LONDON: The adoption of climate-friendly cooling technologies is on the rise in Europe, but some tardy retailers are heading for a major financial shock when drastic cuts in supplies of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) kick in, London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has warned, on the occasion of the launch of its Chilling Facts VII, the latest in a series of reports pressing to dramatically reduce the global warming footprint of supermarkets.

The EU F-Gas Regulation, in effect since 2015, mandates a swift phase-down in the use of HFCs, a family of greenhouse gases hundreds to thousands of times more powerful than carbon dioxide (CO₂) which are commonly used in refrigeration, air-conditioning, fire protection, aerosols and foams.

As of next year, market supplies of HFCs will be slashed by about 48% in real terms, a move expected to result in drastic price hikes and supply shortages for those retailers yet to adopt climate-friendly alternatives; prices of some chemicals have already increased by 62% in the first quarter of 2017.

For the latest EIA report, 22 retailers submitted data for the 2015 calendar year from supermarkets across 37 countries.

Evaluating preparedness for the F-Gas Regulation and progress in moving away from HFCs, Chilling Facts VII named eight stand-out retailers as ‘Green Cooling Leaders’ – Albert Heijn, Aldi Süd, Carrefour, Kaufland, Metro Cash & Carry, Migros, Tesco and Waitrose.

In the middle of the pack are Marks and Spencer, Jerónimo Martins, Real, Rewe Germany and Sonae, while trailing at the rear are Aldi Nord, Delhaize Belgium, Spanish retailer Dia, Auchan Portugal and Irish retailer Musgrave.

Clare Perry, head of EIA’s Climate Campaign, said: “European retailers stand out as global leaders in the adoption of HFC-free commercial refrigeration but, despite well-established and efficient HFC-free alternatives, the uptake across Europe is far short of the pace needed to meet the EU’s fast-acting HFC phase-down.

“In addition, there’s the very real concern that HFC shortages will not only result in soaring refrigerant bills but that on-going heavy demand from retailers may actually drive illegal trade in HFCs, something we witnessed when hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) were banned.”

Chilling Facts VII’s recommendations include urging retailers to implement HFC-free refrigeration in all new stores and refits, and to fit doors on all chiller and freezer units.

The report urges manufacturers to invest in CO₂ and other natural refrigerant technologies for large and small-format supermarkets and recommends governments to financially support smaller end-users to transition away from HFCs and provide incentives for doors on fridges.