With net-zero targets fast approaching, Noble Foods, the parent company of Happy Eggs, has announced the introduction of 40 zero-emission, solar-powered transport refrigeration units.

In what is believed to be a UK first, the company has partnered with British electric transport refrigeration specialist Sunswap to roll out the innovative technology.

The announcement follows successful trials of Sunswap’s battery and solar-powered refrigeration system, which demonstrated the potential to reduce fleet CO₂ emissions by up to 3,120 tonnes over the units’ lifetime.

Sunswap’s Endurance units are particularly well suited to Noble Foods’ rural delivery routes, as most of their cooling power is generated by solar panels integrated into the trailer roofs. During loading and unloading, the systems draw on mains electricity to maintain temperature control.

Glenn Evans, Group Head of Sustainability at Noble Foods, said: “The technology has proven capable of maintaining the precise temperature control essential for egg quality, while significantly reducing our transport emissions.”

The company estimates that adopting the solar-powered refrigeration units will deliver around £1.16 million in operational savings, strengthening the business case for sustainable transport solutions.