R-22 refrigerant supply reduction requires supermarket planning

The supermarket sector in Brazil is facing challenges due to the planned reduction in the availability of R-22 refrigerant. This chemical is widely used in refrigeration systems essential for food preservation and consumer safety.

According to the Brazilian schedule for reducing imports, the specific quota for R-22 will decrease by 89.01% in January 2027 compared to the baseline established by Ibama. By 2030, the reduction is expected to reach 96.04%, with residual imports strictly limited to uses permitted by the Montreal Protocol. The goal is to reach zero import quotas for HCFCs by 2040.

To manage this transition, businesses must evaluate their current equipment, monitor for leaks to minimize fluid loss, and plan investments. Supermarkets must decide between adopting substitute fluids, performing retrofits, or replacing entire systems based on factors such as energy consumption, maintenance costs, and technical assistance availability.