South Africa’s Shoprite Group Exclusively Uses Natural Refrigerants in Its 32 Distribution Centers

South African grocery chain Shoprite Holdings uses natural refrigerants exclusively in its 32 distribution centers and in “most” of its stores’ plug-in refrigerated cabinets, according to the company’s 2024 sustainability report.

The chain operates more than 3,000 stores in nine countries: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa. 

Shoprite’s sustainability report did not identify the natural refrigerants used in its distribution centers or stores. However, Roy Naidoo, area sales manager at Danfoss South Africa, told Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Africa in a 2022 interview that “forward-thinking retailers” in the region are moving toward CO₂ (R744) solutions because they “can support them to save up to 20% on energy bills.”

“Our unwavering commitment to sustainability is evident in our actions,” said Pieter Engelbrecht, Shoprite Holdings CEO, in the company’s sustainability report. “We continue to invest in the business on various fronts, including technology and digital [applications], supply chains, stores and people.”

Reducing impact: The chain reports reducing the intensity of its scope 1 and 2 CO₂e emissions by 10% from 2023 to 2024 based on emissions generated per square meter of operations.

• During that same time, it increased its overall renewable energy consumption by 15% and decreased its water consumption by 10% per occupied space.

CO₂ in Africa: A remodeled Spar Athienitis shop in Harare, Zimbabwe, installed a transcritical CO₂ rack from Italian OEM Arneg’s South African division. The MINI BOOSTER unit supports 27 cabinets and 10 cold rooms.

• HC Heat-Exchangers, a South Africa-based manufacturer of coils and HVAC&R solutions, produces CO₂ and ammonia (R717) systems for commercial and industrial applications. “As the market requirements change, [we] need to adapt to newer efficient technologies,” said Henk MacDonald, Managing Director of Projects at HC.

Hydrocarbons: To promote eco-friendly cooling technologies worldwide, GIZ (German Corporation for International Cooperation) has initiated hydrocarbon technician training in several African countries, including Kenya and Uganda.

• Last December the Green Cooling Initiative, operated by GIZ, oversaw the installation of a propane (R290)-based chiller in Ghana, calling it a “first” in Africa. The 115kW (32TR)-capacity unit, installed in a new building in Accra, has a total charge of 8kg across two refrigeration circuits.

Quotable: “We recognize the value of integrating sustainability-related impacts, risks and opportunities across our core activities,” said Sanjeev Raghubir, Shoprite’s Chief Sustainability Officer, in the company’s sustainability report.