LogisticsRefrigeration & cold chain

Logistics optimisation to cut refrigeration & cold chain emissions

The reduction potential, measured

58 /100

Time horizon: Immediate

How it cuts it

A well-managed cold chain in distribution avoids unnecessary consumption and losses in transit.

What to measure for this pairing

Cold-chain energyIn-transit losses

Why this source matters

Refrigeration is an often-underestimated source: cooling ferments, cold-stabilising and storing wine consume a lot of energy, especially in warm climates. Beyond consumption, refrigerant leaks have a very high warming potential.

Improving insulation, the efficiency of cooling equipment and refrigerant management — and powering the cold with renewable energy — reduces this source significantly.

Source indicators

kWh of cooling per bottleRefrigerant leaks (kg)Cooling equipment efficiency

Scope & reporting: Combines Scope 1 (refrigerant leaks) and Scope 2 (energy) in a complete inventory.

How to implement the lever

  1. 1Prefer sea freight over air.
  2. 2Consolidate loads and optimise routes.
  3. 3Assess bulk bottling at the destination.
  4. 4Log mode, distance and weight per shipment.

Frequently asked

Does bulk bottling at destination pay off?

In large volumes and long distances, shipping wine in bulk (denser and lighter than filled bottles) greatly reduces transport emissions and cost.

Does transport really weigh much?

It depends on the market, but for long exports it can rival packaging — especially if any air freight is involved.

Same lever, other sources

Same source, other leversRefrigeration

Related reading →Bottling yield: how many bottles and cases will a tank give you?

How GrapeFlow helps

The footprint per bottle and per season, always up to date — the basis of any low-carbon report.

Carbon footprint per bottle & season

GrapeFlow gathers energy, fuel, packaging and inputs and computes the footprint per bottle and per season — the basis of any report or low-carbon label.

Packaging materials & bottle weight

Weight and composition of each bottle and material by SKU — to quantify and cut the largest footprint source.

Energy & fuels (invoices by OCR)

Electricity, diesel and other fuels captured from invoices, with consumption per kWh, per litre and per bottle.