Innovative sustainable cold chain evaluation model: Application to the aquaculture sector

The cold chain preserves perishables via refrigeration, ensuring safety and reducing waste with precise temperature control. However, traditional methods are associated with high environmental impact and energy consumption. To address the lack of quantitative evaluation methods, this research develops a formula-based framework for sustainable cold chain performance. Using the Modified Delphi Method and Analytic Hierarchy Process, the study identifies 12 key performance indicators across three dimensions: Planning, Operation, and Service. Among these, Planning emerges as the most influential, emphasizing the importance of top-management-led energy-saving policies and infrastructure investment. This framework addresses a methodological gap and supports companies in resource prioritization, benchmarking, and tracking progress toward sustainability. Industry experts emphasize energy conservation, service quality, energy-efficient facilities, and tracking systems, while consumers prioritize service quality and product safety, highlighting the need for stakeholder-specific transformation strategies. The study applies these indicators to the aquaculture sector, a highly cold chain-dependent industry, identifying two top-ranked improvement measures: “Joint Carbon Reduction Supply Chains” and “Aquatic Product Quality Monitoring”, which balancing sustainability and product quality. Through benchmarking analysis of eight aquaculture companies, the study demonstrates how peer learning and data-driven evaluation can guide firms in implementing customized solutions such as real-time tracking systems, collaborative warehousing, and energy-efficient infrastructure. Ultimately, this study provides both academic contributions and actionable recommendations, equipping policymakers and industry stakeholders with practical tools to accelerate the transition to greener cold chains. It offers companies clear guidance on resource allocation, helping them align their operations with sustainability goals while meeting regulatory requirements and consumer expectations. • Sets benchmarks to reduce environmental impact and energy use in cold chains. • Creates key indicators for cold chain sustainability, prioritizing Planning. • Stakeholders prioritize service quality; experts on energy, consumers on safety. • Recommends customized green efforts to meet industry and consumer needs. • Provides a roadmap for improving sustainability in the aquaculture industry.