FHS-SEP24-PG38+39_Layout 1 12/09/2024 10:15 Page 38
FOOD & BEVERAGE
THE HIDDEN HEROES OF THE COLD CHAIN
HOW MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT HELPS COMBAT FOOD WASTE
I
n a world where hunger and environmental concerns are pressing issues, it is shocking to learn that one- fifth of all food produced globally is lost or wasted each year. This staggering statistic not only represents a significant economic burden but also contributes to environmental
degradation. While many factors contribute to this problem, one often-overlooked area plays a crucial role in reducing food waste: the cold chain and its unsung heroes – materials handling equipment. The cold chain, a temperature-controlled
supply chain, is vital for preserving perishable goods from production to consumption. It is a complex system that requires precision and efficiency at every step, from harvest to processing, storage, transportation, and retail. Within this intricate network, materials handling equipment serves as the backbone, ensuring that food moves swiftly and safely through each stage of its journey.
TEMPERATURE: THE MAKE-OR-BREAK FACTOR Temperature control is the linchpin of the cold chain. Even minor fluctuations can have devastating effects on food quality and safety. When temperatures rise above recommended levels, microbial growth accelerates, leading to rapid spoilage. This is particularly critical for highly perishable items like fresh produce, dairy products, and meats. Inconsistent temperatures do not just affect
food safety; they can also damage the quality and marketability of products. Fruits and vegetables may ripen too quickly or unevenly, while dairy products might separate or develop off-flavours. These changes, while not always dangerous, can render food unsellable or unpalatable, contributing to waste. This is where specialised materials handling equipment comes into play. Modern forklifts, pallet trucks, and order pickers can be designed for cold storage environments specially equipped with features that help maintain the
By Ron Farr, director,
Warehouse Sales - EMEA for Yale Lift Truck Technologies
integrity of the cold chain. These machines are built to operate efficiently in sub-zero temperatures, with components that resist corrosion and moisture buildup – common issues in refrigerated spaces.
EFFICIENCY: THE KEY TO FRESHNESS In the cold chain, time is of the essence. The longer perishable goods spend in transit or waiting to be processed, the greater the risk of spoilage. Efficient materials handling equipment can help significantly reduce these time windows, so that food moves quickly from one temperature-controlled environment to another. For instance, advanced order picker trucks can
combine multiple functions, allowing operators to load and unload refrigerated trucks swiftly while also performing typical warehouse tasks. This versatility can minimise the time products spend outside of ideal temperature conditions. Similarly, reach trucks designed for cold
storage can operate in narrow aisles and achieve impressive lifting heights, maximising space utilisation in high-bay freezers. This efficiency not only speeds up operations but also allows for better organisation of goods based on their temperature requirements and expiration dates.
HANDLE WITH CARE: PRESERVING QUALITY However, it is not just about speed; careful handling is equally crucial in preventing food waste. Rough handling, improper stacking, and careless movements can lead to damage, which accelerates spoilage and renders products unsellable. Modern materials handling equipment is designed with these concerns in mind. Many trucks feature advanced control systems that allow for precise movements, even in tight spaces. Shock-absorbing systems help protect delicate goods from impact during transport, while ergonomic designs can help reduce operator fatigue, which can minimise the risk of handling errors during long shifts. Furthermore, specialised attachments can be crucial in handling specific types of perishable
38 SEPTEMBER 2024 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58
