Maximising Storage Space: The Benefits of Adjustable Shelving in Cold Storage

When it comes to cold storage, maximising efficiency and space optimisation are paramount. These shelving and racking units must be suitable for organising, handling, and displaying items in rooms that maintain very low temperatures. Here, adjustable shelving has emerged as a game-changer, offering a number of benefits that cater to the unique needs of cold storage facilities. When choosing the right shelving solution, it is important that it not only makes the most of the available storage space but also complies with hygiene standards. 

So, let us delve into more details on adjustable shelving and why they are a must-have in cold storage. 

What Is Adjustable Shelving?

An adjustable shelving unit is a storage solution that allows users to modify the height and arrangement of the shelves based on their specific needs. This flexibility is achieved through a series of holes, slots, or brackets in the vertical supports, often called “uprights” or “standards” of the shelving unit. 

Key Features of Adjustable Shelving Units

• Vertical supports: These are the upright structures that hold the shelves. They have a series of holes or slots spaced uniformly throughout the height.  
• Shelf brackets: These are the components that attach to the vertical supports and hold the actual shelves. They can be easily repositioned by moving them up or down the vertical supports.
• Shelves: These are the horizontal platforms where items are placed. They rest on the shelf brackets and can be made of various materials like wood, metal, or plastic.

Benefits of Adjustable Shelving Units

• Flexibility: The height and spacing of the shelves can be easily reconfigured to accommodate items of different sizes. 
• Space optimization: The shelves can be adjusted to fit specific items, ensuring the most efficient use of the available vertical space.
• Cost-efficient: Instead of buying new shelving units when storage needs change, the existing shelves can be simply adjusted.
• Easy assembly and disassembly: Most adjustable shelving units are designed for easy setup and takedown, allowing for quick reconfiguration or relocation.
• Versatility: They are suitable for various settings, from homes and offices to warehouses and retail stores.

Types of Shelving and Racking Used in Cold Storage 

There are a number of shelving and racking solutions available for use in cold storage. When making a choice, make sure the units are versatile, and optimise space, picking times, workflow, and productivity. This is essential to reach your delivery targets and keep product quality at its best. 

Adjustable Pallet Racking

This solution is preferred for its versatility in warehouses and cold storage rooms. Available in a number of variations such as wide or narrow aisle options, adjustable pallet racking accommodates different pallet sizes and can be adjusted to varying needs. These storage shelves offer flexibility in height, width, and depth adjustments. Additionally, warehouses have the option to configure the adjustable pallet racking in a double-depth arrangement, enhancing the storage potential of their facility even further.

Easy to customise, this racking solution is suitable for food, beverages, medical supplies, beauty or even pet products when it comes to cold storage warehouses. 

Mobile Racking 

Mobile racking is preferred when multiple SKUs are involved. Mobile pallet racking solutions enable pallet movement using floor tracks. Recognized as a high-density storage method, this racking system’s main advantage is its capacity to store pallets efficiently while ensuring easy access to each one when needed. 

Usually electronically controlled, Mobile racking is known for ensuring maximum storage space and allowing efficient and fast forklift picking. This means items can be picked from any side to be shipped. 

Live Pallet Racking/ Live Storage Systems 

This solution is an ideal choice for high-density storage wherein pallet sizes are identical. Its primary benefit is space optimisation, similar to compact pallet racking. However, this solution differs from compact pallet racking in a way that it utilises gravity for storage. These systems can be set up to support both first-in-first-out (FIFO) and last-in-first-out (LIFO) inventory handling methods, making the pickup and restocking quick and easy. 

Drive-In Racking

Drive-in racking solution provides the same advantages as live racking. However, it’s more suited for bigger or bulkier items stored on individual SKU pallets that require a forklift for picking. It maximizes space both vertically and horizontally, positioning it as an ideal choice for food and beverage products in fast-moving consumer goods or FMCG enterprises.

Why You Need Adjustable Shelving in Cold Storage: The Key Benefits 

Let us look at the benefits of adjustable shelving in cold storage warehouses. 

Prevents Cross-Contamination and Improves Organisation 

Primarily, cold room shelving is focused on the levelling system. Multiple shelves serve several purposes, especially in preserving different types of food items. One primary concern is cross-contamination, which happens when bacteria from certain foods, like raw meats, transfer to other foods. With cold room shelving, foods remain segregated. For instance, raw meats can be isolated from vegetables and cooked items. This sanitary shelving maintains food cleanliness, ensuring product safety and minimizing the risk of recalls due to contamination.

Cold room shelving minimises contamination risks by allocating separate shelves for different food types. Beyond the food sector, such shelving also helps businesses maintain inventory order. Additionally, proper organisation, especially in food and medical storage assists in inventory tracking and forecasting. 

Mobility and Hassle-Free Assembly 

Cold room shelves are not only easy to assemble but can also be designed for mobility with attachable wheels. Mobile shelves offer flexibility, especially when reorganizing large quantities of stock. Instead of shifting items between stationary shelves, movable units enhance efficiency and save time.

Simple Cleaning Process 

The choice of materials for cold room shelving is crucial. They should be easy to clean and maintain and are typically, these shelves are made from polypropylene or stainless steel. This ensures quick cleaning, especially vital for food and medical storage. Clean shelves also reduce germ growth and contamination and deter pests or rodents.

Optimizing Storage Capacity 

Mobile cold room shelves enable you to accommodate expanding inventory. If a cold room predominantly uses shelving units, additional space can be generated quickly. Also, categorizing stock can help in space allocation for each segment. For instance, in the food distribution industry, systematic organization can free up room, accommodating more stock, especially for high-demand items. 

Enduring Extreme Temperatures 

Adjustable shelving in cold rooms is designed to endure very low temperatures. Especially when it comes to freezing conditions, shelving should be able to consistently withstand harsh conditions. These shelves are designed to be resilient against the challenges of severe temperatures, ensuring longevity. This durability means businesses don’t have to repeatedly invest in new shelving, providing a more reliable and cost-effective solution. 

Height Flexibility

Some manufacturers design shelving units with adjustable heights. This feature allows shelves to be adjusted to different levels, ensuring easy access for all. By doing so, it minimizes the need for employees to overreach or use ladders unsafely, reducing the risk of workplace injuries.

What Rinac Has to Offer

Rinac offers a range of storage and racking solutions under the brand StoreEdge. 

• Rack-assisted storage (RAS) or mezzanine-assisted storage (MAS)
• Selective racking—single and double deep
• Multi-deep drive-in racking
• Multi-deep shuttle racking
• Mobile racking
• Automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) and more!

These tailored solutions are perfect for 3PL (third-party logistics) companies, eCommerce, Retailers, and agricultural horticultural industries.

Final Words

Adjustable shelving in cold storage helps optimise space, improve efficiency, and ensure product safety and quality. As the cold storage industry continues to grow, so does the need for innovative storage and shelving solutions. Adjustable shelving offers a plethora of benefits and stands out as a preferred choice for cold storage facilities and warehouses. Whether you’re setting up a new facility or looking to upgrade an existing one, consider the advantages of adjustable shelving. 

To know more about Rinac’s cold storage and racking solutions, get in touch with us today.