Walmart has signed on to use Honeywell’s reduced global-warming-potential refrigerant, Solstice N40, in some stores in Mexico and Central America. The use of Solstice will help the retailer reduce its carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency, representing a potential reduction of 130,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivolent. The project will cover more than 160 new supermarket refrigeration systems in the region.
Based on hydrofluoroolefin technology, Solstice N40 offers a global warming potential that is approximately 68 percent lower than legacy hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants like R-404A. Solstice N40 is the supermarket industry's most widely accepted, lowest global warming potential, nonflammable replacement for R-404A, with more than 60,000 installations globally since its release in 2015.
"With the adoption of Solstice N40, Walmart de México y Centroamérica joins the industry chorus who have sung the praises of this solution—a cost-effective refrigerant with reduced global warming potential that meets high standards for performance and energy efficiency in commercial refrigeration," said Ken West, president and CEO of Honeywell Advanced Materials, in a statement.
Food retailers around the world have adopted Solstice N40 to help them comply with current and proposed regulations. Walmart has addressed the climate crisis by targeting zero carbon emissions in its global operations by 2040 without relying on carbon offsets. Its goal to be a regenerative company includes transitioning to low-impact refrigerants for cooling and electrified equipment for heating in its stores, clubs, data centers, and distribution centers.
Related: Chipotle Aims to Reduce 50 Percent of Carbon Emissions by 2030; EPA Recognizes Meijer for Sustainable Freight Supply Chain.