Martin Butler, commercial director of Hawco, commented: “We were conscious that from 2022, all new condensing units used for refrigeration will need to be installed using a refrigerant with a global warming potential (GWP) of 150 or less. In practice, only a handful of refrigerants meet this criterion, with R744 (CO2) being the most appealing for most commercial cold room applications.

“Given this, we have been looking for a commercial refrigeration solution that meets these new requirements to offer our customers a futureproof offering. The Panasonic Cold Chain CO2 Condensing unit range uses a natural refrigerant with a GWP equal to one as opposed to the current refrigerant typically used such as R404A having a GWP equal to 3,922.”

Hawco was first established 45 years ago and its team offers design and in-depth product knowledge, helping customers to improve efficiency, minimise energy consumption and move to lower GWP refrigerants.

Alfredos Armaos, UK country manager, added: “We welcome Hawco on board as a UK distributor of our Cold Chain CO2 Condensing Units. This will help us and our customers across the UK embrace the changing world of refrigeration and help to minimise future risk to businesses, CO2 seems to be the best way to go for refrigeration needs.”

The Panasonic range of CO2 condensing units has been in development for more than 10 years – and over 10,000 units have been installed worldwide.

With changes to the F-Gas regulations coming into force alongside reducing carbon emissions and energy costs becoming key drivers for change in refrigeration systems, both specifiers and end users are recognising the need to consider CO2 as a refrigerant.