Supermarkets Embrace Energy-Saving Freezer Temperatures

Morrisons, a leading UK supermarket chain, is pioneering a bold move to raise the temperature of its freezers by 3°C, marking a significant departure from the industry standard that has remained unchanged for nearly a century. This innovative step aims to save energy and reduce costs, ultimately benefiting both the environment and consumers.

Unlocking Substantial Energy and Emissions Savings Across the Frozen Food Supply Chain

Challenging the Industry Standard

Morrisons is taking a groundbreaking step by increasing the temperature of its freezers from the industry standard of -18°C to -15°C. This move is part of a broader initiative, the "Move to Minus 15°C Coalition," which includes major players in the frozen food industry, such as Birds Eye, DP World, Blue Water, and Danish Crown. The coalition's goal is to drive a widespread shift in the industry, recognizing the potential for substantial energy and emissions savings.

Quantifying the Impact

A recent study conducted by Nomad Foods, the owner of Birds Eye, in collaboration with Campden BRI, a leading food science and technology organization, has revealed the significant benefits of this temperature adjustment. The study found that increasing the freezer temperature from -18°C to -15°C can reduce energy consumption by 10% to 11%, without any noticeable impact on the safety, texture, taste, or nutritional value of the frozen food.

Wider Industry Implications

The potential impact of this temperature shift extends far beyond individual supermarkets. A report prepared for the COP28 climate crisis conference by academics from the University of Birmingham and Heriot-Watt University estimates that a 3°C increase in freezer temperatures across global supply chains could save the equivalent of 8.6% of the energy consumed in the UK and reduce carbon emissions equivalent to taking 3.8 million cars off the road.

Embracing Technological Advancements

Morrisons' decision to raise freezer temperatures is driven by the recognition that the industry standard of -18°C is a convention that dates back nearly a century. With advancements in freezer technology and modern monitoring systems, the company believes it can now safely and effectively store frozen food at higher temperatures without compromising quality or safety.

Aligning with Sustainability Goals

For Morrisons, the cost savings from this energy-efficient initiative could help the company keep prices down for shoppers, while also contributing to its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions from its own operations by 2035. This move aligns with the growing pressure for the industry to shift towards more sustainable practices, driven by the need to address the climate crisis.

Expanding the Trial and Driving Industry-Wide Change

Morrisons' trial of the temperature increase is being conducted across 10 geographically diverse stores, allowing the company to assess the concept in different weather patterns and supply routes before a potential wider rollout. The involvement of industry leaders, such as the chair of the "Move to Minus 15°C Coalition," Thomas Eskesen, underscores the significance of this initiative and the potential for it to catalyze widespread change within the frozen food industry.

Conclusion

Morrisons' bold move to raise freezer temperatures represents a significant step forward in the frozen food industry's efforts to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. By challenging the long-standing industry standard and leveraging advancements in technology, the company is paving the way for a more sustainable future, with the potential to inspire similar actions across the sector. As the industry embraces this innovative approach, the benefits of reduced energy usage and emissions could have far-reaching implications for the environment and consumers alike.