The Shift to Eco-Friendly Refrigerants in Commercial and Industrial Applications

Commercial Refrigeration

Stand-alone refrigeration units, such as beverage coolers and vending machines, have transitioned from high-GWP hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) like R-404A to hydrocarbons such as propane (R-290) and isobutane (R-600a). These refrigerants provide not only environmental benefits but also energy efficiency gains.

Condensing units used in small supermarkets and stores have seen similar shifts, with hydrocarbon-based models and CO2-based systems becoming more common. Centralized systems in larger supermarkets are now widely adopting CO2 cascade systems, reducing reliance on traditional HFC-based setups.

Regulations:

• Effective January 1, 2025, F-gases with a GWP of 150 or more will be prohibited in all these applications, except for ultra-low temperature equipment.

Industrial Refrigeration

Ammonia (R-717) remains a standard refrigerant in industrial settings, particularly for food processing. Combined systems utilizing ammonia and CO2 (R-744) have also gained traction in Europe and North America.

Upcoming Restrictions:

• From January 1, 2025, F-gases with a GWP of 2,500 or more will be banned in most applications, excluding ultra-low temperature equipment.
• Servicing refrigeration equipment with GWP >2,500 will be restricted from 2026, allowing only reclaimed or recycled gases. By 2032, this limit will be further reduced to a GWP of 750.

Domestic Refrigeration

Hydrocarbons such as R-600a have replaced R-134a in domestic refrigeration since the 1990s, offering significant energy efficiency improvements.

Prohibitions:

• Starting January 1, 2026, all F-gases, regardless of their GWP, will be banned in domestic refrigeration.

Transport Refrigeration

Refrigeration systems in vehicles are shifting from high-GWP refrigerants like R-134a and R-404A to lower-GWP alternatives, such as R-448A and R-449A. However, these HFC/HFO blends are seen as temporary solutions, with R-744 and R-290 emerging as long-term options offering better efficiency.

Regulations:

• Beginning January 1, 2025, F-gases with a GWP of 150 or more will no longer be allowed in refrigerated vehicles.

Driving Change Through Innovation

The industry's shift to non-fluorinated refrigerants reflects both regulatory pressures and a commitment to sustainability. As deadlines for the phase-out of high-GWP F-gases approach, the adoption of hydrocarbons, CO2, and ammonia systems is accelerating. These alternatives are paving the way for a greener future in refrigeration across all sectors.