Controlled Temperature Storage: A Solution to Food Waste

How temperature-controlled transportation solutions are revolutionizing the cold chain and reducing environmental impact

Food waste is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, with significant environmental and economic implications. According to the FAO, “about one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted each year” representing an estimated economic loss of more than $1 trillion and contributing 8-10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

In this context, temperature-controlled storage emerges as a key solution to address this critical problem.

The importance of the cold chain

The cold chain, an integrated temperature-controlled storage and distribution system, plays a key role in the fight against food waste. This system ensures that food products are maintained at optimal temperatures from the time of harvest or production to the final consumer, preserving food quality, safety and shelf life.

The process begins with post-harvest refrigeration, where food is immediately cooled to slow spoilage. Next, refrigerated storage in temperature-controlled warehouses keeps products in optimal condition before distribution. For this crucial stage, Sogese offers solutions such as the 8′ cold storage room, with an empty weight of 15 quintals and a loading capacity of 3 Euro pallets. This cell maintains temperatures from -20°C +20°C, adapting to different food preservation and storage needs.

During refrigerated transport, specialized vehicles ensure that the temperature remains constant, an aspect in which companies such as Sogese, with its Idea Freddo brand, excel by providing state-of-the-art solutions. For example, Sogese’s Container Frigo 20′ HC, with an empty weight of 38 quintals and a capacity of 10 Euro pallets, maintains temperatures from -20° to +5°C, ideal for transporting large quantities of fresh produce.

In stores, refrigerated display continues to protect products, while home refrigeration completes the cycle, allowing consumers to maintain the cold chain until consumption.

Advanced refrigeration technologies

Modern refrigeration technologies offer increasingly efficient and precise solutions for temperature control. Systems such as those offered by Sogese’s Idea Freddo allow accurate regulation not only of temperature but also of humidity, a crucial factor in the optimal preservation of many food products.

These advanced systems include precision thermostatic controls that maintain consistent temperatures with minimal variations, and real-time monitoring systems that track and record temperatures throughout the supply chain. An example of these cutting-edge technologies is the 40′ HC Refrigerated Container – Temp. -60°C from Sogese. With an empty weight of 60 quintals and a capacity of 23 Euro pallets, this container can maintain temperatures from -60°C to +60°C, perfect for products that require storage at extremely low temperatures.

In addition, the use of environmentally friendly refrigeration technologies using eco-friendly refrigerants and energy-efficient systems demonstrates the industry’s commitment to sustainability.

Impact on waste reduction

The implementation of temperature-controlled storage systems has a significant impact on food waste reduction. The extension of shelf life is one of the most obvious benefits: by keeping products at the ideal temperature, their shelf life can be significantly extended. For example, fresh meat stored at temperatures between 0°C and 2°C can last up to 5 days longer than meat stored at higher temperatures.

Quality preservation is another crucial aspect. Consistent and appropriate temperatures preserve the organoleptic and nutritional characteristics of foods, keeping products palatable for longer periods and retaining their nutritional value. This is especially important for fruits and vegetables rich in heat-sensitive vitamins.

Reducing losses during transport is another significant benefit. Refrigerated transport solutions, such as Sogese’s Container Frigo 45′ HC Pallet Wide, can reduce losses of fresh produce by 15% to 5% or less during long-distance transport. With an empty weight of 60.9 quintals, a capacity of 33 Euro pallets, and a temperature range of -35° to +35°C, this container offers an excellent combination of capacity and temperature control. This not only reduces waste, but also improves the economic efficiency of the entire distribution chain.

Logistics optimization is an additional benefit of temperature-controlled storage. The ability to store food longer allows for better distribution planning, reducing waste due to overstock or underestimation of demand. This allows retailers to better manage market fluctuations and reduce economic losses.

Finally, improving food safety is a key aspect. Precise temperature control significantly reduces the risk of bacterial growth, thereby decreasing the risk of contamination and, consequently, the rejection of potentially hazardous food.

Innovative storage solutions

Leading companies in the industry, such as Sogese with its Idea Freddo brand, offer a range of innovative solutions for temperature-controlled storage. Mobile cold rooms, for example, are ideal for handling peaks in demand or emergencies, offering flexibility in managing refrigerated storage space. They can be easily moved and configured as needed, allowing rapid adaptation to changes in demand or production.

Refrigerated containers are perfect for long-distance transport, ensuring that the cold chain is maintained throughout the journey. Equipped with advanced control systems, they can maintain constant temperatures over a wide range, adapting to a wide range of food products. For specific needs, Sogese offers the 20′ HC Double Temperature Refrigerated Container. With an empty weight of 35 quintals and a capacity of 20 Euro pallets, this container allows two zones to be maintained at different temperatures (-30° to +30°C), optimizing space and reducing operating costs.

Remote monitoring systems represent another crucial innovation. These allow constant monitoring of storage conditions, enabling timely intervention in case of anomalies. By sending real-time alerts in case of temperature changes, these systems help prevent potential product losses.

High-efficiency refrigeration technologies use variable-speed compressors and next-generation refrigerants to optimize energy consumption, reducing operating costs and environmental impact. This is especially important in an era when sustainability is the focus of attention.

Finally, active packaging solutions, integrated with refrigeration systems, can absorb ethylene (a gas that accelerates ripening) or release natural antimicrobials, further extending the shelf life of products.

Economic and environmental benefits

The adoption of temperature-controlled storage systems offers significant economic and environmental benefits. From an economic perspective, reduced waste translates into lower financial losses for companies. It is estimated that for every euro invested in cold storage technologies, up to 5 euros can be saved in product losses. In addition, longer shelf life allows for more efficient inventory management, reducing inventory costs.

Environmentally, reducing waste also means a decrease in the amount of organic waste and emissions associated with its management. Wasted food that ends up in landfills produces methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. In addition, less waste also means less consumption of natural resources to produce food that would be wasted.

Energy efficiency is another crucial aspect. Modern refrigeration solutions, such as those offered by Idea Freddo, are designed to optimize energy consumption. The use of technologies such as inverters and heat recovery systems can reduce energy consumption by up to 40 percent compared to traditional systems.

The role of specialized companies

Specialized companies such as Sogese play a crucial role in implementing these solutions. Through the Idea Freddo brand, Sogese offers not only state-of-the-art temperature-controlled storage products, but also expert advice to help companies optimize their storage and distribution processes.

These services include customized consulting, with analysis of specific customer needs and design of tailor-made solutions, installation and maintenance to ensure the continued efficiency of installed systems, and training for staff on the optimal use of refrigeration technologies.

Continuous innovation is at the core of these companies’ approach. Constant investment in research and development leads to improvements in the efficiency and sustainability of refrigeration solutions, with the development of new refrigerants with low environmental impact and the integration of IoT technologies for increasingly accurate and responsive monitoring.

Challenges and future prospects

Despite significant progress, the temperature-controlled storage industry still faces several challenges. The initial costs of implementing advanced refrigeration systems can be significant, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. Staff training is another crucial aspect, necessary to ensure optimal use of new technologies.

The lack of global standards for the cold chain can create inefficiencies in international distribution, while the ongoing challenge of sustainability is driving the industry to seek increasingly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions.

Looking ahead, the industry’s prospects are promising. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning promises to further optimize temperature management and predict potential problems. The use of renewable energy to power refrigeration systems and the development of new, more efficient insulation materials through nanotechnology are other promising areas of development.

Conclusion

Temperature-controlled storage is a practical and effective solution to the problem of food waste. By implementing advanced technologies and innovative solutions, such as those offered by Sogese’s Idea Freddo, food losses can be significantly reduced, with tangible benefits for both companies and the environment.

In a world moving increasingly toward sustainability, investing in efficient preservation systems is not only a wise choice, but a necessity for a more sustainable future. Collaboration between specialty companies, food manufacturers, distributors and consumers will be key to creating a more efficient and sustainable cold chain, thus contributing to a more responsible use of global food resources.

The continuing evolution of refrigeration technologies, coupled with an increased awareness of the importance of temperature-controlled storage, promises to revolutionize the way we produce, distribute and consume food. This will not only help reduce food waste, but will also have a positive impact on global food security, environmental sustainability, and the economic efficiency of the entire food supply chain.