Case.IMCD Central America: Helping lead the transition to next generation refrigerants

Refrigeration is one of the quiet contributors to global emissions. Traditional hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants carry extremely high global warming potential (GWP)*, and even small leaks over the lifetime of a system can have a significant environmental impact. As regulations tighten and customers seek solutions that reduce their footprint without compromising performance, the need for credible, future-ready alternatives continues to rise.

IMCD and a key supplier have been working together in Central America to introduce next-generation refrigerant solutions across the region. These solutions are designed to replace conventional HFC technology - such as legacy refrigerants with GWP values above 3900 (e.g., R404A and R507) - by using optimised blends of HFC and hydrofluoroolefins (HFO) molecules. This approach delivers a significant reduction in GWP compared to traditional HFC refrigerants, translating into more than a 65% reduction in CO2 -equivalent emissions for refrigeration systems previously operating with HFCs.

(*) GWP measures the climate impact of a refrigerant relative to CO2, which has a GWP of 1. Simply put, a lower GWP means a lower impact on global warming if the refrigerant is released.

In specific applications, particularly within the industrial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning segment, pure HFO refrigerants are also being implemented. These next-generation solutions typically offer substantially lower GWP values, often below 1500 and in some cases below 150, resulting in a markedly reduced environmental impact.

"Refrigeration is essential to modern life but does not have to come with a high environmental cost. We are extremely proud to help shifting an entire sector towards lower emissions and higher efficiency."

Juan Carlos Peralta

Managing Director IMCD Central America

The results of this shift are already clear. Since 2020, more than 65 percent of a major supermarket chain across Central America have transitioned to these nextgeneration refrigerants. As a direct result, each store has reduced CO2 emissions by more than 69 percent from refrigerant choice alone. For a national retail chain with large refrigeration systems running around the clock, this represents a meaningful reduction in environmental impact year after year.

“This project reflects our dedication to adopting alternatives that meet sustainability standards while driving efficiency and innovation in the refrigeration sector”, comments Juan Carlos Peralta, Managing Director of IMCD Central America. “With the growing demand for eco-friendlier solutions we are well positioned to lead this transformation.”

Beyond supplying advanced refrigerants, IMCD focuses on the broader life cycle. In partnership with strategic allies, the Costa Rica office has established a responsible management programme for empty refrigerants' cylinders. Over the last four years, more than 5000 cylinders have been collected and recycled, reflecting a sustainable approach that goes beyond product supply and tackles waste at its source.

By working closely with our supplier, contractors, equipment installers and end customers, the team ensures that each transition is smooth, cost efficient and future proof.

Formulatory excellence

Winning together means being involved early, listening carefully and closing the gap between what the market wants and what technology can deliver. Whether that is finding a new ingredient, refining a formulation or helping navigate new rules, IMCD’s teams build solutions that aim to work in the real world.

IMCD Central America: Helping lead the transition to next generation refrigerants

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