Dubai: Emirates has joined the Move to -15°C global coalition, securing its place as the first airline to bring its expertise to the initiative. As a world-leader in the transport of perishable goods, Emirates will lend its wealth of knowledge and experience in handling and shipping to the practical application of this potentially industry-changing initiative.

First launched at COP28 hosted in the UAE, the Move to -15°C coalition aims to redefine frozen food temperature standards and reduce energy consumption in the frozen food supply chain. The working hypothesis suggests that a three-degree change in temperature could make a significant environmental impact with no compromise on food quality and safety. By bringing together cross-industry partners, the coalition will explore the real-world implementation of this research through data sharing, suggested operational revisions, collaborating with members and stakeholders, as well as engaging with policymakers and regulators to educate and advocate.

Perishables represent Emirates SkyCargo’s largest business unit by tonnage, with 900 to 1,000 tonnes of fresh food travelling around the world on Emirates’ flights every day. While frozen foods may represent a small percentage, the airline has built outstanding cool chain infrastructure, employed proprietary innovations and established strong working relationships across the supply chain that would provide key insight when reimagining the frozen food supply chain.

The Move to -15°C coalition was established in 2023, 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.

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