Epta announces circular-economy-based refrigerated display case
MILAN, Italy, 10 June 2025: Epta has announced through a Press Release the launch of UNIT, which the company says is a new Iarp-branded refrigerated display case designed and industrialised entirely according to circular economy principles.
According to Epta, UNIT represents a departure from the traditional linear model of production, use and disposal. The company stated that the display case is aligned with its commitment to “preserving our planet with conscious innovation. Together.” It described UNIT as “a true circular manifesto” and said the model is based on the strategy: “Use Better, Use Longer, Use Again.”
Francesco Mastrapasqua, Institutional Affairs Manager, Epta, said: “Epta has chosen to take early action by adopting an industrial vision inspired by circular economy, one that already translates future European circularity requirements into real, tangible solutions.”
According to Epta, UNIT has been designed for the Food&Beverage sector and reflects a cradle-to-grave approach. The company stated the product incorporates modularity, energy efficiency and material recyclability under the principles of Reuse, Repair, Recondition and Recycle.
Norman Sarabelli, Product Marketing Manager, Iarp, said: “UNIT, industrialised for the first time, embodies the ‘from cradle to grave’ approach, where modularity, material recyclability and energy efficiency come together under the banner of the 4Rs: Reuse, Repair, Recondition, Recycle. Each feature has been meticulously crafted to ensure that the solution evolves over time, remains adaptable and continues to deliver value throughout its entire life cycle – essentially without limitation.”
Epta said UNIT is based on a modular strategy known as Design for Disassembly. Components such as the compressor are designed to be accessed and replaced easily using a cassette and handle mechanism. The company reported that the overall number of components has been reduced, with multifunctional parts such as a structural lid that also serves as the basement, enabling easier repairs and lower operational costs.
Epta stated that UNIT uses sustainable and highly recyclable materials, including a natural biodegradable cork for insulation and recycled plastics for durability and end-of-life processing. The company said the refrigeration system uses isobutane R600a, a natural refrigerant with an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of zero and a global warming potential (GWP) of three.
According to Epta, the UNIT model marks the first milestone in its circular economy strategy and will be followed by developments across its product portfolio, including for the retail sector. The company said it plans to highlight further circular innovations at Euroshop 2026.