Optimize cooling techniques in the warehouse: Fresh logistics and refrigerated logistics are essential components of modern supply chains

Improving cooling infrastructures: A key to efficiency

Fresh logistics and refrigerated logistics are essential components of modern supply chains, especially when it comes to the transport and storage of temperature-sensitive goods. A well-thought-out energy concept forms the basis for the efficient operation of fresh and cold storage facilities. This concept is crucial for the planning, construction and operation of such facilities. It helps to identify weak points where cold is lost, heat penetrates or energy remains unused.

Suitable for:

• Fresh storage & cold storage optimization: Optimization potential in the warehouse for weak points in the cold chain

Energy optimization in cold storage halls

One of the biggest challenges in fresh produce logistics is the high energy consumption. Over 70% of the energy requirements of a cold storage hall are due to the cooling itself. Added to this is the electricity consumption for lighting and office equipment. To reduce energy consumption, various measures can be taken:

Energy efficient construction

By using modern building materials and techniques, energy consumption can be significantly reduced. This includes well-insulated walls, roofs and floors as well as minimizing thermal bridges at joints and connections.

Renewable energies

The integration of photovoltaic systems to generate your own electricity is an effective way to reduce external electricity purchases. Using waste heat from refrigeration systems can also help save energy.

Efficient building technology

The use of modern, energy-efficient technology such as LED lighting and intelligent control systems can further reduce electricity consumption.

Minimization of transmission losses

Transmission losses occur when cold is lost through structural weak points such as joints, walls or roofs. In order to minimize these losses, careful planning and execution of the construction work is necessary. Serially prefabricated system elements can offer a decisive advantage here, as they are already designed for maximum efficiency in the planning phase.

Reduction of heat input

Heat input into cold storage halls comes from people, lighting, stored goods as well as devices and machines. In order to reduce this, well thought-out space and usage planning is required:

Optimized storage

Strategically arranging goods can help minimize heat input. Products should be stored in such a way that they give off as little heat as possible.

Efficient lighting

The use of LED lights not only reduces power consumption, but also heat generation in the warehouse.

Machines and equipment

The use of energy-efficient machines also helps reduce heat input.

Reduce carbon footprint

An important aspect of modern refrigerated logistics is minimizing the carbon footprint. This can be achieved through various measures:

Natural refrigerants

The use of refrigeration systems with natural refrigerants such as ammonia or CO2 is more environmentally friendly than conventional synthetic refrigerants.

Waste heat utilization

The waste heat from cooling can be used to heat other parts of the building or to prepare hot water.

Photovoltaics

Installing a photovoltaic system to generate your own electricity reduces the need for external electricity and thus also CO2 emissions.

Further optimization of energy efficiency and sustainability

The future of fresh produce logistics lies in the further optimization of energy efficiency and sustainability. New technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things) enable even more precise control of cooling processes. Sensors can provide real-time data that helps further optimize energy consumption.

In addition, the importance of sustainable logistics concepts will continue to increase. Companies are striving to make their supply chains more environmentally friendly to achieve both environmental and economic benefits.

Fresh logistics offers numerous opportunities to improve energy efficiency and sustainability. Through targeted measures, companies can not only save costs, but also make a valuable contribution to environmental protection.

Fresh logistics, i.e. the organization and implementation of all processes that transport fresh food from the producer to the consumer, holds enormous potential for greater sustainability and energy efficiency in the food industry. Given the urgent need to minimize the environmental impact of our consumer behavior, the optimization of these supply chains is increasingly becoming the focus of politics, business and consumers.

Challenges and opportunities in fresh food logistics

The special feature of fresh logistics lies in the handling of perishable goods with a short shelf life. Fruit, vegetables, dairy products, meat and fish place high demands on transport, storage and temperature control to ensure quality and freshness and to avoid food waste.

But this is exactly where the greatest opportunities for more sustainability lie:

Energy efficient transport routes

The choice of means of transport and optimization of route planning play a crucial role. Switching to lower-emission modes of transport such as rail or the use of electric trucks, especially on the last mile, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint.

Intelligent warehousing

Modern warehouses rely on energy-efficient cooling systems, heat recovery and smart control technology to minimize energy consumption.

Packaging optimization

Sustainable packaging solutions made from recyclable materials or biodegradable raw materials reduce resource consumption and protect the environment. Smart packaging with sensors can also monitor the cold chain and extend the shelf life of products.

Avoiding food waste

An optimized logistics chain with consistent refrigeration and precise inventory control minimizes the risk of food loss during transport and storage.

Innovative technologies as drivers of sustainable fresh logistics

Digitalization and the use of innovative technologies open up completely new opportunities for fresh logistics to optimize processes along the entire supply chain and make them more sustainable.

Internet of Things (IoT) and sensors

Smart sensors monitor temperature, humidity and vibration during transport and storage. The data is transmitted in real time to a central platform so that compliance with the cold chain can be monitored at any time and measures can be taken if necessary.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data

AI-based systems analyze massive amounts of data to predict demand, optimize routes and improve inventory. This enables food production and distribution to be more tailored to needs and thus reduces unnecessary transport and food waste.

Blockchain technology

Blockchain technology enables food to be traced seamlessly along the entire supply chain. In this way, the origin, transport conditions and compliance with quality standards can be transparently traced. This strengthens consumer confidence in the safety and sustainability of food production.

The role of consumers

In addition to technological innovations and the optimization of logistical processes, consumers also play an important role in shaping sustainable fresh produce logistics.

Conscious consumption

Buying regional and seasonal products shortens transport routes and supports more environmentally friendly food production.

Acceptance of new technologies

Openness to new technologies such as smart packaging or blockchain-based food tracking paves the way for greater transparency and sustainability in the supply chain.

Willingness to change

Consumers should be willing to adapt their shopping behavior and consider, for example, flexible delivery times or alternative delivery options to increase the efficiency of logistics processes.

The future of fresh produce logistics is green

Fresh logistics faces major challenges, but also enormous opportunities. Through the use of innovative technologies, the optimization of logistical processes and the active participation of consumers, the industry can make an important contribution to a sustainable food supply. The future of fresh produce logistics is green – and it offers enormous potential for companies that are prepared to invest in innovative and sustainable solutions.

Suitable for:

• Fresh logistics / refrigerated logistics: The energy concept forms the basis for the fresh storage / fresh storage and cold storage concept