Local industry considers new refrigeration set-points

A global campaign to raise set-point temperatures for frozen foods is now generating conversation in Australia.

The original industry standard of food being transported and frozen at -18°C was set almost a century ago and hasn’t changed since.

Last year, the International Institute of Refrigeration’s Centre for Sustainable Cooling released a report called Three Degrees Of Change, predicting that increasing freezer temperatures across global supply chains by 3°C could reduce carbon emissions by 17.7 million metric tonnes of CO₂ a year.

Taking it up a notch

Recently, UK retailer Morrisons turned the temperature up from -18°C to -15°C in the frozen food sections in 10 of its supermarkets. The firm says the move will help the organisation achieve net zero carbon emissions from its own operations by 2035. It is one of the first companies in the UK that is joining the Move to -15°C Coalition, an initiative that aims to cut carbon emissions in the frozen food supply chain.

Move to -15°C is gaining in popularity across the globe and aims to secure support across the entire frozen food supply chain. One of its supporters, Nomad Foods (the company behind brands such as Bird’s Eye and Findus), released a report on a 12-month study that revealed it saved 10–11 per cent in freezer energy consumption by changing freezer temperatures to -15°C.

“By redefining temperature set points, we stand to make a significant impact in the decarbonisation of global supply chains,” says Chairman of the Move to -15°C Coalition, Thomas Eskesen.

Local leaders

The campaign has reached Australia, and Marianne Kintzel, Executive Officer of the Refrigerated Warehouse and Transport Association of Australia (RWTA) says the topic has sparked considerable interest.

“This interest is driven by the potential benefits of reducing energy usage, costs, and carbon emissions associated with the cold chain,” says Kintzel.

“Key industry players like DP World and Nomad Foods have initiated studies and formed consortia, indicating a serious industry-wide consideration towards this shift. The campaign aligns with broader environmental objectives and is seen as a progressive step towards sustainable practices within the frozen food sector.”

Kintzel highlights three key factors in effecting such a change.

First, stakeholder engagement – bringing together various stakeholders, including manufacturers, retailers, and logistics providers, to ensure a unified approach. Second, existing refrigeration systems and infrastructure would have to be modified to efficiently operate at the new standard temperature. And finally, educational campaigns would be required to inform all stakeholders, including consumers, about the benefits and safety of the new temperature settings.

The Australian context

Although the campaign is global, different countries faces specific challenges in making the three-degree change, and Australia is no exception.

“As Australia transitions to a renewable energy-based economy, managing energy supply, especially for high-demand systems like refrigeration, becomes crucial,” says Kintzel.

“Also, Australia’s diverse climate conditions across its vast geography may necessitate region-specific adaptations in refrigeration practices.

“And understanding the economic implications and ensuring that the supply chain can adapt without significant disruptions is critical.”

The campaign was the topic of a session at the recent RWTA conference, and Kintzel says it was received positively.

“There is a consensus on the potential benefits of the initiative,” she says, “particularly in terms of sustainability and operational efficiency.

“There is also a recognised need for leadership to spearhead this initiative. Entities like the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) are seen as potential leaders to coordinate efforts and facilitate discussions across the industry.”

As well as enthusiasm, Kintzel says there are concerns regarding the implementation.

“This includes the need for technological upgrades and the impact on existing operations.” More information about the “Move to –15°C” campaign is available at the DP World website