What are transport emissions?
In the food industry most products and ingredients are not produced locally. This means that in a snack bar we find ingredients from all over the world. Sugar from South America, milk from France and chocolate from Africa. The transport of good around the planet by truck, ship, plane and rail can cause significant emissions.
How do Transport Emissions work?
Transport emissions in the food industry refer to the greenhouse gases released during the movement of food products across the supply chain, from farms to processing facilities, warehouses, retailers, and finally to consumers. These emissions are influenced by several factors, including the mode of transport (truck, ship, plane, or rail), the distance traveled, the weight and volume of goods, and whether the food requires refrigeration. Most of these emissions come from the combustion of fossil fuels such as diesel, petrol, marine fuel, or jet fuel used to power vehicles. Burning these fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO₂), as well as other greenhouse gases like nitrous oxide (N₂O) and methane (CH₄), into the atmosphere. Refrigerated transport, can also contribute additional emissions due to the energy demand of cooling systems.
Why is this relevant for the Food Industry?
Understanding transport emissions is especially relevant in the food industry because of the globalized nature of modern food supply chains. Many food products travel thousands of kilometers before reaching the consumer, often crossing multiple countries and using a mix of transport modes. Transport, while sometimes overlooked compared to production or packaging, can be a critical lever for improving the overall carbon footprint, particularly for imported, perishable, or highly processed goods.
How to track the Emissions?
Often the exact transport routes of a product are unknown. This is why Niatsu has developed a transport engine, which calculates realistic transport routes between two locations. This includes switching from truck to ship and back again to trucks. This way a realistic measurement can be added to any product as long as the country of origin or country of production is known. Further Niatsu can help you to understand from which vehicle the emissions actually come from. Often the last hundreds of kilometers by truck have the highest impact.
What can be changed in the future?
Looking ahead, there are several ways the food industry can reduce transport-related emissions and move toward more sustainable logistics. One key opportunity lies in optimizing supply chains, by sourcing ingredients closer to where they’re consumed, improving route planning, and consolidating shipments to reduce empty or partial loads. Transitioning to low-emission transport options, such as electric trucks, biofuel-powered vehicles, or rail instead of conventional freight, can also make a significant difference. Digital tools and emissions tracking software will play an increasingly important role, enabling companies to monitor their transport emissions in real time and make data-driven decisions. Ultimately, collaboration across the industry, among producers, logistics providers, retailers, and policymakers will be essential to drive systemic change and build a more climate-resilient food system.