Bringing the Physical Internet to life

Wednesday, February 19th, 2025

On 18 February 2025, logistics and supply chain experts gathered at the P&G Innovation Center in Brussels for the final event of two ambitious research and innovation projects: PILL (Physical Internet Living Labs) and SYTADEL (Synchromodal Prototype for Data Sharing and Planning). These Flemish initiatives have demonstrated how advanced data sharing ecosystems, innovative technologies, and collaborative frameworks can transform logistics into a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable system.

PILL and SYTADEL: advancing the Physical Internet and synchromodality

Both projects focus on addressing key challenges in logistics and supply chain management:

PILL, a collaboration led by imec, VUB, and VIL, has developed a blueprint for the Physical Internet (PI), including a software stack that supports PI network applications. This provides a foundation for companies looking to develop PI-based logistics solutions.
SYTADEL, driven by imec, the University of Antwerp, Vlerick Business School, and VIL, has worked to establish a Flemish data space for logistics, with a focus on synchromodal transport – optimising logistics operations by dynamically selecting and integrating transport modes.

Together, these projects have laid the ground for an interconnected and intelligent logistics ecosystem, opening up new opportunities for efficiency, flexibility and decarbonisation.

Key takeaways from the event

The Flemish vision for logistics innovation: Kris Neyens (VIL) outlined the region’s roadmap towards the Physical Internet, emphasising the importance of collaboration, digitalisation, and interoperability in building a next-generation logistics infrastructure.
Innovations in logistics and data spaces: Presentations by imec experts Birger Schrevens and Dries Van Bever provided insights into the technical advances and practical applications of PILL and SYTADEL, showcasing their joint proof of concept.
Industry perspectives on synchromodal networks: A panel discussion, moderated by Dirk Staelens (VIL), brought together leading industry voices from ArcelorMittal, The Flemish Waterway, BCTN, P&G, and Nike, who shared their perspectives on the value drivers of synchromodal logistics. They highlighted how dynamic transport planning, increased intermodality, and digital platforms are transforming logistics networks.

Spotlight on innovation: ALICE’s contributions

ALICE played a role in the event, with contributions from:

Sergio Barbarino (P&G and ALICE Vice-Chair), introduced the P&G Innovation Center, highlighting new service and product innovations such as AELER containers, SMARTBOX, and multiretailer/multimanufacturer logistics networks. He also pointed out how the Physical Internet aligns with ALICE’s Roadmap Towards Zero Emissions Logistics 2050.
Fernando Liesa (ALICE Secretary General), who delivered a compelling keynote on the future of synchromodality and the Physical Internet, stressing the need for collaborative sentiment, standardisation, and seamless asset sharing to accelerate the transition towards a more decarbonised and resilient logistics system. (Roadmap to Physical Internet 2030-2040)
Andreea Calin (ALICE Senior Innovation Manager), presented the AUTOMOTIF project, focusing on automation in multimodal transport to enhance efficiency and sustainability in freight logistics.

Two interactive breakout sessions allowed participants to explore the technical and business aspects of synchromodal logistics and the Physical Internet:

Technical focus: Experts presented the PI blueprint, demonstrated dynamic policies in a logistics data space, and discussed identity verification for PI networks.
Business & governance focus: Researchers examined trust in the Physical Internet, governance models for data spaces, and business case visualisations for synchromodality.

The event concluded with a session by VIL, outlining practical steps for industry players, technology providers, and policymakers to leverage the findings from PILL and SYTADEL and translate them into real-world applications.

The discussions at the event reaffirmed that synchromodal transport and the Physical Internet are no longer just theoretical concepts. They are becoming a reality. However, achieving widespread adoption will require:

Greater industry collaboration to break down silos and enable shared logistics networks.
Clear governance and regulatory frameworks to build trust in data exchange.
Scalable solutions that integrate digital platforms, automation, and intermodal transport.

ALICE remains at the forefront of this transition, driving collaborative innovation through its Physical Internet Roadmap and initiatives such as ALICE EXPRESS, which facilitates shipper collaboration to scale up intermodal transport solutions.

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