Can Frozen Food Help a Warming Planet?
With frozen foods being one of the main goods moving across the globe every day, the Move to -15°C presents an opportunity for cost savings, sustainability, and improved efficiency for the sector. Staying ahead of these trends is crucial for businesses looking to optimize their supply chains and cut costs.
But what’s driving this transition, and how will it impact businesses worldwide? Could adjusting frozen storage temperatures from -18°C to -15°C make cold chain shipping more efficient and sustainable? Let’s take a closer look.
What is the Move to -15°C?
When it comes to tackling climate change, we often think of big solutions. But sometimes, small adjustments can create a huge impact. Every year, hundreds of millions of tons of frozen goods are transported globally at -18°C. But what if just a 3°C shift could make a world of difference?
Cold chain shipping is designed to preserve product quality, ensure safety and meet regulatory compliance. The Move to -15°C is a sustainability initiative launched in 2023 by DP World, dedicated to reducing carbon emissions in the frozen food supply chain by changing set frozen food temperature standards.
For over a century, -18°C has been the industry norm for frozen food transport and storage. However, technology has since advanced significantly, and new research behind the initiative suggests that frozen goods remain just as stable at -15°C and could deliver significant environmental and economic benefits without compromising food safety inside the containers.
Behind the Shift to -15°C
For a warming planet, every degree can have a significant impact. Years of research and logistical advancements support the transition to -15°C.
This change requires no new machinery or additional costs to implement, just an industry-wide adjustment that could make a measurable difference for both businesses and the environment.
A small 3°C shift could save over 17.7 million tons of CO₂ emissions each year.
A small 3°C shift could save over 17.7 million tons of CO₂ emissions each year.
Why Make the Move?
Lower Emissions
Less energy consumption translates to a smaller carbon footprint.
Less energy consumption translates to a smaller carbon footprint.
Energy Savings
Slightly warmer temperatures mean lower energy use, reducing operational costs, without compromising product integrity.
Slightly warmer temperatures mean lower energy use, reducing operational costs, without compromising product integrity.
Optimized Logistics
Standardizing shipping temperatures helps streamline operations, reducing delays and spoilage risks.
Standardizing shipping temperatures helps streamline operations, reducing delays and spoilage risks.
What’s Next?
In 2025, ZIM joined cold-chain industry leaders in the Move to -15°C coalition, as part of its ESG commitment of advancing sustainable, and cutting-edge solutions to lower environmental impact in global shipping.
And your end customers? They will be enjoying fresher, more sustainable products on the shelves – because the future of frozen transport is not just cooler, but smarter.
Planning your next shipment?
From fresh and frozen to sensitive and high-value cargo, our reefer experts ensure it arrives in perfect condition.
More to read...
-
Meet the ZIMonitor 24/7 Global Service Team
From tracking online alerts to collaborating with ZIM’s networks worldwide, the 24/7 global service team ensures your cargo remains protected every step of the way. Discover how these experts handle every detail!
-
Cool Under Pressure: Inside the Operations of Shipping Refrigerated Cargo
Captain Shany Ben-David, the first woman captain in ZIM’s fleet and the Israeli Merchant Marine, shares the daily operations of managing refrigerated containers, revealing a unique perspective on keeping these goods safe.
-
Fast and Fresh: How ZIM Grape Express is Raisin’ the Bar
What happens when demand, efficiency, and speed come together? Carlos Zamora, ZIM Chile Country Manager shares how ZIM Grape Express was driven by customer needs, ensuring fast, reliable grape deliveries to South Korea.
-
4 Years of FreeZe!
Your feedback matters! Thanks to you, we’ve delivered 4 years of fresh insights and news delivered straight to you. Watch the recap to see the highlights!