The context
The UNEP–FAO report on sustainable food cold chains recommends a systems approach. Refrigeration must be considered alongside food loss, energy use and refrigerant impacts. This makes cold chain a business and operating question as well as an equipment decision.
Proteka’s perspective
In our view, the first site discussion should follow the product from landing or harvest to the buyer. Record volumes, timing, temperature requirements and existing handling practices. Ask who owns the product at each step and who benefits when quality improves. A technically capable cold room still needs customers, an operator and a workable payment arrangement.
A practical starting point
A pilot can compare storage options against an agreed baseline, tracking product quality, utilisation, energy and operating costs. Solar, batteries or thermal storage should be assessed against the actual load and local maintenance capability. Agree success criteria and data ownership before installation, and test whether the service remains viable beyond the demonstration period.
Discuss a focused research assignment, field visit or pilot with Proteka.
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