Verified by Mel Sykes, Industrial Supply Chain Specialist - June 2026
Strengthening CO2 Supply Chain Resilience: Call for Evidence
Strengthening CO2 supply chain resilience: call for evidence is a important initiative launched by the Department for Business & Trade to enhance the security and sustainability of food and medical grade carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the UK. This effort aims to gather input from industry stakeholders, including engineers, procurement managers, and component suppliers, to develop strong measures that ensure stable CO₂ supplies across critical sectors.
Overview
Strengthening CO2 supply chain resilience: call for evidence was launched on April 17. 2023, in response to recent disruptions affecting the availability of CO₂. These disruptions have highlighted vulnerabilities within the UK's supply chains and underscored the need for more resilient systems. The initiative seeks input from a wide range of stakeholders to inform policy decisions that will support both environmental sustainability and public health.
Impact on Engineering Supply Chains
For engineers, procurement managers, and component suppliers in the UK, Strengthening CO2 supply chain resilience: call for evidence presents significant implications. Engineers working with food packaging machinery, carbonated beverages production lines, and medical equipment must ensure their systems can operate under varying conditions of CO₂ availability. This includes assessing components like stainless steel valves (AISI 316L) and brass fittings (CW617N) that are critical for CO₂ delivery systems.
Procurement managers will need to diversify supplier networks and secure alternative sources for CO₂, ensuring continuity in production processes. Component suppliers must adapt by providing parts compliant with relevant standards such as BS EN ISO 3509 and DIN 24586 for flanges and pipe connections used in CO₂ systems.
Environmental and Health Impact
The resilience of the CO₂ supply chain directly impacts environmental and health outcomes. Inadequate CO₂ supplies can lead to reduced food shelf life, increased waste, and potential disruptions in medical applications like anaesthesia and blood storage. By improving supply chain resilience, this initiative aims to mitigate these risks.
Key Considerations for Stakeholders
Stakeholders should consider several factors when responding to Strengthening CO2 supply chain resilience: call for evidence. Engineers must evaluate the robustness of their current equipment and identify potential upgrades or replacements that enhance reliability under varying conditions. Procurement managers need to explore long-term contracts with multiple suppliers to avoid single points of failure.
Component suppliers can contribute by offering innovative materials like high-strength stainless steels (AISI 416) and advanced polymers that offer durability and ease of maintenance, reducing the risk of equipment breakdowns during CO₂ shortages. MLC provides a directory for these components, including fittings made from carbon steel EN8 and brass CW617N.
Collaboration with Industry Bodies
Collaboration with industry bodies such as the British Industrial Fasteners Association (BIAFD) and the British Technical Manufacturers Association (BTMA) is important to align efforts and share best practices. These organisations can provide valuable insights into existing standards and emerging trends in CO₂ supply chain management, helping stakeholders make informed decisions.
Conclusion
Strengthening CO2 supply chain resilience: call for evidence offers a critical opportunity for UK engineers, procurement managers, and component suppliers to contribute to more strong and sustainable CO₂ systems. By participating actively and providing specific data on current challenges and potential solutions, stakeholders can help shape policies that protect both environmental health and industrial productivity.
Stakeholders should engage by submitting their views and technical insights to the Department for Business & Trade before the deadline of June 16, 2023, to ensure a full understanding of industry needs and capabilities.