Four Tips to Keep Your Refrigeration Systems in Tip-Top Shape This Summer
The well-documented and ongoing battle against climate change is leading to increased regulation of the refrigeration industry pushing customers to switch from the use of HFCs as refrigerants to more eco-friendly alternatives, such as natural refrigerants. For example, the use of alternative refrigerants is also heavily driven by the existing and upcoming refrigeration regulations set by different environmental agencies, such as CARB, EPA-SNAP, and DOE, all aiming to limit the use of synthetic refrigerants labeled as harmful to the environment. In the food retail industry, a sector that has been heavily impacted by these regulations, the adoption of natural refrigerants [...]
Why Training Is Important When Dealing with Natural Refrigerants
The well-documented and ongoing battle against climate change is leading to increased regulation of the refrigeration industry pushing customers to switch from the use of HFCs as refrigerants to more eco-friendly alternatives, such as natural refrigerants. For example, the use of alternative refrigerants is also heavily driven by the existing and upcoming refrigeration regulations set by different environmental agencies, such as CARB, EPA-SNAP, and DOE, all aiming to limit the use of synthetic refrigerants labeled as harmful to the environment. In the food retail industry, a sector that has been heavily impacted by these regulations, the adoption of natural refrigerants [...]
R-290 FAQs — Things You Need to Know!
R-290, also known as refrigeration-grade propane, has proven to be one of the most viable alternatives to high GWP HFC refrigerants in industrial and commercial applications. Now that the search for sustainable and environmentally friendly refrigerants takes center stage due to the upcoming and existing refrigerant regulations, the use of R-290 is considered to be an innovative choice instead of a synthetic HFC option. As the utilization of R-290 continues to expand in the US, there are many questions regarding its usage, application, and safety that concern people in the industrial and commercial refrigeration industry. Here are some frequently asked [...]
FAQs When Purchasing and Operating Commercial Refrigeration Systems
So, you have your food retail business set up, merchandise all planned out, and in-store promotions are ready, but do you have the right refrigeration solution in place? Commercial refrigeration systems are part and parcel of grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores. A refrigeration system consists of the equipment needed to make “cold” and the refrigerated display cases using that “cold” to store products and keep them fresh or frozen. That is why choosing the right refrigeration solution and being knowledgeable of the nuts and bolts of commercial refrigeration systems, in general, is of paramount importance to store owners. Before [...]
Top 3 Reasons Why R-290 Self-contained Cases Are a Good Choice for Grocery Stores
Refrigeration has long been a resource for the food retail industry for preserving products and keeping them fresh during transport and in stores. However, with current and upcoming federal and state laws and/or regulations in place to limit or phase out the use of HFCs in commercial refrigeration systems. Retailers are looking to substitute those refrigerants with natural refrigerant alternatives. R-290, also known as refrigeration-grade propane and one of the few natural refrigerants readily available, is understood to be a top, viable alternative to HFC refrigerants for freezer and cooler applications, especially in some merchandisers, such as self-contained cases. Though [...]
Here’s What to Prepare for Summer in Your Grocery Stores
Summer is the season for outdoor grilling, festivities, and gathering with friends and family. People are excited to satisfy their cravings for some bright and light dishes for entertaining that have been on hold due to the ongoing two-year-long pandemic. Now that most social restrictions have been lifted and people are planning to gather for some celebration and entertainment, let’s look at some of the popular food products that are sure to be in demand in the next few months. Ingredients for charcuterie boards If you think charcuterie boards have reached a saturation point, you might be wrong. People are [...]
Four Things to Ask Before Hiring Refrigeration Technicians to Service Your Store
Refrigeration systems are one of the most important investments made when building and operating a food retail business. The performance, effectivity, and efficiency of these systems used to store, maintain, and display food products, are critical to the success of a food retail business. That is why when looking for refrigeration service providers to make repairs, installation, and maintenance in your retail store, it is important to be thorough about your vetting process involving the proficiency of the provider’s technicians. Asking the right questions before making a final decision in contracting any service provider can lead to long-term benefits. To [...]
Public Hearing to Consider Proposed Amendments to the Prohibitions on Use of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons in Stationary Refrigeration, Chillers, Aerosols-Propellants, and Foam End-Uses Regulation
The California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing at the time noted below to consider approving for adoption the Proposed Amendments to the Prohibitions on Use of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons in Stationary Refrigeration, Chillers, Aerosols-Propellants and Foam End-Uses (Title 17, California Code of Regulations, section 95371 et seq.) (HFC Regulation). DATE: December 10, 2020, TIME: 9:00 a.m. More Information > List of Refrigerants List of high-GWP refrigerants and their 100-year GWP value: High GWP Refrigerants and their 100 GWP Value Applicable Rules Applicable Rules: N.J.A.C. 7:27E – Subchapter 2 REGISTRATION AND REPORTING FOR REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS Record [...]
How Sustainability Impacts Food Retail Operations in Real-life Setting
When we hear the word “sustainability”, and consider how it affects us, what often comes to mind are the ideas of a greener environment, a healthier planet, and a continuous supply of natural resources. However, in the food retail sector, it’s more than that. These days, sustainability has taken on a broad and somewhat more vague definition. Often, it is used loosely enough in the industry that some retailers are not fully aware of sustainability’s major impacts on their overall retail operation. This has the effect of resulting in the minimal and incomplete implementation of sustainable efforts on their part. [...]
Smaller Can Be Better—Small-format Stores Are Increasing in Numbers
Most people have heard the phrase, “Good things come in small packages.” This phrase does not just direct its meaning towards products, it also applies to the food retail industry as small-format retail stores are rapidly growing. Small-format stores, such as Lidl and Trader Joe’s, are some of the leading neighborhood stores in the country and have been quite successful in that niche. Other food retail businesses are following suit, hoping to maximize sales and target customers in their locality. But what makes these small-format retail stores so successful, even to the point of outperforming some much larger traditional grocery [...]