- REMA 1000
- Skovvej, Korsør - Denmark
- Grocery
- Airius PureAir Fans
REMA 1000, a multinational retail chain, sought to reduce food waste while improving indoor climate control and customer safety in their Skovvej, Korsør store in Denmark. Grocer Jørgen Nordtorp was determined to find an innovative solution to extend the shelf life of fresh produce and enhance the store’s air quality amidst the challenges posed by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
The primary challenge at REMA 1000 was reducing the amount of discarded fresh produce due to short shelf life and ensuring the safety and comfort of customers and staff. High food waste negatively impacted earnings, and poor air circulation required frequent handling of produce, leading to increased labor costs. Furthermore, the store faced air quality concerns related to viruses, bacteria, and mold.
In October 2020, REMA 1000 installed two Airius PureAir fans in their fresh produce, bakery, and florist departments. These fans utilize cutting-edge ionization technology, which neutralizes up to 99% of bacteria, viruses, and mold in the air and on surfaces. This system provided continuous purification, improving both the quality of the store’s air and extending the freshness of perishable items.
The installation yielded immediate, tangible results. Fruits and vegetables now stay fresh 1-2 days longer, significantly reducing food waste. With the PureAir system, REMA 1000 no longer needs to refrigerate produce overnight, saving up to 30 minutes of labor each day. The improved air circulation has also enhanced customer comfort and reduced HVAC costs. Encouraged by these results, REMA 1000 is exploring the possibility of installing the PureAir system in additional stores across the region.
Thanks to the Airius PureAir system, REMA 1000 has significantly reduced food waste and labor time while protecting customers and staff with improved air quality. The system’s success at the Skovvej location has inspired plans for further installations across other stores in the chain.