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Decarbonising the european food cold chain: insights from the ENOUGH project

Abstract

The ENOUGH project has tackled key barriers to decarbonising Europe’s food sector and demonstrated that viable solutions exist, but urgent action is needed. With food and agriculture responsible for around 34% of global GHG emissions, ENOUGH shows that significant reductions are achievable through innovation, systemic change, and stakeholder engagement. The project highlights the potential of natural refrigerants, integrated heating and cooling, and alternative cooling, freezing, and storage methods to improve energy efficiency and reduce waste. Digital tools support emission tracking, while case studies reveal the impact of different stages of the food supply chain. Regional differences in methods and technology underscore the need for tailored strategies. ENOUGH concludes that climate neutrality by 2050 is feasible, with a 55% reduction by 2030, provided there is coordinated policy support, investment in efficient technologies, and sector-wide adoption of sustainable practices. Crucially, more projects must address the entire value chain, not just selected parts.
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Category

Academic chapter

Language

Other

Author(s)

Affiliation

  • SINTEF Ocean / Fisheries and New Biomarine Industry
  • France
  • Italy
  • London South Bank University

Year

2026

Publisher

International Institute of Refrigeration

Book

Proceedings of the 9th IIR International Conference on Sustainability and the Cold Chain

ISBN

9782362150685

Page(s)

350 - 360

View this publication at Norwegian Research Information Repository