UK retailer Sainsbury’s has become the first customer to take delivery of Carrier Transicold’s prototype natural refrigerant trailer unit.
The prototype system uses technology from the NaturaLINE refrigeration system, assembled inside a traditional Carrier Vector unit chassis. It is powered by the E-Drive electric technology and uses carbon dioxide (CO₂) refrigerant, which is a safe non-ozone depleting gas with a global warming potential of one.
The delivery marks the first of three units to join the Sainsbury’s fleet this year as part of a three-year technology field trial, building on a 2013 pilot.
“Delivering the first dedicated natural refrigerant trailer prototype into service marks a huge milestone in the development of over-the-road refrigeration using CO₂ ,” said David Appel, President, Carrier Transicold & Refrigeration Systems.
“Our ultimate vision is to see temperature-controlled units running on natural refrigerant in mainstream production. Today, with the support of one of our largest European customers, we are one step closer.”
“We’re thrilled to be working closely with Carrier Transicold as they spearhead this innovation,” added Gary King, Operations Mupport manager, Sainsbury’s.
“The beauty of Carrier Transicold’s prototype trailer unit is it delivers a massive reduction in F-Gases by using natural refrigerant. This will directly help us achieve our ambitious environmental and sustainability goals, whilst delivering a seismic leap forward in terms of sustainability within the cold chain.”
The first of the three new prototype trailers to enter service with Sainsbury’s is a 13.6 metre dual-compartment tri-axle reefer, manufactured in the UK by Gray & Adams.