Müller Milk & Ingredients is initiating innovative trials to reduce the carbon footprint of its heavy goods vehicle (HGV) fleet, aiming for a sustainable future.
- In partnership with Sunswap, the company is utilizing solar panels and kinetic energy for refrigeration.
- Battery and solar-powered systems are being tested to replace traditional diesel engines in refrigerated trailers.
- The trials show potential for significant diesel savings and carbon emission reductions.
- Müller is exploring these technologies to uphold its high standards of quality and service while lowering environmental impact.
Müller Milk & Ingredients has embarked on a forward-thinking initiative to minimize the environmental impact of its HGV fleet. By collaborating with Sunswap, the company is experimenting with solar panels and kinetic energy as viable alternatives to diesel-powered refrigeration systems. This innovative approach is a move towards sustainability in logistics.
In this trial, Müller is deploying solar panels to capture clean energy, which is then utilized to power refrigerated trailers. These trailers, developed with Sunswap, are designed to operate exclusively on battery and solar power collected from these panels, effectively eliminating reliance on diesel fuel for refrigeration. This shift promises not only to curb diesel usage but also to significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
Additionally, in collaboration with Carrier Transicold, Müller is testing a kinetic energy-powered system. The Vector eCool technology harnesses energy produced by trailer axles and brakes, converting it into electricity stored in battery packs. This stored energy is then used to run the refrigeration units, presenting another diesel-free alternative. Such innovations offer a pathway to drastically cut down carbon emissions linked to the use of auxiliary engines in traditional trailers.
The trials are not only focused on environmental benefits but also on maintaining the already high standard of quality and service that Müller’s customers expect. Dan Hamby, head of distribution at Müller, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, 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.”
By potentially saving 3,700 liters of diesel and cutting down nine tonnes of carbon emissions per trailer annually, the combined use of these cutting-edge technologies could significantly contribute to a greener future. Hamby’s approach centers around testing, learning, and implementing scalable solutions toward achieving a more sustainable dairy industry.
Müller’s trials represent a significant step toward sustainable logistics, potentially setting a new standard in the industry.
