By Eamonn Ryan
In South Africa, the logistics sector faces unique operational challenges.
Unreliable grid electricity, frequent power outages, and rising energy costs threaten the continuity of supply chains. On a recent episode of Trane Technologies’ Healthy Spaces podcast, host Dominique Silva explored how South African logistics companies are innovating to overcome these challenges, focusing on the intersection of sustainability and operational efficiency.
Joining the discussion were Claudio Zanframundo, a global expert on cold chain transport technology, and Renier Du Preez, CEO of Digistics and a key Advisory Council member of the Global Cold Chain Alliance in Africa. Together, they examined the ways advanced technology and renewable energy are reshaping logistics on the continent.
Du Preez explained that for Digistics, sustainability is not a marketing initiative but a core operational strategy. “Operating in Africa, electricity is a big challenge. The reliance on government-supplied power is a major concern,” he said. To mitigate this, the company invested in solar power at its distribution centres, ensuring a portion of its energy needs is met independently of the grid. This not only reduces costs but also creates contingency capacity in regions prone to outages.
Digistics has also deployed battery-powered refrigerated vehicles equipped with Thermo King’s kinetic energy recovery technology. During a pilot project, vehicles operated for over a month without needing diesel to power refrigeration or tail lifts. Batteries dispatched at around 35% charge and were fully replenished through kinetic energy recovery within two hours of driving, without ever being plugged into the grid. This capability allows safe, low-emission deliveries, even in early morning hours in residential areas.
Beyond vehicles, Digistics has pioneered circular operational strategies. On return trips, delivery trucks collect used cooking oil from quick-service restaurant clients. This eliminates the need for separate collection trips, reduces emissions and generates biodiesel that is reintegrated into fleet fuel. Emissions reductions exceed threefold compared with conventional diesel.
This integrated, holistic approach demonstrates how sustainability can directly support operational efficiency. Digistics leverages technology and process innovation to meet client needs, reduce environmental impact and create financial value – a model that could be scaled across Africa to tackle food waste and transport emissions simultaneously.
For South African businesses and supply chain managers, Digistics’ approach illustrates a powerful principle: innovation must be grounded in local realities. Infrastructure constraints are not obstacles to sustainability; they are drivers of creative, cost-effective solutions that align operational and environmental goals.