Supermarkets run some of the largest refrigeration loads of any sector, so refrigerant choice has a big environmental and cost impact. They’ve become pioneers in adopting low-GWP solutions.
The rise of CO2 (R744)
Transcritical CO2 systems have become the leading choice for new supermarket installations. With a GWP of 1, CO2 sidesteps the phase-down entirely. The trade-off is higher operating pressures and more complex, specialised equipment.
HFO blends
Where CO2 isn’t practical, lower-GWP HFO blends like R448A and R449A are widely used to replace R404A, cutting GWP by around two-thirds while keeping familiar system designs.
Hydrocarbons for integral cases
Self-contained display cabinets increasingly use R290 (propane), which is highly efficient with an ultra-low GWP, kept safe by small, sealed charges.
Why it matters
Beyond compliance, lower-GWP and efficient systems cut energy costs and protect supermarkets from rising high-GWP refrigerant prices.
FAQ
Why do supermarkets use CO2 refrigerant? Its GWP of 1 makes it future-proof against the phase-down, and modern transcritical systems are efficient at scale.
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