On August 7, 2024, members of the Technical Committee on Refrigeration and Air Conditioning visited Franke Foodservice Systems Philippines, Inc. to observe safety measures for producing R290 refrigeration equipment used in restaurant systems. The visit took place at the Lima Technology Center in Malvar, Batangas, Philippines, with participants wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE) to emphasize the commitment to safety.
With the global shift towards phasing down hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, catalyzed by the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the industry is increasingly adopting natural refrigerants like hydrocarbons, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. Franke Foodservice Systems Philippines, Inc. has introduced R290 to replace the ultra-high GWP R404a and R134a, aiming to reduce the climate impact of its products.
During the visit, the committee reviewed various control measures, including retrofitted local exhaust ventilation systems for R290 charging, specialized charging equipment, and design modifications. Additionally, administrative controls such as management commitment, staff training, and visitor awareness were evident at the facility.
The visit included representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Energy, Department of Trade and Industry, industry experts from the RAC manufacturing sector, and the academe. This visit was part of the ecolabeling activities for cooling appliances by Greenchoice Philippines, supported by Cool Contribution fighting Climate Change II (C4II) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH under the International Climate Initiative (IKI).
