The Irish food and drink sector is one of the country’s most valuable industries, employing tens of thousands of people and supplying products to markets all over the world. From meat processing to dairy, bakery to ready meals, much of this production takes place in large factories where efficiency, hygiene, and staff well-being are top priorities. Yet one factor that is often overlooked is the indoor climate. Temperatures inside food factories can rise quickly, especially in production areas filled with machinery, ovens, or refrigeration units that give off heat.
This is where evaporative air cooling comes in. While some might assume cooling is only necessary during summer peaks, in reality there are clear benefits to using evaporative systems all year round. Below, we explore why food producers across Ireland should consider evaporative air cooling as a long-term investment in both productivity and staff comfort.
1. Keeping Staff Comfortable and Productive
Working in a food factory can be physically demanding. Employees may spend long shifts on their feet, often wearing protective clothing such as hair nets, gloves, or insulated garments. In warm or stuffy conditions, fatigue sets in quickly, leading to reduced concentration, slower output, and an increased risk of mistakes.
Evaporative cooling helps to maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature across the factory floor. Unlike traditional air conditioning, which recirculates air, evaporative coolers continuously bring in fresh, filtered air from outside. This creates a more natural environment that feels cooler and fresher for staff, even during long shifts. Comfortable employees are more alert, motivated, and productive—directly supporting the output and efficiency of the factory.
2. Enhancing Food Safety and Hygiene
Temperature control isn’t just about staff well-being. In food production, hygiene is everything. Heat and humidity can encourage the growth of bacteria and mould, creating risks for both product quality and regulatory compliance.
Evaporative cooling provides a steady flow of clean, filtered air, which helps reduce airborne contaminants. Because the system continuously replaces stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air, it avoids the circulation of dust, odours, and particles that can settle on production lines. This supports strict hygiene standards and helps businesses maintain the high levels of quality demanded by regulators and customers alike.
3. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
One of the strongest arguments for year-round evaporative cooling is energy efficiency. Compared to traditional refrigeration-based air conditioning, evaporative systems use significantly less electricity. They operate using the simple, natural process of water evaporation to cool the air.
For Irish food producers, this means lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint—important considerations as the industry faces growing pressure to meet sustainability goals. In fact, evaporative cooling can use up to 80% less energy than conventional air conditioning, making it an eco-friendly choice that aligns with Ireland’s national climate targets and corporate ESG commitments.
4. Supporting Compliance with Worker Welfare Standards
Irish and EU legislation increasingly emphasises the duty of employers to provide safe and comfortable working environments. Factories that run hot, poorly ventilated, or uncomfortable risk breaching these expectations, potentially leading to fines or reputational damage.
By installing evaporative cooling, food producers can demonstrate that they take staff welfare seriously. A well-ventilated, cooled environment reduces the likelihood of heat stress or fatigue-related accidents, ensuring that employees remain safe while also helping the company stay ahead of compliance requirements.
5. Year-Round Benefits, Not Just for Summer
A common misconception is that cooling systems are only needed during heatwaves. However, in the controlled environment of a food production facility, heat sources are present all year—whether from machinery, ovens, packaging equipment, or even high volumes of refrigeration working in confined spaces.
Even during Ireland’s cooler months, evaporative cooling ensures that fresh air is constantly circulated, preventing the build-up of stuffiness and stale odours. Staff benefit from improved air quality, and management benefits from consistent productivity levels regardless of season.
6. Easy Integration and Scalability
Modern evaporative air cooling systems are modular, meaning they can be scaled to suit factories of different sizes. Whether a producer runs a small artisan facility or a large-scale processing plant, there are solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing ventilation setups. Maintenance is straightforward, with minimal moving parts and no use of chemical refrigerants. For managers looking to invest in long-term infrastructure, this makes evaporative cooling a practical, cost-effective option.
7. A Competitive Advantage for Irish Food Producers
Ireland has a reputation for producing world-class food and drink, and maintaining that reputation requires continuous improvement across every stage of production. Companies that invest in staff welfare, sustainability, and efficient operations gain a competitive advantage, both in securing contracts and in attracting and retaining skilled employees.
By adopting evaporative cooling, food producers can enhance their factory environment, reduce costs, and demonstrate leadership in sustainability—all of which contribute to stronger performance in a global marketplace.
For food producers in Ireland, the case for evaporative air cooling extends well beyond the occasional summer heatwave. All year round, factories face the challenge of managing internal temperatures, ensuring staff comfort, and maintaining hygiene. Evaporative cooling offers a natural, energy-efficient, and cost-effective solution that benefits employees, products, and the bottom line.
As the industry looks to the future, investing in evaporative cooling isn’t just about keeping cool—it’s about creating a healthier, safer, and more productive workplace for everyone involved in bringing Ireland’s food to the world.
Coolingsolutions.ie are proud to have the best range and best value evapoorative air coolers for food producers in Ireland today. See our range now or anytime at https://coolingsolutions.ie/ or call John Lawton directly on 086 1715280