Roof mounted solar panels will work alongside Sunswap’s battery system to power the trailers’ onboard refrigeration units in a move that will eliminate about 24 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from Birds Eye’s supply chain. Solar energy will provide 80% of the power needed to power the units.
The new trailers will be predominantly used to transport Birds Eye products from its Lowestoft factory to its distribution hub at Wisbech.
High standards
Shaun Smith, general manager of Birds Eye UK&IE, said: “Sunswap’s proven electric technology enables us to maintain the highest standards of temperature-controlled transport while helping reduce our carbon emissions.
“It’s fitting that the technology we’re now using to support the running of these trailers uses the same sun that ripens our peas to perfection in the field, keeping our products frozen at their peak as they start their journey to millions of UK homes.”
The manufacturer’s partnership with Sunswap is the latest in a string of sustainability initiatives within its operations to reduce carbon emissions across its value chain.
Industry movement
It also reflects a broader industry movement toward a more sustainable cold chain, with both organisations participating in the ‘Move to -15°C coalition’ – a movement to reduce energy consumption in frozen food transport and storage through optimised temperature management.
Sunswap CEO Michael Lowe added: “This collaboration with an industry food leader like Birds Eye confirms that our British-engineered and manufactured system not only matches the performance and reliability needed for temperature-critical food transport but goes further by reducing direct emissions and helping cut operating costs.”
Birds Eye, owned by Nomad Foods, is comprised of the Birds Eye, Goodfella’s and Aunt Bessie’s brands.
Meanwhile, earlier this year, Dawn Meats invested €1.5m (£1.27m) in a new solar panel project at its Grannagh, County Waterford production site.
