In partnership with European logistics firm DFDS and UK refrigeration specialist Sunswap, Birds Eye has launched two new trailers featuring roof-mounted solar panels.
As part of the progress towards its 2025 carbon reduction target, frozen food company Birds Eye, owned by Nomad Foods, is rolling out two new solar-powered refrigerated trailers, which will transport thousands of tonnes of product. The project has been carried out in partnership with European shipping and logistics firm DFDS and British sustainable-powered refrigeration specialists Sunswap.
Reduced emissions
The trailers, which will feature images of Birds Eye’s peas and “Green Pea Goodness” messaging, will be used predominantly to transport Birds Eye products from its production facility at Lowestoft to its Wisbech distribution hub. They will have roof-mounted solar panels that work alongside Sunswap’s advanced battery system to power the refrigeration units. By adopting Sunswap’s electric transport refrigeration unit, Birds Eye will eliminate around 24 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually from its supply chain.
“It’s fitting that the technology we’re now using to support the running of these trailers uses the same sun that ripens our peas to perfection in the field.”
Shaun Smith, general manager of Birds Eye UK & IE, said: “We’re delighted to be working with DFDS and Sunswap to help reduce the environmental impact of our operations.
“As the UK’s leader in quality frozen food, we have a responsibility to drive innovation throughout our supply chain. Sunswap’s proven electric technology enables us to maintain the highest standards of temperature-controlled transport while helping reduce our carbon emissions.
“It’s fitting that the technology we’re now using to support the running of these trailers uses the same sun that ripens our peas to perfection in the field, keeping our products frozen at their peak as they start their journey to millions of UK homes.”
Michael Lowe, CEO of Sunswap, added, “We’re thrilled to partner with Birds Eye on this important initiative to help reduce emissions in the supply chain. Sunswap Endurance delivers the precise temperature control that frozen food logistics requires.
“This collaboration with an industry food leader like Birds Eye confirms that our British-engineered and manufactured system not only matches the performance and reliability needed for temperature-critical food transport but goes further by reducing direct emissions and helping cut operating costs.”
Birds Eye has said that the partnership with DFDS and Sunswap reflects a broader industry movement toward sustainable cold chain operations, with both Birds Eye and Sunswap participating in the Move to -15°C coalition, which aims to reduce energy consumption in frozen food transport and storage through optimised temperature management.
