ReRooted, based in Totnes in Devon, a manufacturer of organic and ethically sourced plant based dairy-alternative milk, sought to lower its carbon footprint for its new cold room with a more sustainable and energy efficient system that could meet the increased production demand. A Panasonic CR Series 4HP cold chain solution that utilises the natural refrigerant R744 (CO2) with a GWP of 1, was specified and installed by experienced cooling specialists, Keep It Cool Refrigeration.
Established in 2018 by Richard Eckersley, ReRooted delivers sustainably produced dairy-free milk alternatives nationwide, both to door and to retailers. The product is packaged in glass bottles which once empty, are returned to the factory to be washed and reused for a new batch of product. The business model circulates around a sustainable ethos, from production to packaging, and ReRooted delivers 40,000 bottles of plant-based milk per month.
Staying up to date with the success of the business, Richard commissioned a new larger additional cold room to keep up with product demand. Requiring a new cold chain condensing unit that aligned with the business model and met his sustainability goals, he turned to expert cooling specialist, Neil McCourt, MInstR and Technical Manager of Keep It Cool Refrigeration, who specified a Panasonic 4HP cold chain solution. The unit was fitted indoors, facing mesh windows that help with the air flow.
Neil McCourt, of Keep It Cool Refrigeration, commented, “The customer came to us looking for a sustainable cold chain solution. Using R744 (CO2) refrigerant which has a low Global Warming Potential of only 1, we commissioned the 4HP cold chain solution from Panasonic. The install was quick and easy, and now, opting for the Panasonic unit, ReRooted reaps the environmental benefits with higher energy savings and low CO2 emissions.”
“As pioneers of sustainable dairy alternatives, we had the difficult task of finding a product that is not only powerful enough to maintain a low temperature in the new, bigger cold room, but which also meets our company ethos,” said Richard. “The Panasonic unit commissioned by Keep It Cool Refrigeration perfectly aligns with how we want to move forwards as a company. As a well-known, trustable brand, we opted for the 4HP cold chain solution from Panasonic. Since the install, we have seen the unit to be a lot more powerful than our previous refrigeration units, with much quieter operation, especially considering both the internal and external units are housed together inside. In the new cold room, the unit holds the room at a colder temperature and maintains this a lot better than other products we’ve used in the past.”
The compact unit can operate with noise levels as low as 33dB(A), making it an ideal solution for its situation in the same building where the company operates.
“Sustainability is what we stand by, and we want to make sure that we are staying true to our values. With the Panasonic cold chain unit, we are ensuring we maintain our ethos in all parts of our business,” Richard added.
The Panasonic R744 (CO2) Cold Chain units have a GWP of only 1, and are suitable for a variety of refrigeration applications including chilled cabinets, cold-rooms and freezers in food retail, hotels, convenience stores, petrol stations, healthcare (such as pharmaceutical laboratories), industrial (food processing etc.) and warehouses. The technology has been specifically developed for small to medium capacity applications within the retail and food service sectors. Additionally, the units are capable of functioning in outdoor temperatures as low as -20ºC, ensuring consistent performance in challenging conditions.
Ensuring seamless integration, these units are compatible with the most relevant control solutions from the market, supporting RS485 Modbus. With over 15 years of experience in Cold Chain production, Panasonic has established a reputation for excellent quality control, underscoring the reliability of its products.
To find out more about the Panasonic wide range of heating and cooling solutions please visit www.aircon.panasonic.eu or visit Keep it Cool’s website www.keepitcoolsouthwest.co.uk or to find out more about ReRooted visit rerootedorganic.co.uk