“Across industries, our solid-state solutions are delivering cold chain performance and sustainability that compressor-based systems or other thermoelectric approaches simply cannot match,” said Dana Krug, Phononic SVP, Cold Chain Fulfillment. “Our Phononic tote technology and platform for grocery retail not only provides for the highest quality of perishable foods, it also avoids the use of toxic, high GWP-refrigerants that warm the earth. That kind of positive environmental impact will be critical for climate control as this sector scales globally – and we know that our customers are focused on it.”
Phononic’s Intelligent Actively-Cooled Tote will make unmatched flexibility and freshness possible for leading grocers and their customers, while also helping retailers meet critical Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) mandates. Unlike traditional compressor-based systems, Phononic’s solid-state technology has a low carbon footprint and does not use harmful Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants. Using just CO2 and water, Phononic’s system is also non-toxic and non-flammable, unlike other “natural” or low-GWP refrigerants currently in use—and eliminates the need for dry ice, gel packs or ice blocks.
In addition to unsurpassed sustainability, Phononic’s active cooling technology and platform offers:
- Strong ROI: Reduces cost by eliminating the need for tri-temp storage capital expense, in both fixed and mobile implementations. It also reduces fulfillment complexity and labor cost.
- Real-time insights: The totes use wireless contact charging and are WiFi and IoT ready, offering real-time insight into cold chain automation process, leading to an increase in operational efficiencies.
- Versatility: One common solution solves multiple use cases: Storage; Pick-and-pack (Manual, Semi- Automated); Curbside pickup; Delivery and Unassisted delivery; Hub and Spoke.
- Flexibility to scale: Increases the flexibility to scale with operational needs. Kick off with one container or grow to 3000+ in a site without cooling rooms, freezer warehouses or tri-temp trucks.
- Demand-based energy savings: Cool or freeze only the number of customer orders needed based on demand, rather than an entire cooler, warehouse or transport truck.
- Improved customer experience: Strengthens customer loyalty by ensuring order freshness and a positive experience with ever-evolving e-commerce platforms.
The Company is currently working with three of the top 10 U.S. grocery retailers and the leading automation partners for Micro Fufillment Centers (MFCs), with plans to expand globally.