What is the cause of the CO2 shortage? Published 36 minutes ago
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The UK has produced half the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2), prompting concerns about a shortage of food in supermarkets.
This is because CO2 is used in hundreds of food and beverage products, including fizzy drinks and bagged salads.
Why is CO2 so important for the food and beverage industry?
Many products use food-grade CO2.
It is used for:
Carbonate water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages
To serve drinks and beer in pubs
To encourage the growth of plants, such as cucumbers, in greenhouses
Before slaughter, stun chickens and pigs
For packaging meats, baby food, and fresh foods (CO2 prolongs shelf life by preventing the growth of bacteria)
To keep food fresh in transport, CO2 is used as dry ice or snow
Source: Food and Drink Federation/Global Counsel
What is the impact of CO2 shortage on food supplies?
One supermarket executive said that the CO2 problem is "escalating rapidly" and creating a "big supply problem", according to BBC.
He said that the big meat suppliers claim they have two to three days supply, and they are now forced to prioritize how they use it.
Ranjit Singh Boparan, owner of Bernard Matthews poultry brand as well as 2 Sisters Food Group, said that the shortage was a "body-blow" to the industry.
Ocado, a supermarket delivery company, stated that it had "limited stock", due to the CO2 shortage.
The Food and Drink Federation stressed that the UK would not run out of food but that there would be major concerns about supply to supermarkets and other food outlets.
It stated that the knock-on effects could be felt all the way to the end, especially during the Christmas trading period.
What other uses can CO2 be used for?
The UK's remaining carbon dioxide production is being prioritized for medical purposes.
It's used in invasive procedures to stabilize the body, stimulate breathing, and get rid of warts or moles.
The nuclear industry also uses CO2 as a coolant.
It is also used in commercial fire extinguishers, life jackets, life rafts, and liquid solvents.
What is the reason for a CO2 shortfall?
Due to the soaring wholesale gasoline prices, two large UK fertiliser factories have closed down in Teesside, and Cheshire.
CF Industries owns the plants and makes CO2 as a byproduct.
Due to the closure of fertiliser factories, 60% of UK's food-grade carbon dioxide supply has been cut.
How can CO2 supplies be increased
Lilah Howson Smith, a senior analyst at the political risk consultancy Global Counsel, said that finding a solution can be challenging.
It is dependent on the demand and supply of fertiliser, but not the demand for CO2. She explained that this means there is a fractured sense in responsibility for solving the problem.
"Politically, there is no single point responsible in government that makes it more difficult to fix things. It is shared among departments, including agriculture, business, and Cabinet Office.
Kwasi Kwarteng, Business Secretary, told BBC that the government had considered temporarily subsidizing CF Industries to boost supply.
He stated that he had spoken to the chief executive twice and was optimistic about finding a way to resume production "as soon as possible."
Didn't 2018 see a CO2 shortage?
Yes, there was. It was caused by the usual summer production drop and heatwave that increased demand for frozen drinks and products.
What is CO2?
Carbon dioxide is an inert, colourless and odourless gas at room temperature.
Global warming is caused by an increase in CO2 levels in the Earth's atmosphere.
It naturally occurs when:
Both humans and animals can breathe.
During combustion (e.g. petrol or diesel in cars).
Things ferment or decompose
