Emirates has become the first airline to join the Move to -15°C coalition, an initiative aimed at revolutionizing the frozen food supply chain by redefining temperature standards. This coalition, first introduced at COP28 in the UAE, seeks to cut energy consumption in the frozen food logistics sector without compromising food quality or safety. Emirates will share its expertise in handling perishable goods to aid in the practical application of the coalition’s objectives.
The Move to -15°C coalition is exploring the impact of lowering frozen food storage temperatures by three degrees, with studies suggesting this adjustment could yield significant environmental benefits. The initiative brings together partners from across industries to share data, revise operational processes, and collaborate with policymakers. Through such efforts, the coalition aims to implement its findings in real-world logistics, reshaping the frozen food supply chain to enhance sustainability.
As one of the largest transporters of perishable goods globally, Emirates SkyCargo manages the shipment of 900 to 1,000 tons of fresh food daily. Although frozen foods represent a smaller portion of its operations, the airline’s state-of-the-art cool chain infrastructure and advanced logistics innovations make it a key contributor to the coalition’s goals.
Emirates’ Role in Driving Sustainability
Dennis Lister, Senior Vice President of Product and Innovation at Emirates SkyCargo, expressed the airline’s enthusiasm for participating in the coalition. He said, “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.”
Chairman of the Move to -15°C Coalition, Thomas Eskesen, highlighted the importance of having Emirates on board. He noted, “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 to us. Ambitious climate action across the complex frozen food supply chain – which includes food production, ports, shipping, road, rail and air freight, cold storage and retail – can only happen through cross-sector collaboration. By joining the Coalition, Emirates is demonstrating that change is possible through industries joining forces.”
Supporting Sustainability Through Collaboration
The Move to -15°C coalition emerged in 2023, following the release of the Three Degrees of Change report, an academic study supported by DP World. The report involved contributions from institutions such as the International Institute of Refrigeration in Paris, the University of Birmingham, and London South Bank University.
Emirates has prioritized sustainability across its operations, working on collaborative projects that address environmental challenges. Beyond its role in the Move to -15°C coalition, the airline has engaged in other initiatives such as the Aviation Impact Accelerator (AIA). This project marked the first allocation from its USD 200 million Sustainability Fund, which supports research on reducing fossil fuel dependency in commercial aviation. Emirates has also joined The Solent Cluster in the UK, which focuses on reducing CO2 emissions and advancing low-carbon fuel production.
Through partnerships like these, Emirates continues to reinforce its commitment to sustainable practices and the development of solutions that benefit both the logistics industry and the environment.
