Queensland-based sustainable packaging innovator TomKat Koolpack is set to expand its footprint across Southeast Asia through a strategic partnership with Segi Fresh, a leading Malaysian fresh food retailer and distributor.
The collaboration comes as part of an investment agreement between Segi Fresh and agrifood technology investor Mandalay Venture Partners, which has positioned TomKat’s cutting-edge cold-chain packaging solution at the forefront of sustainable logistics in the region.
As Segi Fresh works to integrate technology-driven efficiencies across its supply chain, the adoption of TomKat’s NFC-enabled thermal containers marks an important step toward reducing reliance on polystyrene and ice in fresh food distribution.
With more than 100 retail outlets and an ambitious expansion plan to 200 stores by 2025, Segi Fresh is prioritising sustainability and supply chain optimisation — key drivers that align with TomKat’s mission to replace single-use packaging with durable, reusable, and trackable cold-chain solutions.
[Hear more about the TomKat KoolPack story on the PKN Podcast, Ep 101.]
Co-founder Tom Long views the partnership as a pivotal moment for TomKat: “Our mission has always been to provide a sustainable, high-performance alternative to traditional cold-chain packaging. By working with Segi Fresh, we’re not only reducing waste in the supply chain but also ensuring fresher, higher-quality food reaches consumers across Malaysia and beyond.”
The integration of TomKat’s Koolpack into Segi Fresh’s logistics network means better temperature control, extended shelf life for fresh produce, and a major reduction in environmental impact — key concerns for retailers looking to enhance their sustainability credentials.
This collaboration is part of a larger effort by Mandalay Venture Partners to embed agritech innovations into Segi Fresh’s supply chain, leveraging Australia’s strong food trade relationship with Malaysia. The investment fund has been actively backing early-stage food and supply chain technologies, and TomKat’s inclusion signals its potential to transform cold-chain logistics on a broader scale.
Mandalay managing partner Mark Gustowski emphasised the significance of this partnership: “With our mission to sustainably feed the world’s growing population, we couldn’t think of a better partner than Segi Fresh to fulfil that mission. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to reducing waste, optimising logistics, and increasing sustainability in fresh food supply chains.”
For Segi Fresh, investing in next-generation packaging solutions like TomKat Koolpack is about more than just logistics — it’s about driving efficiencies from farm to retail shelves. Segi Fresh director Tan Hon Yik said, “Identifying and embedding leading technology solutions has the ability to create higher yield for our supply chain, provide efficiencies for our own operations while scouting for the latest tech globally.”
For TomKat, this marks a major milestone in international expansion, following its recent decision to relocate manufacturing to Chon Buri, Thailand. The move positioned the company closer to key materials suppliers and Southeast Asian markets, and the Segi Fresh collaboration accelerates TomKat’s presence in the region.
With Malaysia’s extensive fresh food distribution network and a growing consumer demand for sustainably sourced and transported goods, TomKat’s durable, reusable, and blockchain-traceable packaging offers a future-proof alternative to outdated, wasteful methods.
As the partnership unfolds, TomKat Koolpack is poised to play a critical role in reshaping cold-chain logistics in Southeast Asia.
