As interest in natural refrigerants grows across Latin America’s HVAC&R sector, manufacturers must offer a diverse range of technologies to support the transition, according to Luis Gerard, President of FB Industrial, a Mexican manufacturer of commercial and industrial refrigeration equipment.
FB Industrial’s natural refrigerants product portfolio includes transcritical CO2 (R744) boosters and ammonia (R717) and propane (R290) chillers, as well as condensing units and gas coolers. The company has said that this versatile approach ensures it can tailor its solutions to the specific needs of each customer and project.
In a recent interview with NaturalRefrigerants.com, Gerard emphasized the importance of custom-built systems in meeting Latin America’s unique regulatory, climatic and operational requirements. A prime example is FB Industrial’s ammonia-CO2 HVAC&R system, delivered in 2023 for a food production facility in Mexico. The system, which comprises two ammonia chillers and a glycol-cooled subcritical CO₂ unit, was designed specifically to meet the industrial bakery’s complex needs. In addition to supplying medium- and low-temperature refrigeration for the facility’s production line, the system also provides space heating and cooling for the site’s process rooms and offices.
FB Industrial will present a case study on its propane chiller and participate in the Market and Technology Trend in LATAM session at the upcoming ATMO LATAM Summit 2025, which will be held February 19–20 in Mexico City. Organized by ATMOsphere, publisher of NaturalRefrigerants.com, the conference will explore the opportunities and challenges of natural refrigerants in the region’s commercial and industrial HVAC&R sectors. FB Industrial is the Platinum sponsor of the event.
During the interview, Gerard also shares insights on the growing demand for natural refrigerants in Latin America, the impact of governmental regulations and how the company is positioned to support the industry’s transition.
The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
FB Industrial offers a wide range of natural refrigerant-based solutions in Latin America. Why is having a diverse portfolio critical for this market, particularly regarding refrigerants?
Luis Gerard: We have been supplying CO2, propane and ammonia products across Latin America – and the U.S. – for several years now, including condensing units, racks, chillers and gas coolers.
A diverse portfolio is essential because each country in the region has unique regulatory frameworks, climatic conditions and infrastructure realities. A one-size-fits-all approach simply isn’t feasible – neither economically nor environmentally. At FB Industrial, we take a holistic approach, evaluating each project individually to recommend the most efficient and sustainable solution based on the customer’s specific needs.
Which countries in the region are currently leading the way in adopting natural refrigerants? What factors are driving this trend?
LG: Several Latin American countries are making significant progress in adopting natural refrigerants, including Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Honduras. Their advancements are largely driven by government-led economic incentives that promote sustainable technologies.
There is also a noticeable influence coming from Europe, where natural refrigerants are becoming standard practice and where many multinational companies operating in Latin America are headquartered.
To further accelerate adoption, we are working with regional stakeholders like the UN Industrial Development Organization [UNIDO] and the Unidad Técnica de Ozono de Honduras[UTOH]. These partnerships are helping to develop and deploy natural refrigerant technologies for projects across the region.
“A diverse portfolio is essential because each country in the region has unique regulatory frameworks, climatic conditions and infrastructure realities. A one-size-fits-all approach simply isn’t feasible – neither economically nor environmentally.”
Luis Gerard, President of FB Industrial
How are regulations in Latin American helping to drive the transition to natural refrigerants?
LG: Most countries in the region have regulations in place, but implementation timelines and enforcement levels vary a lot from country to country. Some markets are leading the way: for example, Colombia and Chile have developed ambitious climate strategies, while Costa Rica has built a strong knowledge base within its industry. These markets are paving the way for other countries to develop their own roadmaps.
While regulations are largely supporting the transition to natural refrigerants across Latin America, they also present challenges when they lack clarity or fail to take a long-term approach. Stronger financial incentives are also needed to help reduce the upfront cost of some natural refrigerant projects.
Another critical aspect is training and education. The success of natural refrigerants depends on ensuring that technicians, engineers and end users have the necessary skills to install, maintain and operate these systems effectively. Without proper training, even the best technology can face adoption barriers.
How is FB Industrial positioned to support Latin American industries to embrace natural refrigerants? How does your approach differ from other players in the market?
LG: Our strength lies in both our regional presence and technical expertise. In addition to having sizable manufacturing operations in Mexico and Chile, we have the technical expertise necessary to engineer the right solution for every project.
Unlike many other companies, we are not supplying equipment from a catalogue: we are giving our customers tailor-made solutions. Each project is designed to meet its specific operational challenges, taking into account capacity, budget, climate and even altitude. Additionally, we ensure our solutions comply with national and regional regulations, while keeping future developments in mind.
By offering a wide range of innovative, natural refrigerant-based technologies and leveraging our experienced and knowledgeable engineering team, FB Industrial is uniquely positioned to deliver the best solutions for the Latin American market.
What key message or takeaway would you like to convey to attendees about the future of natural refrigerants in the region at ATMO LATAM 2025?
LG: The future is undeniably shifting toward natural refrigerants, but success depends on preparation. Industry stakeholders must not only recognize the regulatory and market changes ahead but also actively work to address the technical and logistical challenges of adopting these technologies.
At FB Industrial, we are ready to work alongside contractors or end users to ensure the region is ready for the transition to natural refrigerants. From proper equipment selection and system design to technician training and long-term support, we’re here to help build a sustainable future with natural refrigerants.
“The future is undeniably shifting toward natural refrigerants, but success depends on preparation.”
Luis Gerard, President of FB Industrial
