Vacuum-insulated Boxes from va-Q-tec reduce reliance on dry ice
- Less Dry Ice: REWE E-Grocery reduces its use of dry ice and streamlines processes at the Fulfillment Center
- Reliable cold chain even at +35 °C: Vacuum-insulated transport boxes from va-Q-tec enable food transport without actively refrigerated delivery vehicles
- Successful field test in Cologne: REWE E-Grocery is introducing the VIP boxes into its regular delivery operations – —additional German locations are set to follow in 2027
REWE E-Grocery is introducing their new cooling technology for the home delivery of chilled and frozen food. Following the successful completion of operational trials at its Fulfilment Centre (FFC) in Cologne, the company is commencing the regular deployment of innovative transport boxes incorporating Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs). The boxes are supplied by va-Q-tec, a pioneer in thermal energy efficiency and temperature-controlled supply chains. Due to their technology the cold chain from the fulfilment centre to the consumer’s doorstep is maintained, even under extreme ambient conditions of up to +35°C. Further REWE E-Grocery locations across Germany are scheduled to transition to the new technology in 2027.
Passive cooling technology for the last mile
The VIP boxes combine ultra-thin vacuum insulation with a specially engineered Phase Change Material (PCM) cooling element integrated into the lid, providing an additional thermal buffer to maintain consistent temperature conditions throughout transport. As a passive temperature-control solution, the system enables the safe transportation of products requiring different temperature zones, including chilled groceries and meat, within a single delivery. This eliminates the need for actively refrigerated delivery vehicles while streamlining operational workflows at the fulfilment centre and substantially reducing the requirement for dry ice.
Less dry ice, more efficient processes
The implementation of the VIP boxes addresses two strategic priorities for REWE: increasing operational efficiency across its fulfilment centres and reducing its reliance on dry ice. As an initial measure, REWE E-Grocery is replacing dry ice with reusable cooling elements in the chilled-food and meat sections. This transition reduces the operational complexity associated with the procurement, storage and handling of dry ice, while mitigating the occupational safety risks involved in its use by delivery personnel.
“The online grocery sector imposes stringent requirements on product quality, food safety and operational efficiency. In collaboration with our partner va-Q-tec, we have developed and successfully validated a solution that addresses these requirements comprehensively. By significantly reducing our consumption of dry ice, we are not only lowering resource requirements but also establishing more streamlined operational processes at our fulfilment centres. Cologne marks the starting point of this implementation, with further locations to follow,” says Dr. Daniel Jäger, COO REWE E-Food.
The advanced temperature-controlled logistics solution was developed in close collaboration with va-Q-tec’s technical specialists.
“With our vacuum-insulated transport boxes, groceries can be delivered efficiently and safely to customers’ doorsteps without active cooling. This enhances the cost efficiency of last-mile grocery delivery and contributes to reducing overall energy consumption. As extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change, reliable temperature stability throughout the supply-chain is becoming increasingly important. We are delighted that REWE has chosen our technology and that, together, we are implementing an efficient and future-oriented approach to home grocery delivery,” says Julian Ehlert, CEO at va-Q-tec.
Successful field test in Cologne
The successful trial at the Cologne fulfilment centre demonstrated that the VIP boxes meet the demanding requirements of online grocery retail in day-to-day operations. The launch in Cologne marks the beginning of a phased rollout of the technology across REWE E-Grocery locations.
About the REWE Delivery and Pickup Service:
REWE E-Grocery is Germany’s largest online grocery delivery service for fresh produce and food, with a reach extending to half of all households in Germany. Its offering combines competitive delivery fees, convenient time-slot-based delivery and a strong focus on regionally sourced products. The assortment comprises between 12,000 and 15,000 products, supplied through a network of 16 fulfilment centres across Germany. In addition to home delivery, REWE operates a Click & Collect service at approximately 2,200 stores nationwide. Customers can place their orders online and collect their groceries from their selected REWE store within just a few hours. This service saves valuable time while providing consumers with a flexible and convenient shopping experience.
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