Energy-efficient ripening: cutting costs and carbon emissions – BIG interview with Maximilliano Castagna, Cold Energy

In the push for sustainability, industrial refrigeration is undergoing a transformation. Cold Energy, one of the leaders in refrigeration and ripening technologies, has developed an innovative solution: the Ripening Energy Saving System (RESS). At Fruit Logistica 2025, the company showcased how this technology slashes energy costs and reduces carbon emissions. Fructidor sat down with Cold Energy Sales & Marketing Director Massimiliano Castagna to discuss the impact of RESS, industry challenges, and the future of energy-efficient refrigeration.

Fructidor: The RESS system is gaining attention in the industry, but what is the most misunderstood aspect of how it works and its benefits?

Massimiliano Castagna: One of the biggest misconceptions is that energy-saving solutions often come with hidden trade-offs in performance. With RESS, that’s not the case. It reduces energy costs by at least 35% while also cutting CO₂ emissions — since lower energy consumption means burning fewer hydrocarbons to generate electricity. These savings translate directly into lower operational costs and a more sustainable business model.

Fructidor: Beyond energy efficiency, have any clients reported unexpected benefits after implementing RESS?

Massimiliano Castagna: Absolutely. Many of our clients appreciate the ecological advantage — by consuming less energy, they’re actively contributing to reducing their carbon footprint. Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it’s becoming a core value in many businesses.

Fructidor: With sustainability regulations evolving across Europe, do you see energy-saving technologies like RESS becoming a regulatory standard?

Massimiliano Castagna: There are already government funding programs that encourage investments in technologies that reduce environmental impact. However, these initiatives often involve complicated bureaucracy, which discourages many investors. Cold Energy closely follows regulatory developments to help clients navigate these opportunities and maximize their benefits.

Fructidor: The market is full of refrigeration solutions labeled as "energy-saving." What makes Cold Energy’s approach unique?

Massimiliano Castagna: We respect our competitors — there are some highly qualified players in this space. But Cold Energy is the only company currently offering this technology for both new and existing ripening chambers. This means businesses don’t need to overhaul their systems to see results. Another key advantage is the quick payback time — less than two years.

Fructidor: Have there been any particularly challenging RESS projects?

Massimiliano Castagna: Yes, in some cases, we’ve had to overcome serious issues related to electromagnetic interference. These challenges have pushed us to fine-tune the system, ensuring optimal performance in various industrial environments.

Fructidor: RESS is used across different industries. How do you tailor installations for sectors like meat processing versus fruit storage?

Massimiliano Castagna: The greatest impact is in ripening facilities, where ventilation runs 24/7. Since RESS optimizes airflow efficiency, the energy savings are maximized in these environments, making it a particularly attractive solution for the fruit industry.

Fructidor: As the refrigeration sector moves toward carbon neutrality, how does RESS contribute to these goals?

Massimiliano Castagna: RESS plays a key role in achieving carbon neutrality by directly reducing CO₂ emissions. The less energy you consume, the smaller your environmental footprint — it's a simple equation but with profound industry-wide implications.

Fructidor: How does Cold Energy balance cost-efficiency with environmental responsibility when designing and deploying RESS?

Massimiliano Castagna: Our approach is always guided by sustainability and cost-effectiveness. We prioritize low-impact materials and supply chains to ensure that our solutions are not only efficient but also environmentally responsible from production to deployment.

Take the next step in energy efficiency – Contact us to learn how RESS can cut your energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint.