Chile. A well-known supermarket chain in the south-central part of the country became a pioneer by implementing refrigeration systems based on new generation A2L refrigerants, which offer a significant reduction in global warming potential (GWP) and greater energy efficiency.
To carry out this initiative, the supermarket chain relied on a strategic alliance made up of companies with extensive experience in the industry: Refrigeration Industrial Coldmaster S.A., Chemours, Grupo DISCO and F.H. Engel S.A.
The project marks a milestone in the Chilean commercial and industrial refrigeration sector, which, as in other regions of the world, faces the challenge of reducing its environmental footprint without compromising operational performance. The transition to A2L refrigerants involves becoming familiar with new technologies, understanding their differences from traditional refrigerants, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of their operation.
Coldmaster, founded in 2008 by refrigeration technicians Rodrigo Torres and Jaime Carvajal, has demonstrated solid growth and outstanding participation in large-scale projects in its 15 years of experience. Their role in the technological transition was key in the installation and operation of the new systems.
Chemours, a company recognized worldwide for its refrigerant innovation, provided Opteon™ XL20 (R-454C), an A2L refrigerant with 96% less GWP than its predecessors, R-507A and R-404A. This solution was selected not only for its environmental benefits, but also for its cooling capacity, energy efficiency and economic viability.
The design and manufacture of the equipment was carried out by Grupo DISCO, a Spanish company specialising in commercial refrigeration units. For this project, distributed systems were developed with two medium-temperature condensing units, with a total capacity of 48.5 kW for refrigerated products and 24.8 kW for frozen products. The equipment complies with international safety standards, including the A2L classification defined by the ASHRAE 34 standard and the European EN378 standard.
The supply of equipment and refrigerants was supported by F.H. Engel S.A., a Chilean company with more than seven decades of experience in the sector, which also participated in the training of the technical personnel involved.
"We are very excited to have led this new project using the Opteon™ XL20 system. It is an achievement born of the sustained effort to highlight the benefits of new generation refrigerants with low GWP and support global commitments to sustainability. Today we reap the rewards of a collaboration with Chemours, Grupo DISCO, and Coldmaster, and we hope this is just the beginning. New projects are sure to join this quest for a greener future, and we are here to meet all their needs," said Daniela Bustamante, commercial manager of F.H. Engel's Industrial Division.
Currently, the new units with Opteon™ XL20 are already in operation, helping to reduce the establishment's environmental footprint and improving its operational efficiency. The success of this installation not only positions the supermarket chain as a benchmark in sustainable refrigeration in Chile, but also opens the way for future implementations in the region.
"Grupo DISCO Chile is proud to have provided the first A2L equipment installed in Chile, and to be at the forefront of an installation that marks a milestone towards more sustainable and efficient refrigeration solutions. Commercial refrigeration is a key sector in the development of this country, and we will continue to work tirelessly to lead with innovation. We thank everyone who participated in the decision-making process of this project and are making it possible to move towards a more sustainable future," said Cristian González Zaballa, development manager of Grupo DISCO Chile.
"We are extremely grateful for the excellent teamwork done by all parties involved in this flagship project. Without a doubt, this is just the beginning! We invite everyone to join us on this path to sustainability. With the use of innovative technologies like Opteon XL20 (R-454C), we will be able to build a better future and a better planet," added Maria Meitin, Chemours Commercial Leader for the region.
