How 3°C can change the global food chain

Recent research conducted by an international team of scientists reveals a simple yet impactful solution to enhance the sustainability of the global food chain. By increasing the temperature of frozen food by a mere 3°C, significant reductions in food loss and carbon emissions could be achieved.

Published in the report titled ‘Three Degrees of Change,’ the findings propose a shift in frozen food temperatures from the conventional -18°C to -15°C. This adjustment has the potential to cut carbon emissions by a substantial 17.7 million metric tonnes annually, equivalent to the emissions of 3.8 million cars per year.

Led by the University of Birmingham, in collaboration with the International Institute of Refrigeration in Paris and London South Bank University, the research underscores the need for innovative measures in tackling the escalating challenges of food loss and climate change.

Global Impact and Urgency

Approximately 12% of food produced worldwide for human consumption is lost annually due to inadequate temperature management. The growing global population intensifies food demand, while climate change threatens to diminish food production. The imperative to address food loss becomes increasingly critical to achieve global equitable food security.

Professor Toby Peters, a key figure in the research, emphasizes the timely nature of these findings, highlighting the significance of combating food loss efficiently and sustainably. Freezing food, a common preservation method, must be optimized to contribute to global food security while minimizing its environmental impact.

Revolutionizing the Cold Chain

Dr. Leyla Sayin, Deputy Director at the Centre for Sustainable Cooling, emphasizes the potential benefits of raising the frozen food temperature. She notes that freezing food at a higher temperature, such as -15°C, is both safe and environmentally friendly. This adjustment could simplify freezing processes in hotter climates and facilitate transportation, leading to a potential transformation of the global food and cold chain.

Supported by global logistics firm DP World, the research has paved the way for a coalition named "Join the Move to -15°C." This industry-wide initiative aims to explore the feasibility of implementing the suggested temperature change and further build on the research's implications. Maha AlQattan, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at DP World, emphasizes the need for updated frozen food standards, positioning this research as a catalyst for collaboration to achieve the shared net-zero ambition by 2050. The "Move to -15°C" initiative seeks to establish greener standards, deploying accessible storage technologies globally to reduce food scarcity and foster sustainability in communities worldwide.

Birmingham.ac.uk