Steenderen, Netherlands: Aviko, a chilled and frozen potato chip supplier, is testing cryogenic refrigeration systems using CO2 on two distribution trucks.
The trucks are converted to bi-fuel and run on diesel and LPG where diesel and LPG are e injected at the same time and run up 15% ‘cleaner’ than the levels laid down in the current emission standards.
Aviko transport provider, Donderwinkel, working with Thermo King that supplied the refrigeration units and Heiwo, which supplied the vehicle bodies, is undertaking the trial.
Since CO2 is a by-product of the manufacturing industry, this application allows it to be recycled. The use of cryogenic units leads to a reduction of some 75% in carbon dioxide emissions compared with diesel-based refrigeration.
Cryogenic refrigeration is silent in operation, which is a significant advantage when delivering to customers located in or close to residential areas. This is especially true in the Netherlands that sets very stringent noise limits for out of working hour’s deliveries.
Mohammed Essa, Aviko general manager for UK and Ireland, says: “Sustainability is a cornerstone of everything we try to do at Aviko. These measures to drastically reduce our carbon footprint by investing in some of the most innovative new technologies, plus the pledge to switch to sustainable palm oil by 2015 represent real and credible progress along our CSR (Corporate social responsibility) strategy timeline.”
“We are constantly looking across the whole supply chain to see where we can make changes that will benefit growers, customers, our own people and the environment around us, so we can keep on producing the products that chefs love, but without cost to future generations. Keep your eyes on the roads for the newest generation of Aviko lorries,” he said.
Aviko is one the four largest potato-processing companies in the world and has a 22% share of the European market for fresh and frozen potato products.
