October 3, 2024

Leading frozen food trade associations join coalition to explore ways of slashing emissions

The Cold Chain Federation and the British Frozen Food Federation have become part of ‘The Move to -15°C,’ a global coalition advocating for the storage and transportation temperature of frozen food to be raised from -18 to -15 degrees Celsius.

Recent research indicates that raising temperature standards does not affect food safety or quality, yet such a change could lead to a substantial decrease in carbon emissions.

Both federations have participated in prior research to revise the temperature standards, which were set a century ago and have remained unchanged. By becoming members of the Coalition, they pledge to represent the perspectives of numerous frozen food and logistics companies throughout the UK in this initiative.

Phil Pluck, CEO of the Cold Chain Federation, said: “The -18°C standard has not been reviewed in almost a century. Meanwhile, the technology, equipment and processes used to manage temperature-controlled logistics have advanced beyond recognition”.

“The result is that we’re now able to make this hugely positive change without jeopardising the great benefits frozen food delivers to consumers and businesses.

“The CCF and its members are a major force in creating environmentally sustainable solutions to delivering safe food to the UK consumer. This initiative could contribute huge carbon savings on a UK and global level and so we wholeheartedly support the ambitions of this Coalition.”

Rupert Ashby, CEO of the British Frozen Food Federation, said: “For a hundred years frozen food has brought a host of benefits to consumers and businesses, locking in nutritional value and offering greater quality and a variety of products at more affordable prices.  It also has a major role to play in reducing food waste, something that is a major environmental challenge.

“If the science and evidence show that the industry can increase temperatures, it would allow our industry to continue delivering these advantages while also achieving further cuts in carbon emissions, and that’s why we’re joining the Move to -15°C Coalition on our members’ behalf.”

Thomas Eskesen, Chairman of the Move to -15°C, said: “We are thrilled to have received backing from the BFFF and CCF. As important representatives of the UK’s frozen food industry, their support and belief in our cause marks a significant milestone in our journey.

“By working together, we stand to make a positive impact on the environment. If we can redefine frozen food temperature standards then we could save 17.7m metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year – that’s the equivalent of taking 3.8m cars off the road annually.

“Collaboration sits at the heart of what we’re trying to achieve, so it’s great to see continued support for our Coalition, and we urge anyone interested in finding out more about what we’re doing to reach out and consider joining.”