From October 8th to 10th at Stand 7-332, Hall 7, Epta’s Total Solution featured a complete and innovative technological offering designed to effectively meet the diverse needs of retail spaces worldwide. Complete and integrated due to the synergy between the Group's various brands, Epta's portfolio is entirely based on natural refrigerants, through which, as a Green Transition Enabler, it has been able to anticipate market trends and the latest regulatory developments. In line with the claim 'Innovation Reloaded. The Epta Sustainable System,' all of Epta's solutions are compliant with the new European F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573 and are geared towards Sustainable Innovation.
Epta’s natural refrigeration is founded on three core technologies, detailed at the stand with the aid of infographics, interactive displays and an engaging digital experience. All three rely exclusively on R290 propane and CO2, which represent the only viable alternative to traditional HFC refrigerants and the latest synthetic HFO blends, to the benefit of superior operational efficiency and a reduced environmental footprint.
The Group’s vast expertise has enabled the development of propane plug-ins, Integral solutions and transcritical CO2 remote cabinets.
The propane R290 plug-ins, which are self-contained refrigerated units available for both positive and negative temperatures, are equipped with onboard engine and do not require connection to a central refrigeration plant, confirming their suitability for small retail spaces.
Epta’s propane R290 Integral solutions, available with air-cooled (Air) or water-cooled (Waterloop) condensation, feature a fully integrated refrigeration unit pre-assembled within the cabinet. Integral technologies, emblematic of the Group’s technical and engineering expertise, combine the modular approach and energy performance standards of remote cabinets with the same ease of installation as plug-ins, ensuring that product display remains unchanged.
The transcritical CO2 remote cabinets, now in their fourth generation, underscore the Group’s leadership in CO2 refrigeration. Additionally, glycol-based counterparts are also available, using a natural refrigerant to cool glycolated water within the refrigeration plant, which is then distributed to the remote systems via dedicated pipelines.
Epta’s stand guided visitors through a rich selection of the Group’s most innovative solutions, all under the Costan and Bonnet Névé brands, symbolising individual technologies.
On display at Chillventa for the propane plug-in series was the positive vertical model Tango/MultiFresh from the SlimFit/MultiCity range, which, in specific configurations, achieves energy class A and delivers 40% energy savings compared to the previous model.
For the propane Integral solution, Epta presented the GranVista Integral Ultra/SkyView Integral Perform and GranBering Integral Ultra/SkyLight Integral Perform models, both part of the GranFit/SkyEffect family featuring an Air condensation system. Notably, the latter, a negative vertical unit tailored for frozen food products, is equipped with compressors with inverters and a new hybrid defrost system, resulting in energy savings of over 30%. In addition, GranVista Integral Ultra/SkyView Integral Perform and GranBering Integral/SkyLight Integral are also available in their respective Waterloop versions, in which a water circuit, showcased as a wall module at the stand, allows for heat recovery for additional in-store applications, ensuring more efficient thermal management.
Lastly, as a practical example of the CO2 remote cabinets, the vertical positive MD7 from the Nordic Line/Nordic Star, designed for the Hard Discount segment, was showcased in its glycol version. Moreover, this unit is fitted with the Pipe Most configuration, specifically designed to speed up the installation and ducting process.
At Chillventa 2024, EptaTechnica’s innovation took center stage with an expansion of its range of modular power packs and transcritical CO2 refrigeration plants. This enables the Group's sub-brand to achieve new milestones in terms of performance, power and cooling capacity.
Joining the ECO2Small, ECO2Middle and ECO2Large refrigeration units, the new power pack ECO2Compacta introduced by Epta stands out for its compactness, efficiency and reliability. Having undergone rigorous field testing during the prototyping phase, the Eco2Compacta is now available for the market, offering capacities from 15 to 45 kW for medium-temperature and from 0 to 9 kW for low-temperature applications. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations, thanks to its low noise level and one-side access design, to facilitate installation and maintenance in confined spaces.
Finally, as part of Epta's integrated offering, EptaTechnica’s expert consultancy in store design is complemented by a range of post-sales services, further enhanced by EptaService’s digital technologies. The successful LifeCycle Program formula now includes an innovative app: the SwitchON Tech App for smartphones and tablets, designed to support refrigeration technicians in maintenance operations. Compatible with cabinets equipped with the SwitchON Terminal Strip electronic board or those configured for its installation, the app, available in six languages, serves as an additional touchpoint for industry professionals, providing constant monitoring of operating parameters.