Cold chain transportation is a vital part of logistics. Join us as we investigate how the -15 Movement looks to make big changes with a small shift in 3°C.
Three degrees for global cold chain change: The -15 Movement
Cold chain and temperature-controlled transportation are vital to the logistics chain, servicing grocery stores, restaurants, and the medical and biological industries. As a result, this sector demands a lot in terms of vehicles, personnel training, and energy costs, particularly fuel. However, one area that is often overlooked is the temperature of the goods in transportation themselves.
Frozen goods: How cold chain logistics works
For as long as there have been temperature-controlled logistics; the standard temperature for trailers has been -18°Celsius. This figure has been the target since the 1930s, but recent studies highlight that it seems somewhat arbitrary. This is an area where energy savings can have a massive impact without overhauling entire logistics operations.
The research: Why 3 degrees can make a big difference
According to scientists from the International Institute of Refrigeration, the University of Birmingham, and London South Bank University, a minor adjustment from -18 to -15 could:
- Reduce carbon emissions by 17.7 million metric tonnes per year; equivalent to taking 3.8 million cars off the road.
- Save approximately 25 terawatt-hours (TW/h) of energy annually.
These figures are massive so to give a bit more context the proposed reduction in carbon emissions is equivalent to the entire population of New York, New Hampshire and Vermont not driving for a year.
Similarly, the terawatts saved are equivalent to 8.63% of the UK’s annual energy consumption.
These calculations have been cited in Three Degrees of Change: Frozen Food in a Resilient and Sustainable Food System with research saying:
“Using a mathematical model (European food chain supply to reduce GHG emissions by 2050) that predicts the energy consumed throughout a frozen food cold-chain, we estimate the energy savings that can be achieved by moving from a set-point of -18°C to one of -15°C are between 5-7% (some stages of the frozen food cold-chain could realise savings as high as 10-12%).”
This massive potential has led to a range of leading voices and brands joining together for The Move to --15°C Coalition.
The Move to -15°C
Launched at COP28 by principal partner DP World; this new coalition intends to ‘explore the feasibility of a move to -15°C’. This experiment will take buy-in from a large number of supply chain companies to test, monitored by independent academic research, to ‘redefine frozen food temperature standards to cut greenhouse gases and lower supply chain costs’ and ultimately make a big impact with a small change.
Some of the logistics firms and cold chain leaders who have already signed up to be part of this coalition include:
- AJC Group (US)
- P. Moller – Maersk (Denmark)
- Daikin (Japan)
- DP World
- Lineage (US)
- Kuhne + Nagel (Switzerland)
- Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) (Switzerland)
- Ocean Network Express (Singapore)
- Global Cold Chain Alliance
Recently, we’ve also seen major UK retailers join the movement with Morrisons becoming the first to sign up for this exciting experiment. This buy-in can not be overstated either with Thomas Eskesen, Chairman of The Move to -15°C Coalition, emphasising;
“By redefining temperature set points, we stand to make a significant impact in the decarbonization of global supply chains. But no one company can do this alone. To set us up for success, our focus remains on scaling our membership base and we encourage key players within the frozen food supply chain to reach out and get involved.”
Why is -18 the standard?
Behind this movement is the question of why the standard has remained so low for so long. Freezers in UK homes usually range between -18 and -23, which is seen as the optimal freezer temperature.
This has long been the understanding until Nomad Foods (the name behind famous brands like Bird’s Eye, Findus and Iglo) tested a variety of foods transported at different temperatures between -9 to -18. Nomad Foods discovered that in their experiments their products showed no deterioration at the -15 mark. Nomad Foods has subsequently joined the Move to -15°C Coalition.
The value of the cold chain
This potential could be a massive boon to an industry that looks set to rise in importance and value over the next few years. A recent study into UK cold chain logistics by Technavio estimated the UK market will grow by $8.5 billion from 2025-2029. This is due to the use of RFID technology as well as advancement in the IoT and AI. These advancements are expected to streamline perishable items like seafood, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, eggs, and protein-rich foods.
Along with consumer goods, the growth of online delivery services and medical supplies such as biologics, cell therapies, and vaccines demands more robust cold chain infrastructure.
This combination of increasing demand and advanced tracking and mapping, makes this logistics sector a key area for change. If this growth can work alongside change like The -15 Movement, we expect to see a net good for distributors, the consumers, and the environment.
A testbed for this which is already showing positive signs is Sunswap’s use of solar and battery technology in their trailer units. These zero-emission Transport Refrigeration Units (TRUs) have already garnered £17.3m in investment from the likes of BGF and Shell Ventures among others and shows there is an appetite, and opportunity for change.
A Greener Future For Cold Chain Transportation
The move to -15 will take time to bear fruit but given the early positive signs and the major players who have already signed up, it seems like this change will roll out across the entire cold chain and lead to a more streamlined and efficient offering. This looks like a welcome change, if a small one, for this vital industry. The Move to -15 sums it up best with their closing statement on the road ahead;
The research backing this initiative has been made accessible to all, inviting industry leaders, stakeholders, and interested parties to show support and get involved. By rethinking an outdated temperature standard, this coalition is not just embracing innovation—it’s leading a movement that could transform the future of food logistics, reducing carbon footprints while maintaining food safety and quality.
Cold chain logistics is a key area for future development and will certainly be discussed at Multimodal 2025. Join us as a visitor or exhibitor to see how global trends and industry changes, like the Move to -15, are set to impact logistics worldwide.
