Green Cold Chain Logistics: Minimising Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Fresh Food Products in Transport Refrigeration Units

Manu Mohan and Shohel Amin ()
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Manu Mohan: Department of Engineering Management, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
Shohel Amin: Department of Engineering Management, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK

Logistics, 2025, vol. 9, issue 3, 1-17

Abstract: Background : The growing demand for fresh food leads to extensive use of cold chain logistics (CCL) that significantly contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to its dependence on energy-intensive transport refrigeration units (TRUs). Understanding the need to balance food preservation with environmental sustainability, this paper explores practical strategies for reducing GHG emissions in CCL, focusing on fresh food products. Methods : The quantitative and qualitative analyses are applied to analyse data from Transport for London and Transport Scotland. Emission data were assessed to evaluate the impact of alternative TRU technologies and route optimisation practices. Results : The findings reveal that electric and cryogenic TRUs, along with improved route planning and operational practices, can significantly reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. These results highlight the potential strategy for industry-led emission reductions without compromising food quality. Conclusions : This paper recommends the coordination of government policy and industry to support technological adaptation and infrastructure upgrades and to research into real-time monitoring and renewable energy integration in CCL systems.

Keywords: green cold chain logistics; transport refrigeration units; greenhouse gas emissions; low-emission vehicles; carbon footprint (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L8 L80 L81 L86 L87 L9 L90 L91 L92 L93 L98 L99 M1 M10 M11 M16 M19 R4 R40 R41 R49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:3:p:112-:d:1721871

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