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Major farm to fork food producer Cranswick has taken delivery of four Sunswap Endurance battery and solar-powered transport refrigeration units (TRUs), following a trial which saw it cut running costs by 81%.
The Endurance units, developed by Leatherhead-based manufacturer Sunswap, combine advanced battery technology with solar power.
The TRUs will be used to transport meat products from Cranswick’s manufacturing facilities to retailers across the UK, ensuring product quality while eliminating emissions from refrigeration throughout the journey.
The decision to order the TRU’s followed a trial of the Sunswap Endurance TRUwhich the company carried out in 2024.
The trial saw running costs slashed by 81% and a 43% cut in total costs, compared to a diesel TRU.
The East Riding-based food producer also tested the unit’s performance against HVO fuel-powered units and the Sunswap Endurance still came out ahead, eliminating all NOx and particulate emissions, while maintaining the cost advantages.
The addition of the Endurance units to Cranswick’s fleet will help advance its Second Nature sustainability strategy and meet its Science Based Targets.
Michael Lowe, Sunswap chief executive, said: “Cranswick joins the growing number of operators choosing zero-emission refrigeration for UK food manufacturing.
“What’s significant here is that Cranswick didn’t just compare us to standard diesel. They compared Endurance against their existing HVO solution, and the operational benefits were compelling.
“This shows that even companies already investing in lower-carbon fuels can achieve breakthrough improvements with purpose-built electric refrigeration”.
Gary Hewson, Cranswick transport manager, added: “Integrating Sunswap’s zero-emission refrigeration technology aligns perfectly with our Second Nature sustainability commitments.
“Beyond the benefits of direct emissions reduction, the operational cost savings and performance reliability made this a sound business decision that supports our progress towards our Science Based Targets.”
The TRU’s come with six battery modules, providing extended range capability and fast charging. The solar panels are integrated into the trailer roof.
The multi-compartment capability allows different temperature zones within a single trailer, whilst the remote evaporator system enables precise temperature control in separate compartments.
Sunswap added that Cranswick is now the second customer the company has delivered remote evaporators to, after Tesco.
The remote evaporators allow operators to transport products requiring different temperature requirements simultaneously.
