August 2022
R134a is a refrigerant which has been in use for many years for enclosed display cabinets with integral refrigeration.
It is one of the refrigerants which the Australia & New Zealand Governments have identified needs to be phased out in 2023 to support the reduction of greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming. From 2023, refrigerants must have a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less then 750.
On 1 July 2022, FPG switched from using R134a to R513A. R513A has a much-reduced GWP compared to R134a and is therefore a better option for the environment. It is also readily available in many markets.
| Refrigerant | GWP |
| R134a | 1430 |
| R513A | 573 |
This change impacts all enclosed refrigerated and controlled ambient cabinets - fixed front/tilt front/sliding doors.
Switching to R513A is part of the transition to natural refrigerants such as R290 (propane) which is the end goal. Switching to R290 will require electrical redesign of some cabinets and FPG expects to move to R290 for enclosed cabinets during 2025.
For open front cabinets with integral refrigeration, the transition will be from the existing refrigerant R449A to R290.
Visair Upright refrigerated cabinets have already been engineered and tested compliant with R290 heavy duty horizontal scroll compressors however they are currently being supplied with R449A due to supply chain constraints. The change to R290 will be driven by regulations (new date to be advised for Australia and NZ) and/or current supply chain issues are resolved.
FPG expects further open front refrigerated cabinets to be engineered and tested for R290 in 2025 unless regulations dictate otherwise.
To discuss your specific refrigerant requirements please contact us