The 2026 Logistics Forecast highlights a harsh truth for supply chain managers: relying on past weather patterns is becoming increasingly risky.
While the trade disruptions of 2025 felt like a rollercoaster, data indicate we are entering an era of more frequent and severe climate extremes. We are not just facing “bad weather”, we are facing Extreme Weather Swings, fast shifts between massive rainfall and scorching heatwaves.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), there is now an “80% likelihood” that global temperatures will exceed critical thresholds in the coming years. The organization explicitly warns that “record-breaking rainfall and flooding events… are unfortunately our new reality” (World Meteorological Organization, 2024).
At PT Indo Cali Plast, we take these warnings seriously. We do not try to predict the weather, instead, we focus entirely on developing packaging that withstands its unpredictability. This leads us to a crucial question:
Is your packaging designed to withstand the unpredictable weather of 2026, or does it rely on stable conditions that no longer exist?
Most exporters are entering 2026 with “Static Packaging”, cardboard boxes or standard sacks designed for stable weather conditions. Here is why that approach creates a critical gap in your supply chain security, and how switching to Adaptive Packaging closes it.
The “Sponge” vs. The “Sauna”: Key Risks in the 2026 Logistics Forecast
In 2026, your cargo may encounter two severe weather extremes during a single shipment. Standard packaging often fails because it cannot adapt, either it becomes soggy and weak in heavy rain, or it overheats and traps moisture in intense heat. This limits its ability to protect your goods effectively in today’s unpredictable climate.
Scenario 1: The “Sponge” Effect (When it Rains)
Imagine your container gets hit by heavy rain or a sudden spike in humidity at the port. If you are using cardboard, you are not just protecting your goods, you are essentially wrapping them in a sponge.
Cardboard naturally absorbs moisture from the air. A corrugated box can lose half or more of its stacking strength when humidity rises, causing the stack to collapse
The Reality Check: As the material gets wet, it loses its strength. The bottom box is not just damp, it can no longer support the weight of the boxes above it. The stack collapses, crushing the valuable produce inside. When you open the container, you find a chaotic mess of damaged. This is a direct loss to your bottom line.
Scenario 2: The “Sauna” Effect (When Heat Strikes)
Now, imagine the rain stops and extreme heat sets in, or your shipment crosses the equator. If you switched to standard sealed sacks (woven bags) to keep water out, you face a different risk.
Commodities such as onions, potatoes, and coconuts are alive. They breathe and release heat. In a standard sealed sack, that heat is trapped inside.
The Reality Check: The heat generated by the produce cannot escape. This creates a “Sauna Effect.” Without proper ventilation, trapped heat and gases accelerate the spoilage process. This lack of airflow creates ideal conditions for mold growth, a fact confirmed by post-harvest guidelines (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2024).
The Economic Reality: The Cost of Static Packaging
Many exporters choose cardboard or standard sacks because the upfront cost seems slightly lower. But the real cost of packaging is not the price per unit. It is the cost of potential failure.
Rejection Costs: Buyers in premium markets have strict standards regarding mold or crushed goods. A rejected container means you lose the cargo value and may be required to pay disposal fees.
Reputation Risk: In global trade, reliability is your biggest asset. If your shipment fails the “Stress Test” of bad weather, buyers may switch to a supplier who can guarantee safe arrival.
Adaptation is not an expense, it is insurance for your reputation.
The Adaptive Choice: Why Leno Mesh Works
To survive 2026, you do not need “stronger” cardboard. You need intelligent design, backed by materials that resist water and maintain airflow.
This is the design principle behind Leno Mesh, developed by PT Indo Cali Plast. It is the only Adaptive Packaging option designed for uncertainty.
Acts like a Shield (Water-Resistant): Unlike cardboard, Leno Mesh repels water rather than absorbing it. High humidity or condensation does not compromise its performance. The material does not absorb moisture, allowing it to retain strength in both dry and wet conditions.
Acts like breathable skin (360° Airflow): When the heatwave hits, Leno Mesh releases heat instead of trapping it. Continuous airflow keeps produce cool and dry, effectively eliminating the “Sauna Effect” and helping preserve freshness for longer.
Conclusion
The 2026 logistics forecast is clear: unpredictable weather is the new normal. You cannot control the storms or the heat. But you can control the choice of your packaging. Will your Packaging survive the crazy weather in 2026? Switch static to an adaptive strategy, and stop putting your cargo at risk.
