Strengthening CO2 supply chain resilience: call for evidence

The UK’s supply of food and medical grade CO2 is a critical backbone for a wide range of essential sectors, from food and beverage manufacturing to healthcare, perishable goods logistics, and pharmaceutical production. Recent discussions across industry and government emphasise the need to bolster resilience, safeguard security, and promote sustainable practices within this vital supply chain. This call for evidence (CFE) seeks views and data to inform the development of measures aimed at achieving these objectives.

Why this matters now
CO2 plays a foundational role in modern industry. In food processing, it is used for chilling, packaging, and carbonation, and in healthcare, it supports sterile environments, respiratory therapies, and equipment sterilisation. Disruptions to CO2 supply can cascade through production lines, affect product quality, increase costs, and ultimately impact consumer access to essential goods and services. The drive to enhance resilience is coupled with a commitment to security—ensuring supply continuity against economic, logistical, or geopolitical shocks—and sustainability, recognising the environmental footprint associated with CO2 production, transport, and reuse.

What the call for evidence is asking for
The CFE invites organisations, researchers, and individuals with relevant experience to share data, insights, and practical perspectives across several areas:

– Exposure and risk assessment: What are the main points of vulnerability in the UK CO2 supply chain, including production capacity, import dependence, transportation routes, storage, and distribution networks? How might events such as machinery failures, supply interruptions, or regulatory changes affect availability and price stability?

– Demand and utilisation: How do demand patterns vary by sector (food and beverage, healthcare, manufacturing, and other essential services)? Are there seasonal or mode-of-operation factors that influence CO2 requirements, and how might these evolve with shifts in consumer behaviour or policy?

– Resilience measures: What strategies could strengthen resilience without imposing prohibitive costs? Potential approaches include diversification of supply sources, strategic storage and stockpiling, on-site gas generation, adoption of alternative technologies, enhanced demand forecasting, and cross-sector collaboration for mutual aid during shortages.

– Security and governance: What governance frameworks, procurement standards, and transparency measures would help improve visibility and reliability across the supply chain? How can we ensure robust supplier qualification, contingency planning, and rapid responses to disruption?

– Sustainability considerations: What are the environmental impacts associated with CO2 production, containment, and distribution? How can the sector advance energy efficiency, lower emissions, support circular economy principles (such as recycling and reuse of CO2 where feasible), and encourage responsible sourcing?

– Innovation and data needs: What research, data, and modelling capabilities would support better decision-making? Are there gaps in data related to production capacity, transport networks, storage, or end-use efficiency that, if addressed, would improve scenarios for resilience and sustainability?

– Policy and regulatory implications: Which policy levers and regulatory measures could most effectively promote resilient and secure CO2 supply while maintaining affordability and safety? What are potential unintended consequences to consider for those measures?

How your input will be used
Responses will inform the development of measures designed to strengthen the resilience, security, and sustainability of the UK’s CO2 supply. Input may contribute to:
– Scenario planning and risk modelling for supply disruptions
– Evidence-based policy design and regulatory proposals
– Investment signals to industry for capacity expansion, diversification, and innovation
– Collaboration frameworks across government, industry, and research institutions
– Baseline metrics and monitoring indicators to track progress over time

Guidance for contributors
– Provide concrete data where possible (quantitative figures, timelines, capacity, lead times, and cost ranges).
– Share case studies or real-world experiences that illustrate risks, responses, and outcomes.
– Consider both short-term responses to disruptions and long-term strategies for sustainable supply.
– If you represent an organisation, outline your role in the CO2 supply chain and any relevant expertise.
– Where applicable, indicate regional variations within the UK and cross-border considerations that may affect supply.

Submission tips
– Be clear and concise, with actionable insights.
– Distinguish between facts, professional judgments, and speculative scenarios.
– Include sources or references for data and claims where feasible.
– Highlight any data gaps or uncertainties to help prioritise future research.

Next steps
The insights gathered through this call for evidence will be assessed to prioritise measures that can be implemented effectively and efficiently, balancing resilience, security, and sustainability. Feedback will guide policy development, industry collaboration, and investment priorities, with ongoing oversight to monitor progress and adapt to changing conditions.

If you have pertinent data, experiences, or recommendations, please contribute through the designated submission channels. Your input will help shape a more resilient and sustainable CO2 supply for the UK, supporting essential sectors and the broader economy.

June 11, 2026 at 10:00AM
加强二氧化碳供应链韧性：征求证据意见
https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/strengthening-co2-supply-chain-resilience-call-for-evidence
本次征求证据旨在征集观点和数据，以帮助制定措施，提升英国在重要行业使用的食品级和医疗级二氧化碳的供应韧性、安全性和可持续性。

阅读更多中文内容： 强化英国食品与医药级CO2供应韧性：参与式证据征集以推动可持续保障