#ShowYourStripes for new electric food lorry

The UK’s first electric foodservice delivery lorry to carry the University of Reading’s Climate Stripes has officially hit the road.

Foodservice giant Brakes’ have adorned their new vehicle in the blue and red stripes to represent the change in global average temperatures over nearly two centuries.

The lorry, which will deliver to pubs, restaurants, education facilities, care homes and other food venues around Reading, was officially launched by the Mayor of Wokingham councillor Caroline Smith on Friday, 10 February as the organisations work together to raise awareness of the urgent need for action for the planet.

Professor Ed Hawkins, the University of Reading climate scientist who invented the stripes, said: “The stripes perfectly to illustrate how quickly we need to act. We are pleased to be working with Brakes on this project, which will take the Climate Stripes to venues that we visit every day, including schools, workplaces, pubs and restaurants. We hope that it will make people think about what we can all do to help protect the future of the planet.”

As part of the launch, Sysco called on government to support the uptake of zero emissions fleets, by highlighting the challenges faced today.

Peter Jackson, CEO of Sysco in Great Britain, said: “Food and transport are two of the most carbon-intensive sectors. We have a huge responsibility to tackle climate change through our operations and inspire others to do the same.

“Imagine a future where your delivery of sustainable produce arrives on an electric truck charged with solar panels at the zero carbon depot. That’s where we’re heading, and this is an important step. But alone, this is not enough. We can only achieve this together.

“Our position in the food system creates an opportunity to inspire our customers to transform their menus and the food that they buy – by far the biggest portion of our own carbon emissions. We hope that the climate stripes on this vehicle will raise awareness of the challenge.”