White paper: CO₂ Unit Coolers for Supermarket Refrigeration Systems

The global supermarket industry is becoming increasingly committed to preserving the environment. One indicator is the existence of corporate sustainability programs. According to the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), over two-thirds of supermarkets have a corporate sustainability program in place or have plans to begin one within two years. As part of these sustainability programs, many supermarkets are taking a closer look at their refrigeration systems in an effort to reduce the overall environmental impact of their stores.

Over the last few decades, synthetic refrigerants such as CFCs and HCFCs are being phased out by regulation. Increasing concern and regulatory actions related to the environmental impact of hydro fluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants has prompted a re-emergence of carbon dioxide (CO₂) based refrigeration systems and other low GWP solutions around the world. CO₂ based refrigeration is of interest due to low global warming potential, low price, potential for energy reduction, non-toxicity and a positive safety rating.