Creating a net-zero cold chain

Pankaj Mehta, Managing Director at Carrier Transicold, India & South Asia, states that the refrigerated transport sector is evolving rapidly, fuelled by growing demand for sustainable practices and eco-friendly solutions. With a focus on energy-efficient refrigeration units, electric vehicles, and cutting-edge technologies, industry leaders are setting the stage for a future cold chain that meets environmental and operational goals.

What is your perception about the reefer transport market?

The refrigerated transport segment is undergoing significant growth and innovation, driven by the increasing demand for temperature-sensitive goods, such as fresh produce, dairy, meat, seafood and pharmaceuticals. The need for safe and sustainable cold chain technologies to preserve and protect the supply of food and medicine in India and globally has never been greater. Carrier Transicold is committed to providing customers with advanced, energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable refrigeration units. The segment is also witnessing a rise in the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles, contributing to lower emissions and improved fuel efficiency. The industry is ready for continued expansion, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and technological advancements to meet the evolving needs of the food and pharmaceutical sectors. Carrier Transicold is pivotal in this transformation, ensuring that perishable goods are transported safely and with minimal environmental impact.

What steps will you suggest to align refrigerated transportation solutions with net zero emissions goals by 2050?

Carrier has set ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets, including a commitment to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). As a leader in global climate action, Carrier recognises its critical role in addressing the climate crisis and is helping its customers reduce energy consumption, waste and emissions through innovative and sustainable solutions. Carrier’s products, services and digital capabilities support customers in achieving their energy, carbon and food waste reduction goals.

Carrier Transicold has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing emissions, improving sustainability and increasing efficiency across the refrigerated transport sector with its first fully autonomous, all-electric, engineless refrigerated trailer system, the Vector® eCool™. Utilising a new energy recovery and storage system, the Vector eCool converts the kinetic energy generated by the trailer axle and brakes into electricity. It is then stored in a battery pack, powering the refrigeration unit. This loop creates a fully autonomous system that produces no direct carbon dioxide or particulate emissions. 

Calling on from its E-Drive technology, Carrier Transicold’s Pulsor range is already an ideal fit for urban delivery fleets that make frequent stops with multiple door openings. The Pulsor eCool can help urban logistics players increasingly turn toward battery-powered vehicles to maintain temperature integrity throughout the delivery cycle – even when working in congested city centres. E-Drive technology provides high cooling capacity in electrical mode for greater efficiency and minimal impact on vehicle autonomy.

The all-electric Neos™ 200e unit is part of Carrier Transicold’s growing family of eCool™ all-electric refrigeration systems designed to push emissions toward zero. Developed for commercial vans and light-duty trucks, the unit provides increased efficiency and nearly 40 percent greater cooling capacity than the unit it succeeds. These advancements align with Carrier’s sustainability efforts to create a healthier, more efficient, more connected world.

How do AI and blockchain technologies improve the performance and efficiency of refrigeration units in vehicles?

AI and blockchain create a powerful synergy that optimises the operational aspects of refrigeration systems. It also addresses critical issues related to compliance, cost management and reliability. Predictive maintenance capabilities can analyse sensor data from refrigeration units to predict potential failures. This allows for proactive maintenance, reducing downtime and preventing costly breakdowns. Optimal temperature control systems continuously monitor and adjust the temperature inside the units. It ensures optimal conditions for perishable goods while minimising energy consumption. Route optimisation of delivery routes based on real-time traffic and weather data helps ensure timely deliveries and reduced fuel consumption.

Enhanced transparency and traceability provide an immutable ledger for recording the temperature and condition of goods throughout transportation. This helps ensure transparency and compliance with food safety regulations. Secure data sharing enables secure, decentralised data sharing among stakeholders, reducing the risk of data tampering and enhancing trust in the supply chain.

How do smart sensors and IoT-based systems improve real-time monitoring and control of temperature-sensitive food products during transportation?

Carrier Transicold’s Lynx Fleet solution applies advanced IoT, machine learning and analytics technology to connect the cold chain in the cloud, automate key processes and deliver real-time visibility and insights throughout the cargo’s journey. The technology provides customers with enhanced visibility, increased connectivity and actionable intelligence across their cold chain operations to improve outcomes for temperature-sensitive cargo, including food, medicine and vaccines. Lynx Fleet leverages refrigeration equipment telematics and data sources, along with machine learning, to help customers make faster, data-driven decisions to improve their supply chains’ effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability. Designed with an open application programming interface, data in Lynx Fleet can also be fed into a customer’s transport management system.

How can logistics companies and cold chain operators collaborate to build a more integrated and resilient supply chain?

Logistics companies and cold chain operators can increase resiliency by implementing real-time data exchange systems with secure, transparent data sharing. They can work together on demand forecasting and use integrated planning tools to synchronise activities, ensuring efficient resource allocation and quick responses to disruptions. Establishing shared facilities and pooling transportation resources can reduce costs and improve efficiency. AI and IoT integration can enhance the monitoring and control of refrigeration units, ensuring optimal temperature and predictive maintenance. Investing in automation can further improve efficiency and reduce human error. Developing standardised protocols and conducting joint training programs ensure regulatory compliance and best practices. Collaborating on sustainability initiatives, such as improving energy efficiency and reducing food waste, can contribute to environmental goals and profitability. This comprehensive approach enhances visibility, coordination and trust across the supply chain, ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of perishable goods.

What eco-friendly refrigeration solutions and energy-efficient transportation methods can support sustainable practices in the cold supply chain?

The battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) represent a significant leap forward for energy-efficient transportation methods. When paired with zero-emission refrigeration units, BEVs create a sustainable cold chain. These vehicles operate exclusively on electricity, eliminating the need for diesel and contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. For hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), an internal combustion engine and an electric drivetrain combine to provide power and energy efficiency. It makes them well-suited for mixed-use applications in the cold chain, where long distances may require conventional power. The short trips and city deliveries benefit from the electric motor to reduce emissions. These systems are also compatible with low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants, such as R-452A, which are more environmentally responsible than traditional refrigerants with higher GWP. To enhance efficiency, aerodynamic design innovations in trucks and trailers — such as side skirts, trailer tails and roof fairings — reduce drag and improve fuel economy. Additionally, lightweight materials in vehicle construction (e.g., aluminium and carbon fibre) can improve energy efficiency by reducing the vehicle’s weight.

Lastly, for sustainable infrastructure and practices, the broader cold chain can benefit from renewable energy-powered charging infrastructure. Electric trucks and refrigeration units can be charged using solar, wind, or other renewable energy sources, further reducing the cold chain’s carbon footprint. Additionally, green cold storage facilities, which incorporate energy-efficient refrigeration, advanced insulation, and solar-powered systems, can further optimise the sustainability of the supply chain.