Emirates First Airline in Sustainable Food Coalition
Emirates Joins Move to -15°C Coalition: A Game-Changer for Frozen Food Supply Chain
Emirates, recognized as the world’s largest international airline, has taken a groundbreaking step by joining the Move to -15°C global coalition. This initiative, launched during COP28 in the UAE, focuses on redefining frozen food temperature standards and enhancing sustainability within the frozen food supply chain. As the first airline to participate, Emirates plans to leverage its extensive experience in handling and shipping fresh produce to foster significant environmental advancements in the industry.
Understanding the Move to -15°C Initiative
The Move to -15°C coalition aims to reduce energy consumption in the frozen food supply chain by advocating for a 3°C drop in temperature. This shift is projected to create a considerable environmental impact without compromising food quality and safety. The coalition was established in 2023, following the Three Degrees of Change report, which highlights the potential benefits of this temperature change. This academic paper was supported by global logistics leader DP World and developed by experts from institutions such as the International Institute of Refrigeration and the University of Birmingham.
Coalition Goals and Collaboration
Bringing together diverse industry partners, the Move to -15°C coalition seeks to implement research findings through:
- Data sharing
- Operational revisions
- Collaboration with members and stakeholders
- Engagement with policymakers
Emirates intends to utilize its Emirates SkyCargo division’s expertise to "reimagine the future of the frozen foods supply chain," enhancing operational efficiencies and sustainability.
Emirates SkyCargo: A Leader in Perishable Transport
Perishable goods constitute the largest segment of Emirates SkyCargo’s operations, with 900 to 1,000 tons of fresh food transported daily. Although frozen foods represent a smaller portion of their cargo, Emirates has developed a robust cool chain infrastructure and innovative practices. This experience positions the airline as a valuable contributor to the coalition’s efforts.
Dennis Lister, Senior Vice President of Product and Innovation at Emirates SkyCargo, stated, “The Move to -15°C coalition is a future-looking concept that brings together like-minded partners to evolve the industry in line with technological advancements.” Emirates is eager to share its insights to shape the future of food logistics and drive meaningful environmental changes.
Support from Industry Leaders
Thomas Eskesen, Chairman of the Move to -15°C Coalition, expressed enthusiasm for Emirates’ involvement, highlighting the airline’s crucial role in the global cold chain. He emphasized that ambitious climate action requires collaboration across the complex frozen food supply chain, which includes production, shipping, and retail. Emirates’ participation signifies a significant stride towards achievable change through cross-sector partnerships.
Emirates’ Broader Sustainability Objectives
Emirates is committed to sustainability and environmental initiatives that create a positive impact across the airline industry. The airline recognizes that collective efforts are essential for addressing major challenges. In addition to joining the Move to -15°C coalition, Emirates is an industrial partner of the Aviation Impact Accelerator (AIA), which recently received funding from the airline’s $200 million Sustainability Fund. This initiative is focused on research aimed at reducing fossil fuel impacts in commercial aviation.
Moreover, Emirates is involved in The Solent Cluster in the UK, a collaborative effort dedicated to lowering CO2 emissions and developing low-carbon fuels.
Conclusion
Emirates’ entry into the Move to -15°C coalition marks a pivotal moment for the frozen food supply chain, showcasing the airline’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. As industries unite to tackle environmental challenges, Emirates stands out as a leader in integrating sustainable practices into its operations.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on this initiative and explore related articles about sustainable practices in the aviation and food sectors. For more information on Emirates’ sustainability efforts, visit Emirates’ Sustainability Initiatives.
