3 sustainable cold chain trends that impact your customer’s sales decisions

Nature, a leading scientific journal, noticed that in early 2020, C02 emissions dropped significantly for the first time in decades. Unfortunately, by early 2021, emissions were back on pre-2020 levels.

Everyone in the industry understands that sustainable innovations are necessary. A recent Gartner report indicates that 84% of all supply chain leaders plan to invest in climate adaption technology in the next 1.5 years.

Here are 3 sustainable technologies that Thermo King is using.

1. Biofuels: HVO Diesel

Early tests with 1st generation biofuel were disappointing. In 2012, The Guardian uncovered that biofuels were reducing far less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than promised. Fortunately, additional R&D by companies like Neste led to a new biofuel: HVO Diesel.

Benefits of HVO Diesel:

• Reduce GHG emissions
  by up to 90% (!)
• No loss in performance
  and similar maintenance interval compared to traditional fuel*
• Can be mixed with regular diesel
  Ideal for cross-country traffic into countries that don’t provide HVO diesel**

More than a few Thermo King units are compatible with HVO Diesel. Our SLXi, A-Series, T-Series, and UT-Series can be powered by this more sustainable fuel source.

2. Solar panels

Thermo King has been leading the way in solar panel technology with ThermoLite™ panels. This sustainable power management solution will increase battery life of a refrigeration unit while reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. And so, you’re helping to meet the sustainability goals of your customers.

Benefits of solar panels:

• Increase battery life***
  and prevent loss of power
• Reduce fuel consumption
  by 23%***
• Decrease CO2 emissions
  by 560 kg per unit, per year***

3. Fleet electrification

An even more effective way for your customer to reduce its impact on the environment is to join the electrification wave.

We’ve been working – with our partners – on this technology. Let us introduce you to the Thermo King x Mercedes Benz eSprinter. In early February 2021, we revealed the encouraging results of the field tests we conducted with the zero-emission eSprinter.

The Mercedes eSprinter comes equipped with our electric E-200 units. And with its low emission, it’ll be perfect for last-mile deliveries of pharmaceuticals and fresh produce.