Cranswick, one of the UK's largest farm-to-fork food producers, has partnered with Sunswap to deploy electric and solar-powered transport refrigeration units (TRUs) as part of its sustainability efforts. The company has integrated several of Sunswap's battery and solar-powered TRUs at its Preston facility in northern England.
As businesses strive to meet ambitious sustainability targets, transport refrigeration presents a significant challenge and opportunity. Traditional refrigeration systems consume thousands of liters of diesel annually, producing substantial CO2 emissions and harmful local pollutants like NOx and particulate matter.
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In 2024, Cranswick piloted the Endurance system and reported 81% lower running costs and a 43% reduction in total cost of ownership compared to diesel refrigeration. Photo: Fleet Owner |
In 2024, Cranswick piloted the Endurance system and reported 81% lower running costs and a 43% reduction in total cost of ownership compared to diesel refrigeration. Photo: Fleet Owner
According to Sunswap, its technology not only eliminates these emissions but also offers substantial cost savings. "Cranswick joins a growing number of UK food producers embracing zero-emission refrigeration technology," said Michael Lowe, CEO of Sunswap. "What's remarkable is that Cranswick compared us not just to conventional diesel but also to the HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) solution they were already using, and the results were compelling."
During a 2024 trial at Cranswick, Sunswap's Endurance system demonstrated 81% lower running costs and a 43% reduction in total cost of ownership compared to diesel refrigeration. Even compared to HVO, a cleaner alternative fuel, Sunswap's technology eliminated NOx and particulate matter emissions entirely while maintaining a cost advantage.
The new Endurance units will transport meat products from Cranswick's factory to retail locations across the UK.
"Integrating Sunswap's zero-emission refrigeration technology aligns perfectly with our Second Nature sustainability commitments," said Gary Hewson, Cranswick's Logistics Operations Director. "Beyond the clear environmental benefits, the cost savings and operational stability make this a sound investment, furthering our progress towards science-based emission reduction targets."
Nhu Y (Fleet Owner)
