Global Change in the Food Cold Chain Is Expected to Reduce Millions of Tons of CO2
A new global movement has the potential to radically transform frozen food logistics by proposing a shift in the storage temperature standard, which could significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Titled “Move to -15ºC,” the goal is to advocate raising the standard storage temperature for frozen foods from -18°C to -15°C, promising a positive environmental impact.
Taking responsibility and seizing the opportunity to make a significant contribution to global sustainability and food security, Emergent Cold LatAm, the fastest-growing refrigerated storage and logistics company in Latin America, supports the movement and has become the first company in the region to join the campaign. “We are at a crucial point for the cold chain logistics sector. By joining the ‘Move to -15ºC’ campaign, we are not only reaffirming our environmental commitment, but also leading a necessary and urgent change. We understand that the participation of our clients in this movement is essential for achieving the expected impact,” says Neal Rider, CEO of Emergent Cold LatAm.
The executive explains that, based on scientific studies, raising the temperature standard by just 3°C does not compromise food safety. As a result, the international standard of -18°C, established nearly a century ago, can be adjusted to lead to significant reductions in global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions—up to 17.7 million metric tons per year. “This amount is equivalent to removing millions of cars from the streets, without compromising the safety and quality of the food. Emergent Cold LatAm’s decision to join the global ‘Move to -15ºC’ campaign aligns with our company’s goals of turning sustainability commitments into concrete actions,” he explains. He adds, “Sustainability is our way of demonstrating our deep commitment to society and the environment. Over the past three years, we have made significant strides in this area, and we are proud to have recently announced the world’s first zero-carbon refrigerated storage facility, located in Chile. By supporting this cause, we hope to inspire others in Latin America to join us in creating a more sustainable future for the industry,” Rider concludes.
Thomas Eskesen, President of the ‘Move to -15ºC’ campaign, emphasizes that industry collaboration is key to successfully changing the cold chain temperature to -15°C. “To see our Coalition gain interest in Latin America is a significant step forward. We would like to extend a very warm welcome to Emergent Cold LatAm and thank them for being our committed advocates within the region. Together, we can make a significant and positive environmental impact,” he concludes.
About Emergent Cold LatAm
Emergent Cold Latin America (www.emergentcoldlatam.com) is the largest provider of refrigerated storage and logistics in Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in August 2021 to meet the need for modern cold chain solutions in the market and the growing demand from both local and global clients, the company has quickly established itself as a key player in the industry. Its major investors include Lineage Logistics, D1 Capital, and Stonepeak. Emergent Cold LatAm is building a high-quality cold chain network to deliver end-to-end temperature-controlled logistics solutions across the region. The company currently operates 76 refrigerated warehouses, with 9 more under construction, spanning 11 countries in Latin America.
About the Move to -15°C
Established in 2023, the Move to -15°C aims to reset frozen food temperature standards to reduce greenhouse gases, lower supply chain costs and secure global food resources. It was founded following the launch of the Three Degrees of Change report, an academic paper supported by global logistics firm, DP World, and delivered by experts from the Paris-based International Institute of Refrigeration, the University of Birmingham, and London South Bank University among others.
Recognising that a change in global temperature standards requires a collective effort, the Coalition intends to bring together key players within the global food supply chain to collaborate and explore viable options for a move to -15°C.
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