Cargo airline joins coalition to reduce energy in frozen food supply chain

International airline Emirates has joined the Move to -15°C global coalition, which aims to redefine frozen food temperature standards and reduce energy consumption in the frozen food supply chain.

First launched at COP28, which was hosted in the UAE, the coalition’s working hypothesis suggests that a 3°C change in temperature could make a significant environmental impact with no compromise on food quality and safety. By bringing together cross-industry partners, the coalition will explore the real-world implementation of this research through data sharing, suggested operational revisions, collaborating with members and stakeholders, and engaging with policymakers and regulators to educate and advocate. 

Perishables represent Emirates SkyCargo’s largest business unit by tonnage, with 900–1000 tonnes of fresh food travelling around the world on Emirates’ flights every day. While frozen foods may represent a small percentage, the airline has built good cold chain infrastructure, employed proprietary innovations and established strong working relationships across the supply chain that could provide key insights when reimagining the frozen food supply chain.

Dennis Lister, Senior Vice President of Product and Innovation at Emirates SkyCargo, said: “We have long been leaders in the movement of perishable food, connecting the global agricultural community with their customers across the globe and delivering freshness you can taste. The Move to -15°C coalition is a future-looking concept, bringing together like-minded partners to evolve the industry in line with current advancements in technology, equipment, facilities, packaging and more. We are excited to offer our insight and expertise to help shape the next phase of food logistics while driving meaningful environmental impact.”

Thomas Eskesen, Chairman of the Move to -15°C coalition, said, “We are excited to welcome Emirates to our coalition. The airline industry plays a vital role in the global cold chain, and having a leading airline like Emirates on board represents a key step forward to us.

“Ambitious climate action across the complex frozen food supply chain — which includes food production, ports, shipping, road, rail and air freight, cold storage and retail — can only happen through cross-sector collaboration. By joining the coalition, Emirates is demonstrating that change is possible through industries joining forces.”

Image credit: Emirates SkyCargo.