9th International Exhibition For Cold Chain
& Temperature Controlled Logistics
14-16 April 2026
EXPO XXI Warsaw
9th International Exhibition For Cold Chain & Temperature
Controlled Logistics
14-16 April 2026
EXPO XXI Warsaw
In the face of growing challenges related to operational efficiency, energy costs, and sustainable development, the food sector is increasingly embracing innovative solutions in logistics and supply chain management. Automation, digitalization, artificial intelligence, and sustainable transport technologies are becoming key elements of the industry’s transformation. How do modern logistics centers contribute to optimizing processes in the cold chain? In this article, we will explore the latest solutions that are reshaping the way supply chains are managed in the food sector.
The cold chain sector, which encompasses refrigerated supply chains, plays a crucial role in the global food distribution system. Its efficiency impacts not only the quality and safety of food products but also the profitability of companies and the environmental footprint of the entire logistics process. In recent years, the industry has faced a range of challenges arising from both regulatory pressures and growing consumer expectations regarding sustainability. Companies must minimize operational costs while investing in modern technologies that enable energy savings and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
One key aspect of optimizing the cold chain is energy efficiency. Traditional refrigerated warehouses consume vast amounts of energy to maintain the required temperature conditions, leading to high operational costs and a significant environmental impact. As a result, more and more companies are implementing modern automation systems and intelligent energy management solutions that reduce electricity consumption while ensuring stable storage conditions for food products.
Another challenge comes from evolving regulations and increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues. The European Union and other international organizations are imposing stricter standards on greenhouse gas emissions and the use of eco-friendly technologies in logistics. At the same time, consumers are paying more attention to the origin and storage conditions of food, demanding transparency and sustainable practices. This growing awareness forces cold chain logistics companies to invest in solutions that integrate automation, energy efficiency, and operational transparency.
Given these challenges, implementing modern technological solutions in the cold chain sector is becoming essential. Smart warehouse management systems, electric transport fleets, and advanced real-time product tracking methods are just some of the innovations enabling companies to meet new requirements, enhance competitiveness, and optimize operational costs. Without a doubt, the future of food logistics is centered on efficiency and sustainable development, combining financial benefits with environmental responsibility.
The automation of logistics centers is becoming a key component of modern refrigerated supply chains. Traditional cold storage warehouses require significant human labor and substantial energy resources, leading to high operational costs. Automation not only optimizes warehouse space but also reduces energy consumption, directly impacting business profitability and environmental sustainability.
Modern logistics centers demonstrate how an innovative approach to warehousing can transform the cold chain. These facilities are designed to maximize available space while minimizing energy losses. Standard warehouses require wide aisles to accommodate forklift operations, which increases temperature maintenance costs. In contrast, modern facilities have aisles as narrow as approximately 1.6 meters, and the warehouse infrastructure is significantly taller than conventional facilities – reaching up to 40 meters in height. This allows for the storage of more pallets in a smaller footprint. For comparison, a standard warehouse with a 52,000-pallet capacity requires around 27,000 m² of space, whereas an advanced facility needs only about 7,000 m² on average.
Another critical aspect of automation is reducing energy consumption. Since automated warehouses minimize empty space, most of the volume is occupied by stored goods, making it easier to maintain low temperatures. As a result, energy consumption per pallet in automated storage is more than twice as efficient as in traditional warehouses (105 kWh vs. 250 kWh annually). These solutions help minimize operational costs and improve food storage efficiency while aligning with sustainability strategies.
Automation in the cold chain also enhances operational precision and safety. Fully automated storage systems eliminate human errors, ensure accurate batch tracking, and enable faster and more efficient goods movement. When integrated with modern digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and real-time data analytics, companies can optimize operations by adapting to shifting demand patterns.
The automation of logistics centers is no longer just the future – it is the present reality of the cold chain industry. Companies like NewCold have proven that advanced technologies deliver both financial and environmental benefits, redefining standards in food logistics. Increased efficiency, energy savings, and greater process control are the key factors driving success in modern supply chain management.
Transport plays a fundamental role in maintaining the quality of food products and ensuring the operational efficiency of logistics companies within the supply chain. Amid growing pressure to reduce CO₂ emissions and cut costs, modern transport solutions have become essential for optimizing the cold chain. Fleet electrification and the automation of loading and unloading processes enhance efficiency, reduce operational time, and optimize resource usage.
One of the most groundbreaking innovations is the automated loading and unloading system, which is revolutionizing the way products are transported in refrigerated warehouses. Traditionally, loading 33 pallets into a standard trailer takes between 40 and 45 minutes and requires coordinated forklift operations. By implementing chain conveyor systems, the entire process can be shortened to just 8 minutes – almost a fivefold reduction in operation time. In practice, this allows trucks to return to the road faster, minimizing downtime and improving the overall fluidity of the supply chain.
Another key aspect of the cold chain transportation transformation is fleet electrification. Electric trailers and delivery vehicles significantly reduce exhaust emissions, which is crucial in the context of global carbon footprint reduction goals. Investments in modern, eco-friendly transport solutions contribute to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The adoption of new transport technologies is not only a response to environmental regulations, but also a strategic move to optimize fuel and fleet maintenance costs.
These innovations make transportation more efficient, predictable, and aligned with sustainability principles. The reduction of operational time, lower CO₂ emissions, and decreased logistics costs are the primary benefits that make automation and electrification the future of food logistics. Companies that are already implementing these solutions are not only boosting their competitiveness, but also shaping a more sustainable and efficient refrigerated supply chain.
Modern food logistics is increasingly demonstrating that sustainability and financial benefits can go hand in hand. The adoption of advanced technologies allows companies to simultaneously reduce operational costs and minimize their environmental impact – now a key factor in market competitiveness. Warehouse process automation, transport fleet optimization, and efficient energy management enable businesses to comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations while lowering the costs of operations.
Companies that successfully combine cost savings with environmental protection prove that sustainable development is no longer an option but a necessity. Implementing lean management strategies, utilizing renewable energy sources, and optimizing delivery routes through artificial intelligence are just a few of the initiatives helping businesses both cut CO₂ emissions and achieve significant savings.
NewCold is a prime example of a company redefining food logistics by integrating advanced automation with sustainable solutions. By investing in innovative technologies, the company is striving for full carbon neutrality by 2030, aligning with the European Green Deal, which aims for a net-zero emissions Europe by 2050.
The future of food logistics lies in the combination of advanced technologies, sustainable development, and operational efficiency. In the coming years, automation, digitalization, and the use of renewable energy will play a key role in helping companies not only optimize costs but also comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Automated logistics centers, intelligent fleet management systems, and transport electrification will become the industry standard.
Warehouse automation has already demonstrated that modern technologies can increase efficiency while reducing energy consumption. Optimized storage space, systems that shorten loading and unloading times, and intelligent temperature management allow for a twofold reduction in energy usage compared to traditional facilities.
Digitalization and real-time data analytics will also be crucial. Artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) will enable better demand forecasting, optimized delivery routes, and precise monitoring of storage conditions. With blockchain technology, the supply chain will become more transparent, allowing consumers and regulators to track product origins and quality more easily.
Sustainable logistics is an inevitable direction for the industry. Companies that fail to adapt to these new realities will struggle with rising costs, environmental regulations, and consumer pressure, as customers are increasingly conscious of choosing brands committed to sustainability. Combining innovative technological solutions with responsible resource management is the key to success in the future of food logistics. The cold chain sector is already undergoing transformation, with industry leaders like NewCold setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability.
