Replacing traditional truck transport with an automated system that links a factory directly to an external distribution centre is a pioneering solution on a European scale. On January 29th, members of the Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Food in Poland (ASAF) visited the NewCold and Nowel hub in Nowy Modlin. Industry experts examined how seamless infrastructure integration between two independent companies strengthens supply chain resilience. Under the theme “Sustainable Supply Chain: New Technologies, Low Emissions,” the meeting advanced the Association’s strategic focus on practical decarbonization.
An automated logistics link that replaces trucks
The centrepiece of the Modlin site is the infrastructure connecting Nowel’s facility—which produces roughly 500 tons of bread daily—with NewCold’s automated warehouse, capable of storing up to 95,000 pallets.
What makes this solution truly unique is the elimination of the traditional logistics model, where goods must be loaded onto trucks to reach a logistics operator, even for short distances. At Modlin, a physical, enclosed conveyor system transports pallets directly from the production line to freezer storage, completely bypassing road transport. This innovative approach eliminates the $CO_2$ emissions inherent in traditional logistics. The Polish implementation has proven so effective that NewCold is now replicating it at their new Italian facility, positioning the Modlin solution as an emerging benchmark for the European Union’s food industry.
The warehouse as a thermal buffer
Participants also examined the facility’s energy efficiency. Thanks to high-density storage and automation, the high-bay warehouse consumes up to 50% less energy than conventional cold storage facilities. A particularly significant technical feature is how the massive volume of stored goods functions as a natural thermal buffer, maintaining stable internal temperatures even during power outages lasting several days.
Sustainable sourcing: closing the loop
Nowel’s bakery is addressing sustainability from the ground up. The company announced that beginning in 2026, it will incorporate flour from regenerative agriculture into its production process. By prioritizing soil health and carbon sequestration at the farm level, Nowel ensures its environmental commitment extends beyond the warehouse doors and back to the very start of the food value chain.
Local government as a strategic partner
The Nowy Modlin investment serves as a prime example of synergy between private enterprise and public administration. The meeting was attended by Dariusz Bielecki, Mayor of the Pomiechówek Municipality, whose presence underscored the role of forward-thinking local government in enabling large-scale innovation. Such projects demonstrate that sustainable development is not just a corporate KPI, but a shared victory that benefits both businesses and the broader community.
The conclusion
A resilient food chain cannot be built in isolation. It demands close collaboration among farmers, processors, logistics operators, and local authorities. Only this integrated approach can genuinely reconcile business objectives with climate goals.
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