Revolutionizing the Frozen Food Industry: A Sustainable Temperature Shift

The frozen food industry is undergoing a transformative shift, as stakeholders across the supply chain unite to lower the standard storage and transportation temperature from -18°C to -15°C. This industry-wide effort, known as the "Move to -15°C," has gained significant momentum, more than doubling its membership since its launch in 2023. The driving force behind this initiative is the compelling evidence presented in the "Three Degrees of Change" report, which highlights the substantial environmental and financial benefits of this temperature adjustment.

Unlocking Sustainability and Cost Savings in the Frozen Food Sector

Embracing a Greener Future

The frozen food industry has long operated under the -18°C temperature standard, a decision made a century ago with little scientific evidence to support it. However, advancements in logistics technology and the latest research have revealed the potential for a 3°C reduction in temperature to have a significant impact. According to the "Three Degrees of Change" report, lowering the temperature set point from -18°C to -15°C could save a staggering 17.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, the equivalent of removing 3.8 million cars from the road. This remarkable environmental benefit is a testament to the industry's commitment to sustainability and its willingness to embrace innovative solutions.

Powering Efficiency and Cost Savings

The potential energy savings associated with the Move to -15°C are equally impressive. The report estimates that this temperature shift could result in energy savings of around 25 terawatt-hours (TW/h), equivalent to 8.63% of the UK's annual energy consumption. This substantial reduction in energy usage translates to tangible financial savings throughout the supply chain, with the potential for cost reductions of at least 5% and up to 12% in some areas.

Securing Industry-Wide Collaboration

Recognizing the need for a collaborative effort to implement this temperature change, the Move to -15°C initiative has secured the support of key players across the frozen food industry. Nomad Foods, Europe's leading frozen food manufacturer and the company behind renowned brands like Bird's Eye, Findus, and Iglo, has played a pivotal role. Their landmark 12-month study revealed that storing frozen food at -15°C can reduce freezer energy consumption by 10-11% without compromising product safety, texture, taste, or nutritional value.

Expanding the Coalition of Committed Stakeholders

The Move to -15°C has also garnered the support of other influential industry players, including Danish Crown, a prominent international Danish food company; Blue Water Shipping, a worldwide transport and logistics provider; Constellation Cold Logistics, Europe's second-largest cold logistics operator; and Indicold, a provider of reliable, cost-effective cold storage and logistics solutions in India. Moreover, Seacube Container Leasing, one of the world's largest purchasers and lessors of refrigerated containers, has joined forces with IoT technology pioneers Orbcomm and Seafrigo to develop a global network within the refrigerated space, further strengthening the coalition.

Driving Widespread Adoption and Impact

The collective efforts of the Move to -15°C initiative have the potential to transform the frozen food industry, paving the way for a more sustainable and cost-effective future. As more stakeholders join the coalition and implement the temperature shift, the cumulative impact on the environment and the bottom line will be truly remarkable. This industry-wide collaboration serves as a shining example of how innovative solutions and a shared commitment to progress can drive meaningful change in the face of global challenges.