A new low-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerant developed for commercial and industrial refrigeration by Honeywell is optimized for supermarkets. The product meets the needs of grocers and retailers who are seeking low-global-warming solutions ahead of likely regulatory changes.

Solstice N71 (R-471A) is the supermarket industry’s first non-flammable and energy-efficient solution with a GWP of less than 150. The new addition to the Solstice line builds on Honeywell’s track record of sharply reducing the greenhouse gas intensity of its operations and facilities as well as its decades-long history of innovation to help its customers meet their environmental and social goals.

The arrival of Solstice N71 will provide a timely lifeline to supermarkets, helping them comply with new standards, including those in California and the European Union (EU) that restrict refrigerants with a GWP greater than 150 in new systems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also considering aSource: Honeywell similar national regulation that may take effect in 2024. These restrictions follow guidelines established by the California Air Resource Board, EPA’s American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2019 and the pre-established F-Gas regulation in the EU stemming from the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol to phase down hydrofluorocarbons.

Honeywell and its suppliers have completed a billion dollar investment program in research and development and new capacity based on Honeywell’s hydrofluorolefin technology. Worldwide adoption of Solstice products has avoided potential release of more than 250 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, equal to eliminating the potential emissions from more than 52 million cars for one year.

Solstice N71 provides superior eco-efficiency compared with both traditional R-404A stores and CO₂-based systems allowing customers to meet their sustainability goals while utilizing conventional equipment. In particular, Solstice N71 provides substantially stronger energy performance in medium temperature applications, boasting a 13% reduction in energy usage against R-404A and over 30% energy reduction versus CO₂-based systems, according to Honeywell modeling. This refrigerant is optimal for medium temperature applications, creating more options for both grocery brands and other refrigeration end-users alike along with equipment manufacturers requiring an eco-friendly, cost-effective way to achieve sustainability goals.