Müller is carrying out trials to see whether solar panels and kinetic energy can be used to power its refrigerated HGV trailers, as an alternative to polluting diesel engines.
They have partnered with solar power company Sunswap to test out delivering fresh milk using trailers that are entirely battery and solar-powered, with 100% of the energy used coming from solar panels.
In addition, they have collaborated with Carrier Traniscold to trial a refrigeration system which is powered by kinetic energy, via a system which converts energy generated by trailer axle and brakes into electricity that can then be stored in a battery pack to power the unit.
Following the trials – with the Sunswap system expected to save 3,700 litres and 9 tonnes of carbon each year by eliminating diesel and that the Carrier e-cool system would eliminate carbon emissions associated with traditional refrigeration units – the brand will consider testing or rolling out the systems throughout their network.
“Customers and shoppers expect us to look for ways to reduce carbon whilst maintaining our industry leading levels of product quality and customer service,” said Müller Milk and Ingredients head of distribution Dan Hamby.
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He continued: “With each trailer capable of transporting 8,000 bottles of milk, we have to maintain the correct temperature and make sure we hit delivery windows to meet our customer obligations. Our approach is to test, learn and introduce innovation which is sustainable and scalabale”.
“We are unique in that the vast majority of our logistics operations are in-house, giving us the ability to work with our customers, and throughout the supply, to find the right solutions. As we look to deliver a better dairy future, we will continually innovate to reduce our impact.”
Sunswap CEO Michael Lowe added: “We started Sunswap, the world’s only purpose-built battery and solar-powered refrigeration system to support forward-thinking innovative distributors such as Muller to decarbonise their supply chain and reduce their energy costs.”
“ We’re thrilled to complete yet another successful trial ahead of entering production and our units entering service at the beginning of 2024.”
Carrier Taniscold managing director Scott Dargan added that the team “looked forward” to working closely with Muller on ecool and said they were “proud” to “lead the way when it came to decarbonising the supply chain”.
