Recently, the 47th Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol was held in Bangkok, Thailand. The event aimed to promote the implementation of the Kigali Amendment to phase down high-global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and transition towards low-GWP alternatives, including natural refrigerants such as ammonia (NH₃), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and hydrocarbons, alongside other innovative technologies. The conference brought together representatives from the Montreal Protocol, government officials, industry leaders, technology providers, and refrigeration experts.

As a leading advocate and practitioner of natural refrigerants in the industrial and commercial refrigeration sector, MOON-TECH was invited to participate in a side event on natural refrigerants and alternative technologies hosted by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

At the event, an expert from MOON-TECH’s R&D division delivered a keynote presentation titled “The Promotion of Natural Refrigerants in China's Industrial and Commercial Refrigeration Industry”, sharing MOON-TECH's experience and achievements in promoting natural refrigerants in industrial and commercial refrigeration. The report covered technological pathways, R&D progress, application cases, and the social benefits achieved.

Ammonia (NH₃), a natural refrigerant, features excellent thermodynamic properties, high volumetric refrigeration capacity, and good compatibility with lubricants, and has a long history of use in industrial and commercial refrigeration. However, its toxicity and pungent odor have posed safety concerns that limited its broader application. To address this, MOON-TECH developed the NH₃/CO₂ cascade secondary refrigeration system, which introduces CO₂ to significantly reduce NH₃ charge and lower safety risks, while achieving high refrigeration efficiency. Compared with pure NH₃ systems, the cascade solution reduces ammonia charge by up to 90%.

With the growing urgency of global climate change, there is increasing demand for low-carbon, environmentally friendly refrigerants. Under China’s dual carbon strategy (carbon peaking and neutrality), the application of natural working fluids will continue to expand.

As early as the 2000s, MOON-TECH began developing NH₃/CO₂ cascade systems for industrial and commercial applications. In 2006, the company completed the development of China’s first large-scale CO₂ screw compressor refrigeration unit.

In 2011, MOON-TECH undertook the UNDP Demonstration Project to replace HCFC-22 with NH₃/CO₂ cascade systems in cold storage applications — China’s first research and industrialization project for environmentally friendly refrigerants — paving a technical path for HCFC-22 phaseout in the sector.

In 2017, MOON-TECH received the UN Ozone Protection Exemplary Project Award, becoming the only Chinese company to win the honor that year. The company’s hydrocarbon-based natural refrigerant technologies have also been widely applied in the petrochemical sector, especially in ultra-low temperature applications down to -100°C, contributing significantly to the promotion of natural refrigerants in this field.

MOON-TECH actively promotes NH₃/CO₂ cascade refrigeration systems in the industrial and commercial market, having completed over 600 CO₂-based demonstration projects to date. From bulk refrigeration systems to modularized packaged systems, and from advanced cascade skid-mounted units to the latest CO₂ permanent magnet inverter integrated units, MOON-TECH continuously drives technological innovation and sets industry benchmarks.

In various niche segments such as quick-freezing of fruits and vegetables, aquatic processing, cold chain logistics, poultry and meat processing, prepared food production, and centralized HVAC, MOON-TECH’s CO₂ refrigeration projects have grown from the ground up. These continuous innovations have enabled breakthroughs in new scenarios and evolving customer demands, driving the development and application of natural refrigerants in industrial and commercial refrigeration, and contributing to global climate protection.

As a key Chinese enterprise actively implementing the Montreal Protocol, MOON-TECH embraces its social responsibility and is committed to advancing global sustainable development. The company continues to champion the use of eco-friendly natural refrigerant technologies and supports the industry's green, low-carbon transformation.

Looking ahead, MOON-TECH will remain committed to international cooperation and technological innovation, continuously enhancing its product capabilities. It will actively participate in global climate change initiatives and contribute to China's dual carbon goals and the global environmental cause.