Bio-based refrigerated vehicles: organic materials for temperature-sensitive transport

The " cold chain " is of crucial importance for the preservation of food, medicines and perishable goods, although its environmental impact is often underestimated . Conventional refrigerated vehicles, based on petroleum materials and with high energy consumption, contribute significantly to CO₂ emissions and the accumulation of non-recyclable waste.

In this context, bio-based refrigerated vehicles are proposed as an innovative alternative, using organic materials to ensure efficient thermal insulation, reducing the ecological footprint without sacrificing performance. This article delves into the sustainable revolution in the temperature-controlled transport sector.

• The Challenge of Sustainability in the Cold Chain
• Cutting-Edge Organic Materials for Insulation and Structures
• Challenges and Future Prospects

The Challenge of Sustainability in the Cold Chain

Transporting temperature-sensitive goods – such as vaccines, fresh food products or chemicals – requires vehicles equipped with advanced thermal insulation systems and reliable refrigeration. However, traditional solutions have well-documented criticalities, including the high environmental impact linked to energy consumption for refrigeration and the use of synthetic materials such as polyurethane and polystyrene. The latter, derived from petroleum, are difficult to recycle and contribute to microplastic pollution.

Added to this are the growing energy costs due to thermal inefficiency, which increase fuel consumption. Bio-based vehicles respond to these challenges through the use of renewable resources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting the principles of the circular economy. Strategic sectors such as pharmaceutical and food logistics are at the forefront of this transition, driven both by European regulations (primarily the Green Deal) and by the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions.

Cutting-Edge Organic Materials for Insulation and Structures

The key components of bio-based refrigerated vehicles are designed using organic materials with competitive thermal performance and significant ecological benefits. For insulation, cellulose fibers stand out, obtained from recycled paper or agricultural waste such as straw, treated with borate salts to resist fire; these fibers offer low thermal conductivity (0.035–0.04 W/mK) and are completely biodegradable. Another promising material is fungal mycelium, grown in 3D molds to create porous and lightweight structures with insulating properties superior to polystyrene, also capable of absorbing vibrations.

Cork , extracted from the bark of oak trees without damaging the trees, is distinguished by its waterproofness and resistance, ideal for dividing panels thanks to its cellular structure which stabilizes internal temperatures by retaining air.

For structural components, bioplastics such as PLA (derived from corn starch or sugar cane) replace traditional plastics in coatings and internal parts, ensuring lightness and safety for food contact. Natural composites based on plant fibers – such as hemp, flax or kenaf – mixed with bio-epoxy resins, reinforce frames and walls, improving rigidity and sound insulation.

These materials offer tangible benefits: they reduce vehicle weight by 30–50%, cutting fuel consumption; they have a low environmental impact during disposal thanks to compostability or recyclability; and they reduce the carbon footprint by 40% compared to synthetic counterparts.

Challenges and Future Prospects