Sunswap Delivers Zero-Emission Transport Refrigeration for Birds Eye

Sunswap, the award-winning British manufacturer of zero-emission transport refrigeration technology, has partnered with Birds Eye to deploy all-electric refrigeration units for the iconic frozen food brand. This collaboration will see Sunswap's innovative Endurance system powering refrigerated trailers that will transport thousands of tonnes of premium frozen products each year, supporting Birds Eye's progress towards its 2025 science-based carbon reduction targets.

Sunswap's Purpose-Built Electric Refrigeration Meets Demanding Frozen Food Requirements

Sunswap's Endurance transport refrigeration system - engineered and manufactured in the UK - represents a breakthrough in sustainable cold chain technology. Purpose-built for the exacting demands of temperature-critical frozen food logistics, Endurance combines Sunswap's advanced battery system with innovative roof-mounted solar panels, delivering zero-emission performance without compromising on reliability or cooling power.

The units deployed for Birds Eye showcase how Sunswap's technology delivers both sustainability and operational excellence, with the trailers featuring vibrant "Green Pea Goodness" visuals that highlight the natural synergy between solar-powered refrigeration and the sun that nurtures the premium vegetables they transport. The Sunswap units will operate on routes between Birds Eye's production facility at Lowestoft and their distribution hub at Wisbech, demonstrating the real-world capabilities of Sunswap's zero-emission solution.

Sunswap Technology Delivers Tangible Environmental and Operational Benefits

Sunswap's deployment with Birds Eye demonstrates the significant impact that electric transport refrigeration can have on sustainability goals. The Endurance units will eliminate approximately 24 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually from Birds Eye's transport operations, while also removing harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.

Sunswap's technology goes beyond simply removing emissions. Unlike diesel units, Endurance provides consistent frozen temperature control with dramatically reduced noise levels, creating a healthier environment for drivers, warehouse staff, and communities along delivery routes.

Sunswap's integrated solar panels can deliver the majority of the energy needed for refrigeration and even match energy demands during summer months, enabling substantial operational cost savings of up to 80% compared to diesel alternatives. This combination of environmental benefits and economic advantages stands at the core of Sunswap's value proposition.

Anna Owen, Head of Sustainability at Birds Eye UK&I, said "We're delighted to be working with DFDS and Sunswap to help reduce the environmental impact of our operations. As the UK's leader in quality frozen food, we have a responsibility to drive innovation throughout our supply chain. Sunswap's proven electric technology enables us to maintain the highest standards of temperature-controlled transport while helping reduce our carbon emissions. It's fitting that the technology we're now using to support the running of these trailers uses the same sun that ripens our peas to perfection in the field, keeping our products frozen at their peak as they start their journey to millions of UK homes."

As a UK-based clean technology manufacturer, Sunswap has engineered the Endurance system from first principles to deliver industry-leading performance in sustainable transport refrigeration. The technology has undergone extensive real-world validation with over 30 successful trials across major retailers and logistics providers, consistently demonstrating its ability to maintain precise temperatures for both chilled and frozen goods over extended periods – including 24-hour frozen operation on a single charge.

Sunswap Leading the Way in Cold Chain Sustainability

Sunswap's partnership with Birds Eye exemplifies the growing movement towards sustainable cold chain operations that the company is spearheading across the food logistics industry. Both Sunswap and Nomad Foods are part of the Move to -15°C coalition, which aims to reduce energy consumption in frozen food transport and storage through optimised temperature management. The current focus of this deployment is on the transition to zero-emission refrigeration technology, with temperature optimisation representing a potential future enhancement to further increase sustainability benefits.

Sunswap's achievements have been widely recognised within the industry, with the company winning both the Made in Britain Innovation Award and TCS&D Transport Refrigeration Manufacturer of the Year 2024. The collaboration with Birds Eye, part of Nomad Foods which has already achieved a 23.4% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2019, further validates Sunswap's position as the leader in sustainable transport refrigeration technology.

The decarbonisation of transport refrigeration represents a critical yet often overlooked opportunity in sustainable logistics. Through its innovative technology, Sunswap is enabling companies to simultaneously reduce their environmental impact, improve operational efficiency, and maintain the highest standards of product quality and safety. This Birds Eye deployment represents another significant milestone in Sunswap's mission to transform the cold chain industry with British-engineered sustainable solutions.