Nomad Foods is spearheading a significant initiative to enhance energy efficiency in frozen food storage by adjusting freezer temperatures.
By increasing temperatures from -18°C to -15°C, substantial energy savings of over 10% can be achieved without affecting product integrity.
Energy Efficiency Strategy
Nomad Foods has embarked on an innovative approach to reduce energy consumption in its freezer units. By increasing the storage temperature of frozen foods from the standard -18°C to -15°C, the company anticipates a reduction in energy usage by over 10%, without compromising the quality and safety of its products. This change is a potential game-changer in the frozen food industry.
Collaborating with Campden BRI, a renowned organisation in food science, Nomad Foods conducted a comprehensive six-month pilot study. The study’s findings indicated that a slight temperature increase could yield significant energy savings, marking a pivotal shift in how frozen goods are stored globally. Such initiatives could substantially lower operational costs and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Pilot Study Insights
The pilot study involved an array of products including poultry, fish, vegetables, and plant-based items, with temperatures tested ranging from -18°C to -9°C. Notably, there were no significant quality changes in products stored at -15°C.
However, storing items like mixed vegetables at -9°C and salmon fillets at -12°C resulted in minor sensory changes. Nevertheless, the core findings illustrated that most foods retained their integrity at slightly reduced freezing temperatures.
Industry Implications
The implications of these findings could be vast. By potentially setting a new standard for freezer temperatures, energy consumption across the industry can be significantly reduced.
This initiative does not only promise economic benefits but also supports climate goals by lowering carbon emissions associated with energy-intensive freezer operations. Such strategies align with global sustainability objectives, enhancing corporate responsibility.
Nomad Foods’ strategy represents a proactive step towards integrating sustainability into supply chains, demonstrating leadership within the sector. By optimising energy consumption, firms can boost profitability while promoting eco-friendly practices.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Nomad Foods’ chief executive, Stéfan Descheemaeker, emphasised the importance of industry-wide collaboration. This is not an isolated effort; it requires collective action from various stakeholders to maximise impact.
Through engagement with trade bodies and retail partners, the company aims to share insights and foster broader adoption of these practices, which could revolutionise energy use in the sector.
Technical and Regulatory Considerations
Campden BRI’s Emma Hanby confirmed that there are no regulatory hurdles in Europe to changing freezer temperatures to -15°C. The study’s robust dataset supports the viability of this change without compromising safety standards.
By employing a combination of analytical and sensory methodologies, the research provided substantial evidence to back these temperature modifications, helping pave the way for implementation.
Economic Context
Last year, Nomad Foods reported notable sales growth amidst rising input costs, which were countered by a 10% increase in product prices. This economic backdrop highlights the potential financial benefits of the proposed energy savings.
With operational costs becoming a critical concern, adopting energy-efficient practices is a timely move that could buffer companies against economic pressures, while enhancing competitive advantage.
Next Steps and Future Outlook
The next phase involves extending the findings to a broader scope, engaging more industry players in adopting similar measures. Such initiatives underscore a commitment to innovation and efficiency in food storage.
Nomad Foods’ strategy exemplifies the intersection of sustainability and innovation in the food sector. By leading with data-driven practices, it sets a new benchmark for energy efficiency.
