As the food industry strives to balance operational performance and ecological transition, choosing the right refrigeration system becomes a strategic decision. In Canada and the U.S., regulations are evolving rapidly to reduce the climate impact of refrigerants. Greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for 2030 require clear technological choices. CO₂ refrigeration (R-744) stands out as an efficient, sustainable, and already accessible solution for cooling and freezing lines. This article helps you understand why and how to make the transition.
Context: Regulatory and Environmental Pressures
Canada: The federal government aims to reduce GHG emissions by 40–45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels), and 45–50% by 2035 (as per a 2024 announcement). HFC-based refrigeration systems are particularly targeted. The federal carbon credit protocol for refrigeration systems was updated in early 2025, tightening requirements for quantification, verification, and permanence of reductions. (Link: ICI)
United States: The "Inflation Reduction Act" targets a 40–52% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030. The EPA is phasing down HFC production and imports by 85% by 2036. Since January 2025, new sector-specific bans prohibit the manufacture, sale, and installation of high-GWP HFCs in certain systems. Penalties have also increased. (Link: ICI).
Using high-GWP refrigerants like R-404A is not only more expensive (due to taxes and scarcity) but also legally risky.
Refrigeration Technology Comparison: Why CO₂ Is Strategic
| Criteria | HFC (ex. R-404A) | Ammonia (NH₃) |
CO₂ (R-744) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GWP* | > 1 300 | 0 | 1 |
| ToxiCITY | Low to moderate | High | Negligible |
| Flammability | Low to none | High | None |
| Refrigerant Cost | Very High (HFC Tax) | Medium | Low |
| Maintenance | Frequent | Spécialized | Réduced |
| Low temperature Performance | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent |
*Global Warming Potential
CO₂ offers low environmental impact, operational safety, compact system design, and excellent cooling performance at sub-zero temperatures.
CO₂ Refrigeration: A Technical and Sustainable Choice for Spirals
In cooling or freezing spirals, refrigerant efficiency directly impacts thermal performance, cycle stability, and energy consumption. CO₂ stands out with:
Storcan, Spintech & ZeroC: Proven CO₂ Integration
Spintech spiral freezers from Storcan are now CO₂-compatible, aligning with your ESG, HACCP, and performance goals. With ZeroC, our refrigeration expert partner, we deliver turnkey integration of CO₂ systems that meet North American regulations.
Our strengths:
A Strategic Investment for 2025, 2030, and Beyond
Adopting CO₂ refrigeration in your spirals means more than reducing emissions. It means:
Want to learn more? Contact our experts to assess how this transition can impact your current line.
Also read our complementary article: How carbon emissions targets in the United States and Canada impact their agri-food factories.
We explain the impact of emission reduction targets on food processing plants and the role of automation technologies.
At Storcan, we support you not only in your technological choices but also in a long-term strategic approach to reducing your emissions and transforming your investments into valuable ESG assets.