INTERNATIONAL NEWS
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
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GCCA champions‘ Move to-15 ° C’ initiative to reduce emissions and improve frozen food quality
The Global Cold Chain Foundation( GCCF) recently hosted an in-depth webinar highlighting the Global Cold Chain Alliance( GCCA)’ s‘ Move to-15 ° C’ initiative.
The initiative is a global campaign to shift the frozen food industry ' s storage and transport temperature from the old standard of-18 ° C to-15 ° C. This change is driven by research showing it can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower supply chain costs and improve energy efficiency without compromising food safety or quality. Supported by a coalition of logistics firms, food manufacturers and sustainability advocates, the initiative aims to modernise a standard set a century ago.
The programme aims to reduce temperature variability throughout the supply chain, improving food quality, minimising waste and generating potential energy and emissions savings of 10 – 15 %. By bringing together a global coalition of companies, the initiative addresses one of the most significant challenges in cold chain logistics: maintaining consistent temperatures across multiple handling points.
Shanne Brennan, GCCA’ s senior vicepresident of strategy, explained that temperature fluctuations during storage and transit can compromise food quality and increase energy consumption.
The initiative encourages supply chain operators to optimise their processes, reducing unnecessary peaks and troughs in temperature management. This approach enhances efficiency, lowers carbon emissions and contributes to sustainability goals across the frozen food sector.
The initiative originated during COP28 in Dubai, where GCCA and other global cold chain stakeholders identified the potential for emissions reduction and improved food preservation. The coalition now includes over 50 member companies from sectors ranging from shipping and logistics to food production. While the coalition operates globally, actual implementation tends to be region-specific, reflecting local supply chain configurations and regulatory requirements. Pilot projects have been launched in Chile, Australia the UK, and Europe to test innovative practices, such as improved monitoring, data-driven temperature control and operational best practices.
A central component of the initiative is the focus on collaboration and knowledge sharing. GCCA works closely with supply chain partners to establish baselines, track temperature performance and identify areas for improvement. This includes producing protocols for temperature monitoring, conducting research studies and facilitating dialogue between producers, transport operators and retailers. Brennan highlighted that these collaborative efforts provide actionable insights that help optimise processes across the entire supply chain.
For emerging cold chain markets, such as West Africa, the initiative emphasises foundational temperature management practices before pursuing the 15 ° C standard. In mature markets, operators can implement advanced temperature optimisation strategies to achieve meaningful energy and emissions savings without compromising food quality. GCCA advises careful product selection, supply chain analysis and monitoring strategies to ensure that the initiative’ s goals are achieved safely and effectively.
By standardising best practices, promoting pilot programmes and fostering global collaboration, the‘ Move to 15 ° C’ initiative demonstrates how the cold chain sector can contribute to broader sustainability objectives. Reduced temperature variability improves product quality, minimises food waste and lowers energy consumption, offering tangible benefits to both businesses and consumers.
GCCA continues to expand the initiative through partnerships, research collaborations and global knowledge sharing. As frozen food supply chains face increasing demand for efficiency, resilience and sustainability, programmes like‘ Move to-15 ° C’ provide a roadmap for industry-wide improvements. Through these efforts, GCCA is demonstrating the power of innovation, collaboration and scientific expertise to transform global cold chain operations. CLA
US backtracking on HFC limits adds confusion for SA refrigeration sector
The announcement made late last year by the US Environmental Protection Agency( EPA) proposing a five- to six-year delay in greenhouse gas( GHG) limits for refrigerants in retail and coldstorage equipment has raised eyebrows internationally – and it is likely to complicate the already complex landscape for South African businesses preparing for the Kigali Amendment HFC phase-down.
The EPA’ s proposed rule, which shifts GWP compliance dates for supermarket refrigeration from 2026 / 2027 to 2032 and for cold-storage warehouses from 2026 to 2032, comes as part of a‘ reconsideration’ of the Technology Transitions rule under the AIM Act. The AIM Act stands for the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. It is a US federal law designed to phase down hydrofluorocarbons( HFCs) – synthetic refrigerants widely used in air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pump systems that have very high global warming potential( GWP).
While the AIM Act seeks to phase down high-GWP HFCs where safer alternatives exist, the delay signals that the US may step back from the aggressive timelines that had been set for transitioning to low-GWP refrigerants.
For South African companies, which are grappling with understanding how Kigali’ s HFC phase-down will affect their operations, this move only adds confusion. Many are still assessing which refrigerants will be allowed, when and how to align procurement, retrofits and new equipment investment with the international obligations South Africa has committed to. Seeing the US, historically a global trendsetter in refrigeration regulation, seemingly backtrack could undermine confidence in long-term planning.
Industry experts in the US warn that delaying GWP limits does not reduce costs but may increase them over time. Danielle Wright, executive director of the North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council, notes that extending timelines for high-GWP refrigerants risks stranded assets and unnecessary expense – concerns South African firms share as they consider investments in natural refrigerants like CO₂ and hydrocarbons.
The challenge for South African businesses is compounded by inconsistent signals from major markets. While Kigali’ s phase-down is inevitable, international hesitancy – even temporary – can confuse investment decisions, slow adoption of natural refrigerants and ultimately raise the cost of compliance locally.
The US proposal also highlights the importance of clear domestic regulation. In South Africa, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment( DFFE) has been consulting on HFC phase-down measures, and local industry players are watching closely to ensure that regulatory timelines are realistic, predictable and aligned with international commitments. The US uncertainty underscores the risks of relying on foreign market trends to guide South African compliance strategies.
Despite the delays proposed in the US, South African industry specialists stress that the Kigali Amendment remains binding, and the transition to lower-GWP refrigerants is non-negotiable. Companies that act proactively now – upgrading equipment, training staff and adopting natural refrigerant technologies – are likely to
The initiative encourages supply chain operators to optimise their processes. benefit from cost savings, improved energy efficiency and smoother compliance in the coming decade.
South African businesses need to focus on certainty in their own operations rather than waiting for US policy to stabilise. Every year of unnecessary HFC use locks in future costs and environmental risk. The Kigali phase-down is not optional, and preparation today ensures resilience tomorrow.
Reference: Regulatory Actions for Technology Transitions | US EPA
South African businesses need to focus on certainty in their own operations rather than waiting for US policy to stabilise.
COLD LINK AFRICA www. coldlinkafrica. co. za January / February 2026
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