Shockingly, one-fifth of all food produced globally is lost or wasted each year. Many factors contribute to this problem. But have you considered that your materials handling equipment could play a crucial role in helping reduce food waste?
Here are just three of the ways that Yale lifting equipment supports operations in the food industry.
- Specialised lifting equipment for the cold store
Temperature control is critical for highly perishable food items like fresh produce, dairy products, and meats. As well as affecting food safety, inconsistent temperatures can also damage the quality and marketability of products. Fruits and vegetables may ripen too quickly or unevenly, while dairy products might separate or develop off-flavours. These changes, while not always dangerous, can render food unsellable or unpalatable, contributing to waste.
This is where specialised materials handling equipment comes into play. Modern forklifts, pallet trucks, and order pickers can be designed for cold storage environments specially equipped with features that help maintain the integrity of the cold chain.
- Multifunctional materials handling equipment
In the cold chain, time is of the essence. Efficient materials handling equipment can help move food quickly from one temperature-controlled environment to another.
For instance, the Yale MO20-20X Order Picker Pallet Truck can combine multiple functions, allowing operators to load and unload refrigerated trucks swiftly while also performing typical warehouse tasks. This versatility can minimise the time products spend outside of ideal temperature conditions.
Similarly, Yale Reach Trucks designed for cold storage can operate in narrow aisles and achieve impressive lifting heights, maximising space utilisation in high-bay freezers. This speeds up operations and allows for better organisation of goods based on their temperature requirements and expiration dates.
- Yale solutions for handling with care
Careful handling helps avoid the damage which accelerates spoilage and renders food products unsellable.
Yale materials handling equipment is designed with these concerns in mind. With advanced control systems that allow for precise movements, even in tight spaces, for example. Shock-absorbing systems help protect delicate goods from impact during transport, while ergonomic designs can help reduce operator fatigue, which can minimise the risk of handling errors during long shifts.
Furthermore, specialised handling attachments can be crucial in handling specific types of perishable goods. For example, clamp attachments designed for handling multiple cases of produce can significantly reduce the risk of crushing or bruising fruits and vegetables during movement.
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