Transforming Logistics: Driving Global Sustainability and Food Security
For almost a hundred years, the cold chain industry has adhered to a freezing standard of -18°C (just below 0°F) for transporting and storing perishable goods worldwide. In his Forbes article titled "Transforming The Cold Chain: Lowering Freezing Standards To Tackle Climate Change," DP World COO Morten Johansen discusses a significant shift occurring in the cold chain industry. This shift aims to improve food security and address the impacts of climate change.
Traditionally, the industry has stuck to a freezing temperature standard of minus 18°C. However, Johansen's company, DP World, advocates for lowering this standard to minus 15°C. They argue that this adjustment can notably decrease energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions without compromising the safety or quality of food products.
The cold chain plays a substantial role in global energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 5% of global energy requirements and 2.5% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Johansen's article underscores the issue of food wastage due to inadequate refrigeration, resulting in the loss of millions of tons of food each year and further contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
A study supported by DP World in 2023 suggests that implementing the proposed temperature adjustment could annually reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 17.7 million metric tons—equivalent to the emissions from 3.8 million cars. Additionally, this change is expected to lower supply chain costs by 5% to 12%, thereby enhancing competitiveness within the industry.
Johansen stresses the importance of collective effort and leadership in embracing these new standards to ensure the successful transformation of the cold chain sector. He advocates for a systematic approach involving transparent communication, thorough testing, and collaborative engagement with stakeholders to effectively implement these changes.
This initiative signifies a proactive move towards adopting more sustainable logistics practices, holding promise for substantial effects on global environmental sustainability and food security.
Traditionally, the industry has stuck to a freezing temperature standard of minus 18°C. However, Johansen's company, DP World, advocates for lowering this standard to minus 15°C. They argue that this adjustment can notably decrease energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions without compromising the safety or quality of food products.
The cold chain plays a substantial role in global energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 5% of global energy requirements and 2.5% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Johansen's article underscores the issue of food wastage due to inadequate refrigeration, resulting in the loss of millions of tons of food each year and further contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
A study supported by DP World in 2023 suggests that implementing the proposed temperature adjustment could annually reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 17.7 million metric tons—equivalent to the emissions from 3.8 million cars. Additionally, this change is expected to lower supply chain costs by 5% to 12%, thereby enhancing competitiveness within the industry.
Johansen stresses the importance of collective effort and leadership in embracing these new standards to ensure the successful transformation of the cold chain sector. He advocates for a systematic approach involving transparent communication, thorough testing, and collaborative engagement with stakeholders to effectively implement these changes.
This initiative signifies a proactive move towards adopting more sustainable logistics practices, holding promise for substantial effects on global environmental sustainability and food security.
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