Friboi cuts waste and enhances logistics management using satellite-based temperature monitoring

Friboi, the company of JBS that leads the beef segment in Brazil, is pushing ahead to render its logistics chain even more sustainable. Based on a new satellite-based system for monitoring the temperature of its refrigerated trucks that uses QR Codes, the business avoids issuing more than 15 tons of waste per annum, primarily plastics. The company has more recently begun sharing this monitoring system with clients that now have more precise data saved on their systems.

According to Friboi, the substitution of disposable thermographs by QR Codes has avoided 13,5 tons of plastic, 0,6 tons of paper and 1,5 tons of metal. This is because on completion of each delivery, the thermographs needed to be disposed of. Besides reducing waste generation, around 30 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) a year are no longer pumped into the atmosphere using the new systems. This substitution also enables the reduction of 1 million liters of water used.

Satellite-based temperature monitoring, which JBS launched in 2013, aims to guarantee the quality of the transportation of chilled/frozen products throughout the entire journey, enabling drivers and the company to immediately monitor any temperature deviations. This QR Code-based method of control enables the company and clients to access updated and digital information, replacing the paper graphic strips (thermograph). 

 “The monitoring allows our haulage companies and clients to track the information of our logistics chain on their mobile phones. This renders the processes more agile and modern without undermining security”, points out Gilmar Schumacher, Logistics Director of Friboi. This technology is available in the large trucks used in the company’s operations.

The entire operation is a partnership with Opentech that integrates the data tracked in refrigerated transportation vehicles. The quality team at Friboi also analyzes the process. “Our team checks the specifications of the equipment to ensure effective monitoring, while also carrying out temperature tests and measurements to guarantee the security of the information and the quality of the end-product ”, explains Maria Emília Raucci, Quality Director at Friboi. 

Mariana Mattos, CRM Manager, and Klever Vendrame, Logistics Manager of Friboi, explain that this change generates several benefits for the company, clients, consumers, partners and the community. “We manage to give the driver control of the cargo, while clients receive digital information about the product”, says Vendrame. “We ensure the quality of the end-product for our consumers by taking immediate steps when deviations occur, while assuring the community of our progress in sustainability”, adds Mattos. 

This initiative complements other actions by Friboi to decarbonize its logistics. The company recently announced the expansion of its fleet of 100% electric refrigerated trucks from 10 to 53 vehicles by January 2023. This company initiative strengthens the sustainable distribution of its products to clients in 10 Brazilian states when transiting locally in urban centers. The expansion of the fleet will enable Friboi to avoid annual emissions of around 1600 tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere. 

• 1953 Friboi