In 2023, the cold chain faces unique challenges that require innovative solutions. Maintaining an efficient cold chain is crucial for feeding the world, but it requires intentional investment. Carriers looking to optimize their refrigerated equipment investments need a carefully planned strategy to address economic and geopolitical complexities, food shortages, food waste, and capacity. All of this must be done while pursuing sustainability goals.
An alarming 40% of the world's produced food is wasted, with 7-15% lost during transport. Most of this waste is due to improper container temperatures or inadequate packing. This is especially concerning for perishable items like fruits and vegetables. To combat food waste and shortages, investment in technology that shields food during transportation is crucial.
Refrigerated equipment provides excellent cold storage, but when coupled with telematics technology, it offers enhanced collaboration, real-time data, and transparent insights into factors like container location, temperature, humidity, and airflow. This ensures the quality of the cargo is maintained and minimizes waste.
As the global population grows, the need for secure and efficient worldwide food transport increases. The use of cutting-edge refrigerated equipment featuring telematics ensures proper handling throughout the journey, particularly for temperature-sensitive items.
The shipping industry is committed to achieving sustainability goals and is poised to induce transformations throughout the supply chain. The use of carbon dioxide (CO²) as a natural refrigerant holds promise as one of the most environmentally responsible alternatives for refrigerated marine transport.
Technological advancements, digitization, and digital transformation will drive growth in the reefer market and the wider supply chain. "Smart" containers with telematics enable real-time tracking and monitoring, optimizing inventory planning and production schedules, reducing turnaround times, and enhancing equipment availability.
The reefer market is a resilient sector within the shipping industry and must remain up to the task of transporting food, even amid economic and geopolitical uncertainties. The industry is responsible for taking decisive actions to combat food waste, with technology as the key driver of this effort. Ambitious sustainability targets propel the industry to seek transformative solutions, inspiring optimism and a drive for positive change.
