Müller Milk & Ingredients explores zero-emission technologies for refrigerated HGVs.
- In collaboration with Sunswap, Müller trials solar and battery-powered refrigeration systems.
- Müller partners with Carrier Transicold to test kinetic energy-powered refrigeration.
- Trial aims to maintain over 99% quality and service levels with these innovations.
- Potential carbon savings of nine tonnes per year per trailer with solar-battery system.
Müller Milk & Ingredients is actively exploring sustainable innovations to reduce the carbon footprint of its heavy goods vehicle (HGV) fleet. By collaborating with Sunswap, the company is trialling solar panels and battery-powered systems to operate its refrigerated trailers. This approach seeks to replace traditional diesel-powered refrigeration, providing a cleaner alternative that utilises free, clean energy captured by solar panels.
Another part of the trial involves a partnership with Carrier Transicold to explore kinetic energy solutions. The Vector eCool refrigeration system, developed by Carrier Transicold, generates electricity from the energy produced by the trailer’s axles and braking system. This electricity is stored in a battery and used to power the cooling unit, thereby eliminating the need for diesel.
These trials are strategically significant as they aim to verify whether such renewable energy solutions can sustain the business’s high standards, which, as of 2023, boast an impressive quality and service level exceeding 99%. Specifically, the solar and battery-powered Sunswap system could save approximately 3,700 litres of diesel per trailer annually, equating to a reduction of nine tonnes of carbon emissions.
Dan Hamby, Müller’s head of distribution, highlighted the importance of these trials by stating: “Customers and shoppers expect us to look for ways to reduce carbon whilst maintaining our industry leading levels of product quality and customer service.” He emphasised the need to meet delivery windows and maintain the correct temperature for transporting roughly 8,000 bottles of milk per trailer, pledging to continue innovating to lessen environmental impacts.
These initiatives reflect Müller’s broader commitment to developing a sustainable dairy industry and delivering a better future through continuous innovation.
Müller’s trials underscore a commitment to sustainable practices by testing zero-emission refrigeration solutions for its HGV fleet.
