Emirates SkyCargo, a leading global air freight carrier, has joined the Move to -15°C coalition, a collaborative initiative aiming to significantly reduce environmental impact within the perishable goods supply chain. The coalition advocates for transporting frozen food at -15°C instead of the standard -18°C, a seemingly small adjustment projected to yield substantial environmental benefits without compromising food quality or safety.
This initiative builds upon the findings of the "Three Degrees of Change" report, a comprehensive academic study supported by DP World and conducted by experts from the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), the University of Birmingham, London South Bank University, and other leading institutions. The report, published in 2023, formed the foundation for the Move to -15°C coalition, highlighting the potential for substantial emission reductions through a modest temperature adjustment.
For Emirates SkyCargo, the move represents a significant commitment. Perishable goods constitute their largest cargo volume, with between 900 and 1000 tonnes of fresh food transported daily across the globe. This substantial volume underscores the potential impact of even small operational changes on the airlineâs overall carbon footprint.
Dennis Lister, Senior Vice President of Product and Innovation at Emirates SkyCargo, emphasised the airline's long-standing commitment to efficient perishable goods transport and its proactive approach to industry evolution. He stated, "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 likeminded 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."
The coalition's strategy involves a multifaceted approach. It facilitates data sharing among members, promotes operational revisions based on research findings, encourages collaboration with stakeholders across the supply chain, and actively engages with policymakers and regulators to advocate for supportive policies. This cross-sector collaboration is crucial, as highlighted by Thomas Eskesen, Chairman of the Move to -15°C Coalition. Eskesen stated, "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. Ambitious climate action across the complex frozen food supply chain â which includes food production, ports, shipping, road, rail and airfreight, cold storage and retail â can only happen through cross-sector collaboration."
The decision by Emirates SkyCargo to join the Move to -15°C coalition signals a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the air freight industry. By embracing collaborative efforts and incorporating evidence-based research, the initiative aims to demonstrably reduce emissions within the global cold chain without compromising the quality and safety of the perishable goods transported. The success of this initiative will depend on widespread adoption across the entire supply chain, from producers to retailers, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling climate change.
