Through a sustainability analysis on industry-level, dozens of companies can now collaborate on various sustainability themes, based on an industry level reporting standard, resulting in:

• a comparative CO₂ analysis with collective reduction and compensation projects.
• an industry standard for sustainability reporting with consistency, clarity, and equality.

EU regulations and cold chain response

The recent waves of legislation, stemming from the European Green Deal, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), sets high standards for transparency and accountability regarding environmental impact. It forces the cold chain industry not only to react but to proactively act. A cold chain is a temperature-controlled supply chain comprising refrigerated production, storage and distribution facilities supported by equipment that can constantly maintain the required low-temperature range.

Industry alliance for sustainable development

Considering these challenges, BE-Cold, the Belgian Coldchain Federation and The Ecological Entrepreneur have joined forces to develop an industry approach. The strength of this approach lies in its ability to accelerate the transition to sustainability by promoting collaboration, efficiency, and uniformity. Through standardised approaches to sustainability reporting, scientifically based strategies for CO₂ reduction and compensation, and a focus on minimising reporting costs, the industry aims for tangible results on all ESG levels. Importantly, this industry approach is not only focused on compliance with legal obligations but also on creating a culture of sustainability and social responsibility across the entire value chain.

Industry-wide materiality assessment and carbon analysis

One of the core questions the industry is facing, is how to reduce and green its enormous energy consumption. Due to the growing global demand for cold/frozen products, it is necessary to find a responsible approach to meet this demand and contribute to the achievement of European climate goals.

By conducting a double materiality assessment on both company and industry levels, we made it possible to define material themes, reduce the cost for analysis and increase investment capacity for reduction measures. By analysing the CO₂ emissions on Scope 1 and 2 emissions per company, a comparative study could be conducted on the carbon-intensity per company (CO₂ compared to turnover, profit, number of pallets, etc.). The strength of this approach lies in comparing company performance with industry data, stimulating industry-wide discussions, and developing effective CO₂ reduction and compensation strategies. By focusing on key sustainability issues, our industry approach aims for targeted action and setting a standard for sustainability reporting, providing consistency and uniformity to all stakeholders.

The opportunity with CSRD

The CSRD provides industry federations with an opportunity to work together on sustainability by creating a uniform approach and providing a coordinated response to members and stakeholders. As industry federations, let’s seize the chance offered by the CSRD to unite and champion sustainability initiatives. By forging a collective path towards environmental responsibility, we can lead our sectors towards a more sustainable and resilient future. Join us in taking meaningful action and making a positive impact on both our planet and economy.