Refra partners with Hussmann for Green Cooling Strategy on a Global Scale

Refra has entered into a strategic partnership with Hussmann Australia. This agreement marks a key development in expanding sustainable cooling technologies across the Australian and New Zealand markets. By combining Refra’s cutting-edge expertise in CO₂ and propane-based systems with Hussmann’s deep market reach and industry reputation, the partnership aims to deliver future-ready refrigeration solutions in line with rising global and regional climate goals.

A New Horizon for Refra in Australia

The Lithuanian manufacturer of green cooling systems, Refra, has signed a landmark partnership with Hussmann in Australia. As part of the agreement, Hussmann will represent and distribute Refra’s range of products in both Australia and New Zealand. This strategic collaboration opens a new chapter for Refra in one of the world’s largest island nations and represents a strong signal of trust from a global refrigeration leader. For more than 100 years, Hussmann (a wholly owned subsidiary of Panasonic) has served the food retailing industry with innovative solutions, and its decision to join forces with Refra highlights how forward-thinking partnerships are shaping the new benchmarks for sustainability in refrigeration. The collaboration is expected to bring together two complementary strengths: Refra’s more than ten years of experience in developing natural refrigerant technologies and customized refrigeration solutions and Hussmann’s extensive industry presence and reputation within the Australasian market. The combination is seen as a strong fit for accelerating the transition to environmentally responsible cooling technologies in the region.
The partnership will place particular emphasis on transcritical CO₂ units as well as propane-based chillers and heat pumps—areas where both companies see growing demand due to increasing environmental regulations and shifting market expectations

Technology with Purpose

At the heart of this partnership is a shared commitment to natural refrigerants and sustainable technologies. To strengthen its green portfolio in the Australian market, Hussmann has selected Refra’s Transcritical CO₂ racks along with R290-based chillers and heat pumps. With more than a decade of experience, Refra has developed advanced systems with natural refrigerants, consistently pushing the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and safety. Today, 84% of Refra’s production is based on CO₂ and propane, positioning the company as a leader in responsible cooling technologies.

Europe and Australia Aligning on Climate Goals
This collaboration takes place at a critical time, as the global refrigeration industry undergoes major transformation. In the European Union, the revised F-gas Regulation is tightening restrictions on high-GWP refrigerants, rapidly steering the industry toward natural alternatives. For manufacturers, this is not just about meeting legislative requirements — it’s a call to address the deeper climate crisis through innovation and accountability.
On the other side of the world, Australia is also progressing toward sustainable refrigeration practices. A signatory to the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, Australia has committed to phasing down HFCs by 85% by 2036. This national transition began in 2018 with a legally binding HFC phase-down program under its Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act. While implementation has its challenges, the direction is clear: natural refrigerants are the future, and the market is beginning to respond accordingly.  Major retailers are already incorporating CO₂-based systems, reflecting growing demand for greener alternatives.

The Human Impact

But the significance of this transition goes far beyond industry or policy. Cooling is a human issue. From food preservation to healthcare and data infrastructure, cooling plays a fundamental role in modern society. And yet, outdated or harmful refrigeration technologies continue to contribute disproportionately to greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and climate inequality.
This is why the adoption of low-GWP, natural refrigerant-based technologies is not just a technical solution — it’s a moral imperative. It’s about building systems that are clean, safe, and future-ready — not just for business, but for people.

A Shared Vision for Sustainability
This partnership is not only a strategic business move but also a reflection of evolving industry values. The use of low-impact refrigerants is becoming less of an option and more of a necessity, driven by both regulatory compliance and a broader recognition of the climate impact of conventional cooling technologies.
“The real difference will come from placing a highly developed product from a company that already has more than 10 years of expertise in natural cooling solutions and custom-built systems, says a company spokesperson, “with the help of another company with many years of experience and a strong reputation in the industry. Our products are ready for the market, and we have a strong partner here.”

By combining Refra’s technical capabilities with Hussmann’s local knowledge and customer relationships, this partnership aims to make a meaningful contribution to the adoption of clean, safe, and future-ready refrigeration systems in Australia and New Zealand.