At Great Dane, we’ve switched to more sustainable foam insulation that helps your fleet cut its carbon footprint. Sometimes, all it takes is a small change to make a big impact—and that’s exactly the case with our new-generation Polyurethane foam technology, now part of our refrigerated trailer insulation.
How Eco-Friendly Trailer Insulation Reduces Transport Emissions
Foam insulation contains blowing agents, which are substances that provide a higher insulation value in a foam. These blowing agents are a crucial part of the insulation process, as the tiny bubbles create trap gas and slow the movement of heat transfer.
However, over the lifespan of a trailer, conventional insulation materials often deteriorate over time, releasing their blowing agents into the air. This process traps heat in our atmosphere, significantly contributing to global warming. Our latest insulation technology helps to address this issue.
HFC and HFO Blowing Agents: Why Fleets Should Make the Switch
Historically, HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) have been a top choice as blowing agents because the combination of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon that make up HFCs is particularly good at rapidly expanding to create a foam with high insulative properties. Unfortunately, HFCs also contribute to amplifying infrared light when released into the atmosphere, a property known for intensifying global warming.
In fact, according to the Climate & Clean Air Coalition global partnership, the impact of HFCs on global warming can be hundreds to thousands of times greater than that of CO2 per unit of mass. This has caused the EPA to propose rulemaking to manage the use of HFCs in certain products and equipment.
The newest generation of Polyurethane foam swaps HFC-type for HFO (hydrofluoroolefin)-type blowing agents. HFOs are also made of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon but use a different combination of these elements, making them more environmentally friendly than HFCs.
HFCs are currently restricted in several U.S. states and all Canadian provinces, while HFOs are compliant with current regulations in all U.S. states and Canada.
Why HFO-Based Insulation is the Future of Sustainable Transport
By incorporating HFO-based insulation in our Everest refrigerated trailers, we’ve made it easier for you to operate with a lower carbon footprint without lifting a finger.
“HFO-type blowing agents generate much fewer carbon equivalent emissions than HFC-type. In a 53F refrigerated trailer, HFO-based insulation can save approximately 30MT/year of carbon equivalent emissions vs. HFC. This translates to carbon emissions caused by more than 3,000 gallons of diesel fuel usage per year.”
— Chris Lee, Vice President of Engineering, Great Dane
Benefits of HFO-Based Insulation for Fleets
Switching to HFO-based insulation offers several immediate and long-term advantages for your fleet:
- Significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to HFC-based foam.
- Complies with regulations across all U.S. states and Canadian provinces.
- Maintains outstanding insulation performance, ensuring temperature-sensitive goods stay cold.
- Helps reduce your fleet’s operating costs through enhanced energy efficiency.
- Demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, aligning with the growing global focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The adoption of HFO-based insulation is part of our broader commitment to sustainability, helping to ensure that you receive excellent value while protecting the planet.
Beyond Insulation: Great Dane’s Thermal Technology Redefines Performance
Our insulation is only one part of our total thermal package. Underneath the surface of the innovative sidewall technology, every layer tells a story of resilience and performance. With PunctueGuard featuring Microban, ClimaCore Insulation, and the robust Ultra Road Shield exterior, this design mirrors the enduring strength of natural strata. Introducing the Everest Strata System—making the Everest the highest-performing, lowest maintenance, longest-lasting, refrigerated trailer on the market.
Sustainability is transforming our industry, and we’re excited to be at the forefront.
Explore more about how Great Dane’s innovative products, like ClimaCore™ and ThermoGuard, are shaping the future of refrigerated transport in the latest issue of ETT Magazine.
