Sunswap is now a member of the Move to -15°C coalition, a pioneering initiative aimed at improving temperature setpoints in the frozen food supply chain. This membership aligns with Sunswap's mission to boost efficiency and sustainability in the cold chain industry.
The standard -18°C temperature for transporting frozen food has been in place for nearly a century. With advancements in logistics and refrigeration technology, it is time to reassess this benchmark. Research indicates that raising the temperature setpoint could yield significant energy and environmental benefits without compromising food safety.
Sunswap’s trials and data collection reveal that many operators currently run their refrigeration units at temperatures as low as -22°C. Adjusting the setpoint from -22°C to -15°C could lead to substantial energy savings and reduced environmental impact. For a fleet with 500 trailers, this could translate to £2.5 million in diesel cost savings and a 46% reduction in CO2 emissions, equivalent to removing 1,203 cars from the road for a year. Academic research by the Move to -15°C Coalition suggests that raising the standard from -18°C to -15°C could save 17.7 million metric tons of CO2 annually and about 25 TWh of energy.
These changes offer benefits regardless of fuel type. Electric refrigeration systems, such as Sunswap Endurance, can reduce battery requirements and increase operational range. Traditional diesel systems can also see reduced fuel costs and emissions.
Sunswap's commitment to sustainable refrigeration is evident in its battery and solar-powered Endurance units. Raising the temperature setpoints can accelerate the shift to electric transport refrigeration.
Joining other industry leaders like Nomad Foods, Morrisons, Americold, and DP World, Sunswap is now part of the Move to -15°C Coalition. The coalition's Chairman, Thomas Eskesen, emphasized the significant environmental impact that can be achieved through industry collaboration.
About the Move to -15°C Coalition
Founded 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. The initiative emerged from the Three Degrees of Change report, supported by logistics firm DP World and delivered by experts from the International Institute of Refrigeration, the University of Birmingham, and London South Bank University, among others. The coalition seeks to unite key players in the global food supply chain to explore viable options for adopting the -15°C standard.
