EPTA SUPPORTS LEGAMBIENTE’S PROPOSAL FOR ACCELERATING THE ECOLOGICAL TRANSITION OF THE COLD CHAIN

proposte Legambiente

As a Green Transition Enabler, Epta fully supports the ecological transition of the cold chain, and has endorsed the document drafted by Legambiente, putting forward new proposals to make Italian commercial refrigeration increasingly sustainable. 

In a European regulatory framework geared towards phasing outultra-polluting hydrofluorocarbons and promoting the use of natural refrigerants, as enshrined in the New F-gas Regulation 2024/573, Italy is currently the largest contributor to European HFC emissions. For every store built with natural refrigeration technologies today, there are in fact two others in operation that use F-gas in massive quantities, with excessive amounts lost during operation. 

As a result it is necessary to implement measures, including economic ones, to support a rapid conversion of obsolete refrigeration equipment in order to modernise the entire food distribution network. The virtuous operation is a win-win, as reducing environmental impact also translates into upgrading the energy efficiency of refrigeration systems. 

 

SUSTAINABLE REFRIGERATION, ACCORDING TO EPTA

Epta has become the mouthpiece for Legambiente’s calls for action with an end to decarbonising the sector - among the oldest, in technological terms - under the banner of Innovation, Sustainability and Precaution.

Innovation, which is evident in Italy's leading role in producing natural refrigerants and refrigeration solutions, is in fact combined with respect for the environment and the precautionary principle in the sale and use of new mixtures such as HFOs, which are still being studied by the scientific community, and which give rise to PFAS. 

Along with other key players in the field, Epta has adhered to the Action Plan drawn up by the non-profit organisation, which consists of four clear proposals: 

  1. To deliver incentives for retailers who choose to  retrofit refrigeration systems; 
  2. To plan a structured nationwide communication campaign informing the general public about the advantages of natural refrigerants; 
  3. To maintain a simplified approach with limited bureaucracy for using natural refrigerants; 
  4. To launch a carbon offset programme so that carbon credits can be converted into cash for virtuous companies that replace the most polluting equipment.   

Presented at an industry event at Palazzo Montecitorio, organised on the initiative of the Hon. Patty L'Abbate, the document aims to be a guide for raising awareness of official organisations and accelerating the transformation of the sector, for a more sustainable future.