Waitrose to introduce racing car technology to make shops more energy efficient

Waitrose is set to introduce a new shelf-edge strip, which uses racing car technology to make its shops more energy efficient.

The strips feature twin blades made of recyclable polycarbonate to the front of its fridge shelving to reduce cold air being lost into the aisles.  This is the same technology found in racing cars, which channels airflow more efficiently, meaning the cars are able to take corners at higher speeds.

The retailer has said that the Wirth Research EcoBlade will reduce the energy consumption of refrigerators used by up to 25%.

The new technology is set to be rolling out in stores next month, and will be the first of a number of projects that WR and Waitrose will be collaborating on to help find ways to cut energy use.

Tor Harris, head of corporate social responsibility at Waitrose & Partners, said: “We know there is always more to do, but applying this design means we're motoring forward in our efforts to reduce our impact on the environment. To deliver an energy saving of such significance through changing our shelf edging is fantastic and another example of how we continue to find innovative ways to achieve our goal to make our shops more sustainable.”