Optimize cooling techniques in the warehouse: Fresh logistics and refrigerated logistics are essential components of modern supply chains - Image: Xpert.Digital
Energy-saving storage: The future of refrigerated logistics
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.
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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.
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Fresh logistics: A key to sustainable food supply
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.
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