keeping the bulb sustainably cool

The Dutch onion sector leads the way when it comes to new initiatives for sustainable transport and stimulating containerization. Through the use of the latest developments with respect to post-harvest technology the modes of transport used for the export of onions, such as trailers and reefer containers, meet both the European regulations as well as all the other preconditions made by the customer. 

Post-harvest technology
Post-harvest technology is an important research program of the world leading knowledge institute in the field of agriculture, Wageningen University & Research Centre (Wageningen UR), and the Dutch onion chain makes grateful use of this. In a specially conditioned space at Wageningen Food & Biobased Research the means used for the transportation of onions, such as reefer containers, are extensively tested in accordance with ATP and GDP protocols.

Conditioned container transport is the perfect solution for long distances and is becoming more and more popular. The Dutch onion chain is committed to reduce CO2 emissions during overseas transport as much as possible. A new approach has led to a 65% decrease in the energy consumption of refrigerated container transport. (source: https://www.wur.nl/en/show/Quest-II-container-refrigeration-with-65-less-CO2-emission.htm ) In combination with the use of new insulation material and new cooling systems, CO2 emissions are constantly being reduced. All the reefer containers used by us are ATO certified which means they qualify for the furthest destinations.

Furthermore all shipments from the Netherlands are monitored electronically. The refrigeration chain is fully closed. Advanced data loggers enclosed in the pallets register all relevant data during the passage of the Holland Onions and can be read out immediately after arrival.