(Commonwealth_ At the Multimodal 2024 conference, Dirk Hoffmann from DP World introduced a novel method to reduce carbon emissions in the logistics and supply chain sector: freezing goods at -15 degrees Celsius instead of the standard -18 degrees Celsius. This seemingly small adjustment could yield significant environmental benefits, comparable to the effect of removing millions of cars from the road. Echoing this, David Brown, Director at MAERSK, emphasized, “We need to get to net zero, and this is an easy way to help get us there.”
Energy Consumption and Emissions
Freezing goods at -18 degrees Celsius demands substantial energy, as maintaining lower temperatures requires more refrigeration power. By raising the freezing point to -15 degrees Celsius, the energy required decreases significantly. Refrigeration is a major energy consumer within the food supply chain. Thus, even a slight reduction in temperature difference can lead to considerable energy savings. Hoffmann suggests these savings could have an environmental impact equivalent to removing millions of cars from the road.
This reduction in energy use translates directly into lower carbon emissions. Refrigeration units typically consume electricity generated from fossil fuels. By reducing the temperature differential by just three degrees, the demand for energy drops, thereby decreasing the overall carbon footprint of the supply chain. This change is pivotal in the push towards more sustainable practices in logistics and food storage.
Quantifying the Impact
Hoffmann’s comparison to car emissions underscores the potential scale of the impact. The transportation sector, including millions of cars worldwide, is a significant source of CO2 emissions. For example, a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of CO2 per year. If we extrapolate this, reducing refrigeration energy use across the food supply chain can cut millions of tons of CO2 emissions annually, similar to removing a sizable number of cars from the road.
While Hoffmann did not provide exact figures at the conference, the magnitude of the potential savings is clear. By cutting down on the electricity required for freezing goods by even a fraction, the logistics and supply chain sector can make a substantial contribution to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Technical Feasibility and Industry Implications
Product Quality and Safety
A key concern with altering freezing temperatures is ensuring product quality and safety. Many frozen goods, including non-perishable items like vegetables, processed foods, and certain meats, can be stored at -15 degrees Celsius without compromising their quality or safety. Studies and industry practices have shown that this minor temperature increase does not significantly affect the integrity of most products. However, this adjustment necessitates careful monitoring and might require slight modifications in packaging and handling to maintain product integrity.
Cost Savings
Lowering energy consumption also leads to significant economic benefits. Reduced operational costs for refrigeration translate into savings for businesses across the supply chain. From producers to retailers, these savings can be substantial, potentially reducing prices for consumers and creating a ripple effect of economic benefits. In addition to environmental gains, the financial incentives provide a compelling case for businesses to adopt this practice.
Broader Implications and Adoption
Industry Adoption
For this practice to be widely adopted, a coordinated effort across the entire supply chain is essential. Stakeholders, including food producers, logistics providers, and retailers, must align on new standards and best practices. Pilot programs and educational initiatives can play a crucial role in demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of this approach. By sharing success stories and providing evidence of cost savings and environmental benefits, the industry can foster broader acceptance and implementation.
