceutical supply chain with temperature-controlled containers and tracking services. Their cutting-edge hybrid containers ensure the safe transport of temperature-sensitive medications, whilst their real-time monitoring solutions provide global visibility to reduce cost, risk and CO2.
"Our vision is to lead the pharma supply chain to achieve zero medicine loss and net zero CO2 emissions"
Setting Science-Based Targets for a Climate-Resilient Future
SkyCell has taken a decisive step forward in its sustainability journey by setting a science-based near-term 1.5°C target for 2030, approved through the streamlined validation route for SMEs. With this commitment, the company pledges to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% from a 2020 baseline, and to measure and reduce Scope 3 emissions. This near-term target aligns SkyCell's emission reduction efforts with climate science and positions the company among a growing network of businesses taking meaningful and measurable climate action.
Recognizing the crucial role that small and medium-sized enterprises play in addressing climate change, SkyCell emphasizes that every effort counts. By aligning with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the company has transformed its operations through:
Driving improvements in Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions calculations
Public reporting by way of their Annual Sustainability Report
These changes in turn strengthened their stakeholder trust, aligned them with their customers' goals, and boosted their credibility overall. Internally, the SBTi target has become a key driver in shaping the company's net-zero roadmap and goal year of 2040, helping to prioritize innovations and operational strategies for emissions reduction.
As a business operating within the air-freight industry, widely considered a hard-to-abate sector, SkyCell has embraced the challenge of thinking boldly and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. This approach has led to a more refined emissions profile, enabling the company to focus its efforts strategically and define a clear path toward achieving net-zero.
Beyond environmental gains, this strategic shift has also unlocked new business opportunities and accelerated organizational growth. Most notably, the expansion of their sustainability team, which has doubled in size over the past year. SkyCell's example demonstrates how ambition and science-driven decision-making can together pave the way for meaningful climate impact and sustainable business growth.
Why SkyCell joined the UN Global Compact
SkyCell joined the UN Global Compact in 2021, driven by the desire to be part of a supportive and forward-looking network that fosters continuous improvement. The network's emphasis on stakeholder exchange, capacity-building trainings, and events has provided SkyCell with valuable insights and tools to strengthen its sustainability journey.
At its core, sustainability is a defining value for SkyCell. The company continuously works to minimize its environmental footprint by developing reusable solutions, such as its hybrid containers and data loggers, and by optimizing operational processes to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
Participation in UN Global Compact initiatives has played a pivotal role in advancing these efforts. Through the Climate Ambition Accelerator, SkyCell significantly improved the precision of its emission calculations, allowing for better prioritization of CO2 reduction strategies and more tangible climate actions.
Additionally, the UN Global Compact has also supported SkyCell in strengthening its governance structures. Updated policies, supplier engagement and targeted trainings have led to a more robust Supplier Code of Conduct, ensuring that sustainability principles extend throughout the value chain. Most recently, SkyCell launched a publicly accessible whistleblower system, further enhancing transparency and accountability across its operations.
By actively engaging with the UN Global Compact's offerings, SkyCell has not only advanced its internal sustainability practices but also reinforced its commitment to responsible business conduct on a global scale.
Advice for other SMEs
For SkyCell, acting on sustainability is not only a responsibility but also a catalyst for innovation and growth. Embedding sustainability into business strategy drives valuable insights, inspires new solutions, and fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
"Engage your team, measure emissions, and think big — great ideas often come from unexpected places!"
The company's advice to other SMEs is clear: just start. Even if the process seems daunting at first, what truly counts is consistent progress, not perfection. Every step forward contributes to building momentum and meaningful impact.
SkyCell also highlights the importance of leveraging supportive networks, such as the UN Global Compact, which offer valuable resources, peer exchange, and expert guidance to help SMEs navigate their sustainability journeys with confidence.
Conclusion
SkyCell's experience demonstrates that sustainability is both an opportunity and a strategic advantage, even in industries facing significant decarbonization challenges. By setting science-based targets, embedding sustainability into operations, and actively engaging with the UN Global Compact, the company is not only reducing emissions but also building long-term resilience and trust.
For other SMEs, SkyCell's message is one of encouragement: start where you are, make progress step by step, and use available networks to guide you forward. With commitment, collaboration and continuous learning, every business, no matter the size, can contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable future. We are excited to see what SkyCell will do next and look forward to supporting them in their future efforts.
If you are an SME and interested in inspiring fellow SMEs with your sustainability success story, do not hesitate to contact our Sustainability Advisor via email: fabio.gfeller@globalcompact.ch.
Disclaimer: The SME Stories are intended strictly for learning purposes and do not constitute an endorsement of the individual companies. Unless otherwise indicated, the content is not intended to reflect the official positions, views or opinions of the UN Global Compact Network Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The case study does not make any assessment of whether the companies presented fully align with the UN Global Compact Ten Principles. The aim is rather to demonstrate the feasibility of sustainability management and to offer SMEs suggestions for their own implementation.
Photo credits: SkyCell AG
