Cold Chains in Focus: Innovative Tracker Reduces Food Waste

Every year, over 130 billion pounds of food are wasted in the U.S., much of which spoils before it even reaches consumers. A key factor in this is the lack of transparency in the cold chain, where perishable goods are often exposed to uncontrollable conditions during storage and transport. The Norwegian technology company Surfact aims to address this issue. Inspired by experiences in the Afghan military service, CEO and founder Per Magne Helseth developed the idea for a robust tracker after witnessing how food and medicine became unusable in the supply chain process. The result is the Smart Cargo Tracker Emma, which is now set to revolutionize the U.S. food supply. At the International Foodservice Distributors Association Solutions Conference in Columbus, Ohio, Emma promises to "make the invisible visible." The puck-shaped tracker is transported directly with the cargo and captures real-time data on temperature, location, movement, shocks, and light conditions. By foregoing additional infrastructure or gateways, Emma transforms any conventional trailer into a "smart" trailer in seconds. Surfact is not entering the U.S. market alone. Together with partners like CSCS and Catena, a platform is being developed that combines detailed cargo intelligence, fleet data, and warehouse coordination. This integration promises not only better data analysis but also tangible operational efficiency gains, such as reduced transportation costs and less warehouse workload. Some customers are already reporting a return on investment within six months. For Helseth, entering the U.S. market marks both a significant milestone and a return to his original vision. What once arose from military frustration could fundamentally change the commercial food logistics system and minimize the potential for loss in supply chains.