Distrifresh deploys electrically driven cooling trailers
Distrifresh, a subsidiary of Vion Food Group, recently purchased two trailers with electrically driven cooling motors it says are 100% emissions-free as part of its mission to make logistics processes more sustainable.
The Netherlands-based company, which specializes in the storage and distribution of chilled food products, planned to put the two “innovative” cooling trailers into service in July.
“The use of cooling trailers with 100% electrically driven cooling motors is unique in the Netherlands,” said Leon Cuypers, supply chain director for Vion Pork. “There are only a few companies which use them. We decided to take this step now. Using these trailers puts us at the forefront of developments in respect of new emission legislation and cleaner inner-city deliveries.
“The use of 100% electrically cooled trailers by Distrifresh is consistent with Vion’s corporate social responsibility policy.”
The cooling motors of the trailers are driven electrically, which means the trailers do not consume any diesel, Distrifresh said. This makes the trailer 100% emissions-free, without any release of CO₂, soot or particulates. The electricity needed for cooling comes from reclaimed braking energy. As soon as the trailer slows down, the special axle absorbs energy. The more the cooling trailer slows down, the more energy is absorbed.
As no diesel is used, Distrifresh estimates it is saving approximately 30 liters (7.9 gallons) of diesel per trailer every day. Additionally, the trailer is quieter because electrically cooled trailers produce relatively low amounts noise.
“The new cooling trailers represent a first step toward a more sustainable logistics process,” Cuypers said. “We will monitor the performance of the trailers closely to determine whether we can extend the number of electrically cooled trailers in the coming years.”
