Sustainability at the forefront of TCS&D’s Cold Chain Hub 2025

When Cold Chain Hub returns to the NEC on 9 & 10 September this year, there will be a strong focus on sustainable solutions.

The UK’s leading event for the cold storage and distribution sector – organised by the team behind TCS&D and Frozen & Chilled Foods magazines – will showcase innovative products and services for the journey to net zero.

“Companies adopting sustainable storage and distribution solutions are not only helping the environment,” says Martyn Cogan, Event Director. “They are also opening up significant opportunities in terms of reduced operational costs, enhanced brand value and improved talent recruitment and retention.”

Exhibiting at the show for the first time and located within the Food Logistics Zone, Greenvolt Next UK is keen to showcase its proven renewable energy solutions, which it has supplied to clients including Tesco and Lidl. “We’re excited to be part of this important event and to engage directly with key players in cold storage and logistics,” says Owen Power, CEO. “The sector faces unique challenges due to its energy-intensive nature, which makes the adoption of sustainable energy solutions not just beneficial, but essential,” he continues. “The industry is making progress towards net zero, particularly with rising awareness and regulatory pressure, but there’s still a long way to go. Collaboration, innovation and long-term investment will be key to accelerating progress.” Greenvolt Next UK, part of the global Greenvolt Group, will be promoting its full suite of renewable energy solutions at Cold Chain Hub 2025, including solar PV system design and installation, battery energy storage solutions, heat pumps, biomass boilers, wind turbines, energy audits and net-zero consultancy.

Also exhibiting at Cold Chain Hub for the first time, Renault Trucks UK will be showcasing its electric vehicle range in the show’s Truck Zone, including its 42-tonne E-Tech T tractor unit, which can deliver over 300km range on a single charge. The company believes the real challenge in the journey to net zero lies in how operators can transition their fleets. At the exhibition, Renault Trucks UK will collaborate with contract hire partner, Vertellus to demonstrate a joint commitment to accelerating decarbonisation. “This show provides the perfect opportunity to engage with industry leaders and decision-makers who are looking for commercially viable routes to net zero,” explains Alex Williams, Head of Brand & Communications for Renault Trucks UK & Ireland. “Working alongside Vertellus, we can offer fleet operators affordable and practical access to electric refrigerated vehicles through the Vertellus EV Discovery Programme.” Through this unique scheme, operators can trial a fully electric refrigerated vehicle over a 12-month period with no long-term commitment. “This initiative is a strong example of how collaboration between an OEM and fleet solutions provider can lower barriers to entry and de-risk EV adoption for fleet operators,” says Alex Williams.

First-time exhibitor, BeBa Energy UK will showcase its comprehensive solar PV solutions in the Food Logistics Zone at Cold Chain Hub 2025. “We’re genuinely excited to be participating in such a well-regarded event,” says William Palmer, Commercial Director. “It's a fantastic opportunity for us to engage with industry stakeholders and demonstrate how our services can support the sector’s transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions. We believe our services can play a vital role in helping cold store operators future-proof their energy strategies.” BeBa Energy, which has installed over 650 commercial solar projects since 2009, focuses on delivering high-quality solar energy solutions, from design and installation to ongoing, industry-leading maintenance support.

Electra Commercial Vehicles has exhibited its products at Cold Chain Hub before but the 2025 event will be the first time the company has exhibited on its own stand. Electra, which designs and delivers 100% electric and hydrogen fuel cell battery electric commercial vehicles to markets worldwide, will display one of its battery electric vehicles from its wide product range. Exhibiting in the show’s Truck Zone, Electra will also showcase its modular build design. “We can build a vehicle to suit customer needs,” says Andrew Holliday, Head of Commercial and Sales Operations. “We are body-agnostic, meaning there is little or no change required by the body builder in mounting the body or to the existing customer body specification.” The Electra team will also be promoting the new Electra EXchange solution, which enables diesel engines to be swapped out for the company’s sustainable EV drive system and battery technology. “With Electra EXchange, your current vehicle is refurbished, repowered and returned within 16 weeks,” continues Andrew Holliday, “allowing you to take your first steps to a greener fleet without having to buy new. You keep the benefits of existing vehicles, whilst upcycling for a zero-emission second life. We believe this can work in a multitude of ways – such as a new chassis with an old body, an old chassis with a new body, or an old chassis with an old body.”

Co-located with IMHX

Co-located this year with IMHX – the UK’s largest logistics event, which delivers some 10,000 visitors – Cold Chain Hub has attracted a number of key industry names as exhibitors. Companies showcasing their solutions include cold store constructors, temperature-controlled operators, rental/contract hire specialists and vehicle conversion experts, as well as suppliers of refrigerated vehicles, portable cold stores, renewable energy systems, materials handling equipment, protective clothing and temperature-monitoring technology.

TCS&D Awards evening

Held alongside the exhibition, the annual TCS&D Awards – now in their 12th year – will take place in the evening of 9 September at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on the NEC complex. Celebrating innovation and excellence in the cold supply chain, the black-tie TCS&D Awards offer a great opportunity for networking with industry colleagues.

Register now for free

Visitor registration for TCS&D’s Cold Chain Hub 2025 is now open at www.tcsdevents.com, where a full list of exhibitors can also be found. Companies interested in exhibiting at Cold Chain Hub or attending the TCS&D Awards should contact Martyn Cogan on 07545 378793 or send an e-mail to martyn@tcsandd.com.