Basic Approach to Non-CFC Products
Commercial refrigerators and other low-temperature appliances use two types of CFCs—refrigerants to lower internal temperatures, and foaming agents for insulation.
Previously, specified CFCs (chlorofluorocarbon) R12 and R502 were used as refrigerants, and R11 was used as a foaming agent for insulation. But attention gradually shifted toward CFC alternatives in the 1990s.
In addition, in the 2000s, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which had been used as CFC alternatives, were replaced by hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which have no chlorine content and thus essentially zero ozone depletion potential.
However, HFCs have a robust greenhouse effect similar to CFCs and HCFCs, so a shift toward non-CFC usage is needed.
The Act on Rational Use and Appropriate Management of Fluorocarbons, which was enacted in April 2015, stipulates sweeping measures across the entire fluorocarbon life cycle, from production to disposal, and obligates manufacturers to lessen the environmental impact caused by the use of fluorocarbons.
Hoshizaki is engaged in research and development to switch from CFC refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP) to low-GWP refrigerants.
Shifting to Non-CFC Insulation
We at Hoshizaki have been pushing technological innovation, believing that CFCs—used as foaming agents in heat insulation—are an issue in improving the environmental performance of our products.
In 2007, Hoshizaki adopted cyclopentane as a foaming agent and began using it in non-CFC worktop refrigerator/freezers and beer showcases.
In FY2012, we expanded our use of this non-CFC insulation to vertical refrigerators, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition, in August 2020, Hoshizaki completed its conversion of all foaming agents to non-CFC alternatives.*
* Due to the current worldwide shortage of non-CFC materials, we have been forced to temporarily use CFC-based foaming agents in some of our products.
Shifting to Non-CFC Refrigerants
In Japan, we launched 68 types of natural refrigerant*1 commercial refrigerators and freezers in our popular price range in May 2023. By the end of 2024, we will have a full lineup of natural refrigerant refrigerators and freezers, after which we will promote the use of natural refrigerants in all our refrigeration equipment.
This will lead to a reduction in GHG emissions during the product life cycle and will contribute significantly to a reduced impact on the environmental.
The Hoshizaki Group has already shipped about 740,000 natural refrigerant-compatible products*2 in oversea markets. And with this track record and expertise, we are working to expand our lineup of natural refrigerant products and enhance our services to contribute to the decarbonization efforts of our Japanese customers.
*1 Natural refrigerants are substances that can be used as refrigerants for refrigeration or air conditioning using substances originally found in nature.
These are environmentally friendly refrigerants with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and extremely low global warming potential (GWP).
*2 Unit sales of natural refrigerant products (ice machines, refrigerators, sushi display cases, and beverage visi-coolers) in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa from 2009 to 2022.
Compliance with the Act on Rational Use and Appropriate Management of Fluorocarbons
CFCs, used as refrigerants in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, are known to deplete the ozone layer when released into the atmosphere and to have a greenhouse effect far greater than that of CO2.
In Japan, the Act on Rational Use and Appropriate Management of Fluorocarbons went into effect in April 2015, requiring regular and simple inspections of equipment using CFCs and reporting of the amount of CFC leaks.
Hoshizaki makes a list of equipment using CFCs in factories and offices, creates a control ledger (record), and conducts regular and simple inspections and maintenance according to the equipment capacity to prevent CFC leaks.
Although reporting is required by law in the event of a CFC leak equivalent to at least 1,000 tons CO2, the leaks found at Hoshizaki in FY2023 totaled less than the amount requiring reporting.
