REWE E-Grocery optimizes processes at Fulfillment Center
va-Q-tec develops a customized concept in collaboration with REWE E-Grocery that reduces the use of dry ice and lowers costs by utilizing passive cooling technology
REWE E-Grocery is Germany’s largest delivery service for fresh produce and groceries, and with 16 locations, it reaches half of all households in Germany. Its product range includes between 12,000 and 15,000 items. Fresh and frozen foods require a secure cold chain from the fulfillment centers to customers’ doorsteps—one that is reliably maintained even at extreme outdoor temperatures of +35 °C.
REWE E-Grocery is relying on a future-oriented solution for temperature-controlled food delivery: vacuum-insulated transport boxes with passive cooling technology. The goal is to maintain the required temperatures during delivery without active cooling, reduce the use of dry ice, and simplify processes along the last mile.
The Solution: Thermal upgrade through the integration of Vacuum Insulation Panels and PCM cooling packs
The VIP Box’s cooling concept is based on the integration of Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs) and Phase Change Materials (PCMs) into REWE’s existing E-Grocery baskets. The high-performance VIPs reduce heat ingress. Specially preconditioned PCM cooling packs, which are integrated into the lid, help maintain a stable internal temperature. Since the cooling capacity is provided directly within the transport box, no active cooling is required during delivery. This allows food to be transported even without refrigerated delivery vehicles.
“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,“
Dr. Daniel Jäger, COO REWE E-Food
Less dry ice and simpler processes at the Fulfillment Center
At REWE E-Grocery, the new solution is initially intended to replace the use of dry ice in the refrigerated and meat sections with suitable ice packs. This will reduce the need to procure, store, and handle dry ice. At the same time, it will minimize potential risks to employees associated with handling dry ice.
This results in several advantages: Temperature control is managed directly via the transport box, processes at the fulfillment center can be simplified, and the need for dry ice is significantly reduced. Eliminating the need for actively cooled delivery vehicles also opens up opportunities to lower energy consumption and operating costs.
The solution thus addresses not only the safe transport of food but the entire process, from order preparation to delivery to customers.
Image Copyright: “REWE E-Grocery”
