Sustainable refrigeration with Sunswap
Refrigeration technology specialist Sunswap has explained how its solutions can assist in ensuring operators’ transition to greener vehicles isn’t undermined by the impact of transport refrigeration units (TRUs).
“These units are powered by ageing diesel engines, emitting up to 12 tonnes of CO2 annually,” said Sunswap.
“This contributes 2-4 per cent of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions associated with food refrigeration. Why does this matter? It undermines existing efforts to reduce vehicle emissions and stands in the way of the urgent challenge of climate change.
“We can address this challenge and keep our deliveries cool without compromising our commitment to a low-carbon future.”
Sunswap’s team, based in Leatherhead, Surrey, has created a purpose-built fully-electric transport refrigeration unit, powered by an onboard battery and solar panels on the roof of the trailer, which it says is ready to roll out onto British roads this year.
“The solar panels allow operators to run with zero-emissions while harnessing the free power of the sun, effectively turning trucks into mini renewable power stations on our roads,” said the company.
“Sunswap has already proven the potential to change the logistics industry through over 20 successful trials with major players such as Tesco, Muller, and leading transport operators. With nine customers already on-board including logistics giant DFDS and British food manufacturer Samworth Brothers, there is real potential to shift the needle on emissions from transport refrigeration.”
Adopting sustainable refrigeration can lead to substantial environmental benefits and cost savings for the logistics industry, the company points out.
“By replacing just one diesel-powered TRU with a Sunswap unit can remove 12 tonnes of tailpipe CO2, 115kg of NOx, and 5,400 litres of diesel annually,” it added.
“Sunswap’s Endurance technology has proven its reliability and readiness for widespread adoption through successful trials with major industry players.”
Brian Sagaseta, managing director of Chiltern Distribution, commented: “We were hugely impressed by Sunswap’s Endurance technology during testing. Beyond the sustainability gains, it proved incredibly easy to integrate into normal operations right away without workflow adjustments.”
Sunswap highlights the potential benefits of widespread adoption, suggesting that a medium-sized fleet could eliminate 48,000 tonnes of tailpipe CO2 and 21.6 million litres of diesel over the lifetime of the units – the equivalent of removing around 1,000 passenger cars from the road each year.
The company added: “Transport managers have the power to drive this change and leave a lasting legacy of positive impact. By incorporating zero-emission refrigeration into your fleets, you can set a new standard for sustainability in the cold chain logistics industry, demonstrating that the transportation sector can be a powerful force, and build a legacy for the low-carbon future.”
