Müller Milk & Ingredients is trialling solar panels and kinetic energy to reduce the carbon footprint of its HGV fleet.
The dairy company is testing whether they can power its refrigerated HGV trailers as an alternative to refrigeration powered by diesel engines.
In partnership with Sunswap, Müller will be testing the delivery of fresh milk using refrigerated trailers that are battery and solar-powered, with 100% of the energy required coming from free clean energy collected by the solar panels.
In collaboration with transport company, Carrier Transicold, the business is also trialling a refrigerated trailer system powered by kinetic energy.
The Vector eCool converts energy generated by the trailer axle and brakes into electricity, which is then stored in a battery pack to power the refrigeration unit.
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The trial aims to establish whether renewable energy solutions with a lower carbon footprint allow the business to maintain its quality and service levels, which in 2023, sit above 99%.
Per trailer, the solar and battery-powered Sunswap system would eliminate all diesel, saving 3,700 litres and nine tonnes of carbon every year, while Carrier’s system would eliminate all carbon emissions associated with traditional refrigeration units operating with an auxiliary engine.
Müller head of distribution, Dan Hamby, said: “Customers and shoppers expect us to look for ways to reduce carbon whilst maintaining our industry leading levels of product quality and customer service.
“With each trailer capable of transporting 8,000 bottles of milk, we have to maintain the correct temperature and make sure we hit the delivery windows to meet our customer obligations. Our approach is to test, learn and introduce innovation which is sustainable and scalable.
“As we look to deliver a better dairy future, we will continually innovate to reduce our impact.”
