Thank you for getting in touch with us. We have acknowledged your submission. A start-up based in Greenland is facing criticism for causing significant harm to the environment by transporting ice from glaciers that are over 100,000 years old to be used in cocktails served at upscale bars in Dubai. Arctic Ice, which was established this year, promotes its product as the “oldest and purest” ice available as it is sourced from icebergs in Greenland, which is more than 4,730 miles away from Dubai. Despite the company’s intention to raise awareness about the impact of global warming on ice sheets and potentially prevent rising sea levels, the concept is not being well-received.
Individuals have expressed their concerns about the environmental implications of the operation. The company’s website emphasizes that the ice used for chilling drinks in luxurious establishments in a distant city is taken from icebergs that have already detached from the glacier and are floating in Greenland’s Nuuk fjord. It is highlighted that the production process has a minimal impact, as the icebergs used are already separated from the glacier naturally.
Arctic Ice insists that by utilizing icebergs that would otherwise melt into the ocean, they are preventing the ice from contributing to the rise in sea levels. Each iceberg is carefully inspected and then broken into smaller pieces before being stored in insulated food-grade crates for transportation. Samples are sent to a third-party laboratory to test for any potentially harmful ancient microorganisms or bacteria. The ice is then shipped in refrigerated containers to Dubai, where it is distributed to local establishments.
While Arctic Ice claims to have designed its operations to reduce the impact on the environment by utilizing existing cargo shipping routes and minimizing carbon dioxide emissions, critics remain unconvinced. Some argue that the business model of breaking icebergs into pieces and transporting them to a desert city via fossil fuel-powered vessels is detrimental to the planet.
Despite the backlash, Arctic Ice co-founder Malik Rasmussen has expressed surprise at the extent of the criticism, including death threats and harassment. The company assures customers that its ice is free from pollution and tasteless, ensuring it does not alter the flavor of drinks as it melts. However, some experts, like Jennifer Francis from Woodwell Climate Research Center, view the operation as an energy-wasteful gimmick that caters to the ultra-wealthy.
Rasmussen believes that the unique selling point of the ice lies in its pure taste and slower melting rate due to its higher density. The company has plans to improve its environmental impact by using more efficient ships and reusing transport crates. The goal is to offset double the amount of CO2 produced, but Arctic Ice acknowledges that there is still much work to be done in that regard.
