Periodic Reporting for period 3 - ENOUGH (European food chain supply to reduce GHG emissions by 2050)
Reporting period: 2024-10-01 to 2025-09-30
The ENOUGH project, funded by the European Commission, ran from October 2021 to September 2025 with the overarching goal of accelerating the transition to a climate-neutral food supply chain. It focused on cooling and heating processes, which are essential for food safety and quality but represent major sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In Europe, refrigerated and perishable food items represent a substantial share of total emissions, underlining the need to decarbonise the cold chain. Emissions arise mainly from energy use and refrigerant leaks, particularly from high global warming potential (GWP) fluids still common in many systems.
Benchmarking emissions and giving SMEs access to affordable, high-efficiency technologies is complex and requires systemic solutions that combine technical innovation, financial mechanisms and supportive policy frameworks. The project’s objectives included reducing GHG emissions by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050, by addressing these challenges, contributing to the EU Farm to Fork Strategy and the European Green Deal. Raising awareness among a wide range of stakeholders was also an essential part of the work.
The consortium brought together 30 partners from 12 European countries, representing research organisations, universities, technology developers, industry associations and food companies. This composition ensured full coverage of the food chain, including processing, storage, transport, retail and domestic use. Strong collaboration throughout the project supported the development of advanced modelling tools, detailed technology roadmaps, innovative business models, digital platforms and 21 real-life technology demonstrations.
The overall conclusion is that ENOUGH demonstrated that significant emission reductions across the food chain are both technically feasible and economically viable when supported by coordinated action. The project showed that combining high‑efficiency technologies, improved system design, digital monitoring and new business models can deliver substantial reductions in energy use and refrigerant‑related emissions. A strong network of participants carried this knowledge forward at national and international levels, but it was also clear that further investment in research and innovation is needed to accelerate progress and extend the impact even more widely.
Benchmarking emissions and giving SMEs access to affordable, high-efficiency technologies is complex and requires systemic solutions that combine technical innovation, financial mechanisms and supportive policy frameworks. The project’s objectives included reducing GHG emissions by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050, by addressing these challenges, contributing to the EU Farm to Fork Strategy and the European Green Deal. Raising awareness among a wide range of stakeholders was also an essential part of the work.
The consortium brought together 30 partners from 12 European countries, representing research organisations, universities, technology developers, industry associations and food companies. This composition ensured full coverage of the food chain, including processing, storage, transport, retail and domestic use. Strong collaboration throughout the project supported the development of advanced modelling tools, detailed technology roadmaps, innovative business models, digital platforms and 21 real-life technology demonstrations.
The overall conclusion is that ENOUGH demonstrated that significant emission reductions across the food chain are both technically feasible and economically viable when supported by coordinated action. The project showed that combining high‑efficiency technologies, improved system design, digital monitoring and new business models can deliver substantial reductions in energy use and refrigerant‑related emissions. A strong network of participants carried this knowledge forward at national and international levels, but it was also clear that further investment in research and innovation is needed to accelerate progress and extend the impact even more widely.
From its start in October 2021, ENOUGH advanced through integrated work packages covering modelling, technology development, business models, digital tools, demonstrations, policy analysis and dissemination. Emissions modelling established baselines for 1990 and 2019 and projected reductions to 2050, showing that cumulative emissions could fall by over 60% under a low-emission pathway, driven by grid decarbonisation and energy efficiency improvements. Dietary modelling indicated that replacing meat with alternative proteins could cut emissions by up to 32% while maintaining nutritional adequacy.
Six detailed technology roadmaps were developed, each addressing technologies for processing, storage, transport, retail, food service and domestic sectors in six countries. These prioritised high-TRL solutions such as natural refrigerants, heat pumps, thermal energy storage, heat recovery and smart controls. The roadmaps are openly available and have supported wider uptake by providing clear guidance on the technologies available and expected emission reductions. Business model analysis identified servitisation and performance-based approaches, such as cooling-as-a-service and energy-as-a-service, as effective for overcoming upfront cost barriers, particularly for SMEs.
Digital innovation included an IoT‑driven Smart Data platform integrating digital twins for real‑time monitoring and optimisation, and the ENOUGH web‑based simulation tool for modelling food supply chains and calculating energy use, GHG emissions and product quality (https://frisbee-etool.inrae.fr/(opens in new window)). The tool is freely available for food companies to evaluate cold‑chain scenarios and compare GHG emissions. Demonstrations validated 21 technologies under real- world conditions including high-temperature heat pumps replacing fossil steam, advanced freezing with up to 14% energy savings, dynamic controlled atmosphere stores cutting energy by 10%, and domestic systems with savings of up to 38%. Retail and transport demonstrations integrated natural refrigerants, solar power and thermal storage for low-emission operation. The innovations were grouped by technology area to illustrate the shift away from high‑emission options, and the highest technology readiness level achieved was noted for each. Examples include natural refrigerants and long‑term storage technologies (TRL 9), as well as high‑temperature heat pumps, thermal energy storage, heat recovery and efficient system configurations (TRL 8). Dissemination and engagement were extensive, including over 100 events, 21 factsheets, videos, newsletters and a dedicated special issue in the International Journal of Refrigeration (https://www.sciencedirect.com/special-issue/10JMWV47M32(opens in new window)). Links to the simulation tool, publications, illustrations and further material can be found on the project website (https://enough-emissions.eu(opens in new window)).
Policy analysis produced actionable recommendations for harmonised emissions reporting, SME finance, targeted standards and demand-side measures such as labelling and procurement criteria. Collaboration across Green Deal Food Working Group projects was also an important element of ENOUGH’s work. ENOUGH contributed to a shared action plan covering policy, knowledge sharing, events and technical cooperation. Activities included joint policy briefs, shared stakeholder mapping, analysis of common barriers and drivers, and coordination of participation in public events. Collaboration also addressed overlapping technical themes such as climate‑neutral packaging, thermal energy storage and food loss reduction, supported by shared documentation and regular thematic meetings.
Six detailed technology roadmaps were developed, each addressing technologies for processing, storage, transport, retail, food service and domestic sectors in six countries. These prioritised high-TRL solutions such as natural refrigerants, heat pumps, thermal energy storage, heat recovery and smart controls. The roadmaps are openly available and have supported wider uptake by providing clear guidance on the technologies available and expected emission reductions. Business model analysis identified servitisation and performance-based approaches, such as cooling-as-a-service and energy-as-a-service, as effective for overcoming upfront cost barriers, particularly for SMEs.
Digital innovation included an IoT‑driven Smart Data platform integrating digital twins for real‑time monitoring and optimisation, and the ENOUGH web‑based simulation tool for modelling food supply chains and calculating energy use, GHG emissions and product quality (https://frisbee-etool.inrae.fr/(opens in new window)). The tool is freely available for food companies to evaluate cold‑chain scenarios and compare GHG emissions. Demonstrations validated 21 technologies under real- world conditions including high-temperature heat pumps replacing fossil steam, advanced freezing with up to 14% energy savings, dynamic controlled atmosphere stores cutting energy by 10%, and domestic systems with savings of up to 38%. Retail and transport demonstrations integrated natural refrigerants, solar power and thermal storage for low-emission operation. The innovations were grouped by technology area to illustrate the shift away from high‑emission options, and the highest technology readiness level achieved was noted for each. Examples include natural refrigerants and long‑term storage technologies (TRL 9), as well as high‑temperature heat pumps, thermal energy storage, heat recovery and efficient system configurations (TRL 8). Dissemination and engagement were extensive, including over 100 events, 21 factsheets, videos, newsletters and a dedicated special issue in the International Journal of Refrigeration (https://www.sciencedirect.com/special-issue/10JMWV47M32(opens in new window)). Links to the simulation tool, publications, illustrations and further material can be found on the project website (https://enough-emissions.eu(opens in new window)).
Policy analysis produced actionable recommendations for harmonised emissions reporting, SME finance, targeted standards and demand-side measures such as labelling and procurement criteria. Collaboration across Green Deal Food Working Group projects was also an important element of ENOUGH’s work. ENOUGH contributed to a shared action plan covering policy, knowledge sharing, events and technical cooperation. Activities included joint policy briefs, shared stakeholder mapping, analysis of common barriers and drivers, and coordination of participation in public events. Collaboration also addressed overlapping technical themes such as climate‑neutral packaging, thermal energy storage and food loss reduction, supported by shared documentation and regular thematic meetings.
ENOUGH moved beyond conventional approaches by combining advanced technologies, systemic modelling, digitalisation and business innovation, validated at scale. High-temperature heat pumps delivered heat at 110°C, enabling electrification of industrial heat; advanced freezing, including brine and ultra-low temperature CO2 systems, improved energy efficiency and product quality, reducing food waste; natural refrigerants replaced high-GWP; and thermal energy storage enabled demand flexibility.
Key achievements and impacts
- Open roadmaps and tools supporting technology selection and emission reduction planning across the chain.
- Demonstrated energy savings in multiple use cases, including reductions in freezing and storage, and up to 38 % in domestic applications.
- Strengthened cross‑project collaboration within the Green Deal Food Working Group, including joint policy briefs, shared stakeholder mapping and coordinated participation in public events.
Recommendations
- Harmonise emissions reporting and strengthen F‑gas enforcement.
- Use demand‑side measures such as labelling and procurement to accelerate market adoption.
- Continue advancing innovation and sharing knowledge to support technology transfer and sector‑wide uptake.
These advances provide a practical pathway to large, near‑term emission reductions and lay the groundwork for climate‑neutral food systems by 2050.
Key achievements and impacts
- Open roadmaps and tools supporting technology selection and emission reduction planning across the chain.
- Demonstrated energy savings in multiple use cases, including reductions in freezing and storage, and up to 38 % in domestic applications.
- Strengthened cross‑project collaboration within the Green Deal Food Working Group, including joint policy briefs, shared stakeholder mapping and coordinated participation in public events.
Recommendations
- Harmonise emissions reporting and strengthen F‑gas enforcement.
- Use demand‑side measures such as labelling and procurement to accelerate market adoption.
- Continue advancing innovation and sharing knowledge to support technology transfer and sector‑wide uptake.
These advances provide a practical pathway to large, near‑term emission reductions and lay the groundwork for climate‑neutral food systems by 2050.