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Increase in the use of natural refrigerants in commercial refrigeration

Propane and CO2 are increasingly equipping refrigeration systems in the commercial sector. 

In 2024, nearly 30% of food retail outlets in Europe adopted transcritical CO2 (R744) refrigeration systems, representing around 90,700 supermarkets, grocery stores, and convenience stores. At the same time, it is estimated that over 17 million hydrocarbon refrigerated cabinets, primarily using propane (R290), were installed across Europe. 

 

The use of these natural refrigerants helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the growing demands for sustainability and environmental regulations.

 

Did you know? 

The IIR and UNEP co-published a Technology Brief about commercial refrigerant in 2018: See in FRIDOC. 
The IIR also recently published an Informatory Note about flammable refrigerants: See in FRIDOC.