ChinaShop 2017 sees strong interest in NatRefs

In a sign of growing interest in natural refrigerant solutions in the Chinese retail sector, several key industry players had natural refrigerant solutions on display at this year’s ChinaShop 2017 exhibition.

ChinaShop is the biggest tradeshow focused on the commercial food retail sector in China. This year’s event was held in Chongqing, China from 2-4 November.

Signalling China’s increasing shift towards eco-friendly and energy-efficient technologies, leading refrigeration system suppliers such as Haier, Carrier and Panasonic displayed their natural refrigerant solutions for the Chinese market.

Carrier, in cooperation with leading Chinese appliance manufacturer Haier, exhibited their cascade R134a-CO₂ system. There are currently a few dozen installations of this system in China. Carrier also announced plans to develop a CO₂ transcritical system for China.

Panasonic was exhibiting its 2HP outdoor CO₂ condensing unit, targeting the Chinese retail market. Panasonic also mentioned that it is currently developing CO₂ transcritical systems for the Chinese market.

Component suppliers Danfoss and CAREL were also present, displaying CO₂-based system solutions including Danfoss’ well-known ejector system.

In a sign of what’s to come in China’s commercial retail industry, Hong Kong-based company Holo exhibited a 24-hour fully automated convenience store concept which requires zero staff.

Holo has partnered with Austria-based hydrocarbon display case manufacturer AHT and UK-based Husky to supply propane-based cooling cabinets for the automated convenience stores.

At a side event held on 4 November, organised by the China Chain Store & Franchise Association (CCFA), shecco’s chief operating officer, Álvaro de Oña, highlighted some of the most important global trends with natural refrigerants.

Regarding the local market, and his general impressions of ChinaShop 2017, he said: “We saw already several solutions with natural refrigerants on display. More importantly, we perceived a very strong interest and expectation for fast growth over the next few years.”

“We believe that China will be a key player in the development of fully sustainable heating and cooling solutions.”

The event precedes the first-ever ATMOsphere China conference, organised by shecco, which will be held on 11-12 April 2018. The conference will gather the world’s leading players in natural refrigerants to discuss the opportunities in the Chinese market.

About ChinaShop

ChinaShop has been organised by the China Chain Store & Franchise Association (CCFA) since 1999. The event has become the largest and most professional retail-focused industry event in the country, with over 45,000 attendees and more than 1,000 exhibitors.