COLD STORAGE

Cold Storage

Global cold chain storage generates an estimated 150 million tonnes of food waste each year.

(Source: ReFED)

The cold storage industry offers refrigerated and frozen storage for food, pharmaceuticals, and other perishable items. Due to the rising demand for frozen and refrigerated food items, the development of the pharmaceutical sector, and the expansion of global trade, the industry is predicted to rise. The global cold storage market is valued at $138.97 billion in 2022 and it is anticipated to develop at a CAGR of 17.2% from 2023 to 2030. The sector must, however, find solutions to a number of challenges.

Compliance Requirements In The Cold Storage Industry.

The cold storage industry is subject to many regulatory standards to ensure the efficient and safe handling of perishable items, including:

Monitoring Of Temperature

To guarantee that the temperature in cold storage facilities stays within the acceptable range for the products being stored, the temperature must be continuously checked.

Temperature Mapping

Conduct regular temperature mapping inside of facilities to ensure that hot or cold zones can be identified and risks can be mitigated to ensure products are not impacted.

Maintaining Records

Records must be kept to show the temperature, the state in which products are stored, and any maintenance or repair procedures.

Transportation

To ensure that goods are safe and effective throughout distribution, cold chain transportation must adhere to laws on temperature control, packing, and labeling.

Cold storage facilities can minimize waste and guarantee the secure and effective handling of perishable commodities by adhering to certain compliance criteria.

See our guide to Cold Chain Compliance in the USA,
Cold Chain Compliance in South America.

Cold Storage Industry Challenges

The cold storage industry faces multiple challenges, including:

Maintaining accurate temperature control:

Goods must be kept within accurate temperature brackets to avoid deterioration, leading to reduced efficacy and product damage.

Damage to facilities:

Damage to facilities such as freezers can lead to increased condensation, fluctuating environmental conditions, or even the growth of mold within the facility, affecting the quality and longevity of stored goods.

Identifying cold storage challenges promptly:

Modern cold storage monitoring systems can help identify challenges experienced and notify personnel quickly through automated alerts. This allows for quicker intervention to occur and for challenges to be addressed promptly.

Solutions For The Cold Storage Industry.

Cold storage facilities can employ the following measures to address these issues:

To monitor environmental conditions and avoid spoilage, use modern temperature monitoring systems such as Adapt Ideations’ temperature and humidity monitoring PIXEL data loggers.
Facilities should be maintained regularly to prevent damage and problems such as mold growth.
Utilisation of energy-saving technology and systems to cut back on operating expenses and energy use.

In addition, the industry is focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability by using renewable energy sources and implementing technologies to help improve sustainable practices.

The cold storage industry is a critical component of the supply chain for perishable goods. While the industry faces several challenges, it is rapidly adopting new technologies and solutions to ensure the safe and efficient storage of goods while minimizing waste and environmental impact.