The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) has published a new report that explores the impact of refrigerants on the environment, and outlines the challenges in implementing hydrofluorocarbon-free cooling systems.
The report 'Understanding the Most Cost-Effective Way to Fight Climate Change' was developed in partnership with Shecco, a company that provides eco-friendly heating, cooling and refrigeration solutions.
It also explains the benefits of using eco-friendly cooling technologies along with case studies from companies that have switched to natural refrigerants.
'Success Stories'
Some of the success stories included in the report are that of CGF members such as Campbell Soup, Carrefour, Heineken, Lawson, METRO AG, Recheio (Jeronimo Martins) and Woolworths.
Environmental sustainability director at the Consumer Goods Forum, Ignacio Gavilan, said, "Our members continue to be at the forefront of change. [...] We bring together consumer goods retailers, manufacturers, and their stakeholders globally to address these key topics."
"Thanks to the actions of these leading retailers and manufacturers, we now have a much better understanding of the HFC-challenge and how we can drive positive change and phase out these harmful, chemical refrigerants," Gavilan added.
Challenges
The report identifies initial investments, lack of trained technicians and energy-efficient solutions for warmer climates as primary challenges in implementing eco-friendly cooling solutions.
Shecco CEO, Marc Chasserot, said, "The transition towards long-term future-proof natural refrigerant-based technologies is often not without challenges."
"Nevertheless, learning from the experience of others can be an effective way to overcome the barriers as well as avoid unnecessary intermediary steps," Chasserot pointed out.
Greenhouse Emissions
Refrigerants such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) contribute massively to greenhouse gas emissions across the world.
In 2010, the CGF’s members made a commitment to tackle the growing impact of refrigeration systems.
Six years later, in October of 2016, CGF’s board announced a second Refrigeration Resolution to continue the process of phasing out HFCs and call for its inclusion in the Montreal Protocol.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
