The retailer is seeking to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its chilled deliveries. M&S’s ambition, in partnership with Dearman, is to quantify the costs and environmental benefits of Dearman’s technology before leading to a nationwide roll-out.
Dearman’s liquid nitrogen-powered engine is zero emission. The technology will replace diesel-powered secondary engines used to power transport refrigeration units (TRUs), which are used to keep food cold on the road.
M&S has a strong record with liquid nitrogen TRUs; it led the way with hundreds of Polarstream trailers 20 years ago, and has taken on 15 Frostcruise units in the last four years. Last year saw M&S use more than one million litres of liquid nitrogen.
In June 2017, the retailer launched its new sustainability plan, Plan A 2025, that aims to go beyond its existing commitment to become carbon-neutral. Marks & Spencer has over 1,000 stores across the UK and 60% of its UK turnover is from food sales.
Anthony Whitehouse, M&S fleet engineer, said: “Dearman’s impressive liquid nitrogen technology has shown the kind of results it can achieve and we are excited to be partnering with them. Our latest sustainability plan is ambitious and includes bold new science-based target to further improve the efficiency of our operations. Our chilled delivery trucks have a role to play in that and we believe Dearman’s transport refrigeration unit could help us meet our emissions targets.”