Fish & Chips Meets Net Zero: A Deep-Fried Dilemma?
Fish and chips is more than a national treasure in the UK and Ireland—it’s a £1.2 billion industry. But as the world races towards Net Zero carbon emissions, this much-loved takeaway staple is under pressure to clean up its act.
From energy-guzzling fryers to high food waste, the carbon footprint of fish and chips is far from sustainable. The good news? Technology is catching up—and companies like Kelsius are stepping in to help.
What Is Net Zero, and Why Does It Matter?
“Net Zero” means balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with the amount removed from the atmosphere. The UK government has legally committed to reaching Net Zero by 2050.
For foodservice businesses, this means:
- Cutting down on energy use
- Reducing food waste
- Rethinking packaging
- Improving supply chain transparency
That’s where the fish and chips industry comes in—an industry that relies on deep fryers, refrigeration, and fast-moving stock.
The Environmental Cost of Fish and Chips
While fish and chips might seem harmless, every plate carries a carbon load. Here’s a quick look:
The biggest culprits? Poor temperature management, energy-inefficient equipment, and lack of digital tracking—leading to spoiled stock and wasted energy.
Kelsius: A Smart, Sustainable Solution
Kelsius is helping fish and chip shops across the UK and Ireland step into the Net Zero era with smart Digital HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and temperature monitoring systems.
Here’s how Kelsius is making a difference:
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Reducing Energy Waste
By using automated temperature monitoring, shops can:
- Avoid overcooling or overheating fridges/freezers
- Get real-time alerts when temperatures drift
- Save electricity by operating within optimal zones
This reduces both energy bills and carbon footprint.
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Cutting Food Waste
Spoiled stock is a massive issue. Kelsius helps prevent it by:
- Automating temp logs, removing human error
- Ensuring compliance with food safety standards
- Preventing stock loss from unnoticed fridge failures
That means less waste—and less emissions from food going to landfill.
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Improving Compliance with Net Zero Goals
Food safety and sustainability go hand-in-hand. With Kelsius:
- Businesses meet EHO standards digitally
- Staff spend less time on manual checks
- Reporting for sustainability audits is easy and paperless
Why This Matters for the Fish and Chips Industry
As consumer demand for sustainability grows, people want more than great taste—they want eco-conscious food choices.
Fish and chip shops that adopt smart tech like Kelsius:
- Improve their brand reputation
- Appeal to eco-aware customers
- Save money and future-proof their business
Steps Fish & Chip Shops Can Take Today
Ready to lower your carbon footprint? Here’s a Net Zero action list:
✅ Install digital temperature monitoring
✅ Use energy-efficient fryers and LED lighting
✅ Choose locally sourced, MSC-certified fish
✅ Switch to biodegradable or recyclable packaging
✅ Train staff in sustainability best practices
✅ Monitor food waste and adjust ordering habits
