Building a Sustainable Future: Why trainings on natural refrigerants matter in the reefer industry on the example of Costa Rica and South Africa

07/11/2025

The refrigeration industry is at a crossroads. Refrigerated containers—better known as reefers—are essential for global trade, preserving food, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive goods throughout long supply chains. However, the traditional refrigerants they rely on—hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—are among the most potent greenhouse gases in use today. With global warming potentials much higher than CO₂, their continued use poses a serious risk to international climate goals.

Greener reefers project on the training facility. © Greener Reefers

The good news is that a solution is already within reach. Natural refrigerants such as carbon dioxide (R744) and propane (R290) offer a sustainable alternative. They have zero ozone depletion potential, lower global warming potential, and often deliver superior energy efficiency. These technologies make it possible to maintain the global cold chain while significantly reducing environmental impact.

Efforts to accelerate this transition are already underway. The Greener Reefers Project is addressing the critical skills gap by providing training, resources, and guidance for technicians and educators. Funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and implemented by GIZ, the project connects stakeholders across countries, fostering knowledge exchange and capacity building. Its goal is simple but powerful: to ensure that climate-friendly refrigeration solutions can be implemented safely and widely, helping the industry cut emissions without compromising the global supply of perishable goods.

Yet technology alone cannot drive this change. Around the world, many technicians and educators still lack the specialized knowledge needed to install, maintain, and teach these new systems safely. Closing this skills gap is essential for accelerating the adoption of climate-friendly refrigeration and making meaningful progress toward a sustainable future.

Durban as pioneer hub for sustainable future of reefers

In 2024, Durban was South Africa’s 2nd largest exporter (USD261B; €222.7B) (USD946B; €815.2), trading Ore, Delivery Trucks, Cars, and large construction goods. From 14 to 18 July 2025, the city hosted its first training on CO₂-based refrigerated containers bringing together seven technicians from the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Academy (ACRA) and from West Coast College. Participants were highly enthusiastic and actively engaged, learning more about the only reefer operating with a natural refrigerant, the Carrier Transicold NaturaLine.

The training combined theoretical lessons with hands-on practice, enabling participants to troubleshoot real CO₂ reefer units while learning safe handling practices and energy-efficient operations.

South Africa’s strong commitments under the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment, while addressing a critical national skills gap in the refrigeration sector are crucial for implementing and continuing this collaboration.

The long-term impact is strengthened by the donation of additional CO₂ reefer units to training centers, such as the West Coast College, allowing these institutions to continue offering practical training for upcoming technicians.

Each center will continue to offer the training in October 2025 and February 2026, increasing also the number of women technicians in the trainings as Zane Silinda, GIZ South Africa advisor states:

“This is the first training of its kind. Trainers are now prepared, and technicians will follow. New graduates can learn about natural refrigerants and CO₂ refrigeration, gaining the skills needed for installation, maintenance, and operations of these sustainable technologies. Those trained will be best equipped to seize future opportunities in the sector.”

By 2025, over 45 South African technicians are expected to be certified in CO₂-based refrigeration technologies.

Technicians from the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Academy in South Africa

Technicians from the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Academy and West Coast College from South Africa. © Greener Reefers

Costa Rica: Training Educators for a Sustainable Future

Puerto Limón in Costa Rica is the Caribbean hub for exporting fruits into the world. The biggest fruit producer also has their logistic centers here.

In 2023, the country exported USD18.9B (€16.29B) (mainly medical devices, circuits, bananas, fruits) and imported USD20.3B (€17.48B) (petroleum, cars, medical devices), trading mostly with the US and China. Therefore, the four-day CO₂-based training program brought together 20 educators from across the country, representing the National Institute for Learning (INA), the Ministry of Public Education, and Fundación Samuel—key institutions shaping technical education nationwide.

Training teachers as multiplicator for the new generation of RAC technicians is crucial for anchoring the knowledge CO2 as natural refrigerant in different application, not only for reefers.

“These trainings expand the knowledge of technicians and educators, helping future generations understand the importance of responsible handling of refrigeration equipment.
The main challenge is changing existing paradigms around refrigeration, raising awareness not only among technicians but also among the general population about energy efficiency and climate impact.” shared by Andres Domian, GIZ Costa Rica advisor.

With over 4 million refrigerated containers in operation worldwide, switching to CO₂- and R290 (propane)-based systems could dramatically cut greenhouse gas emissions. Governments, industry, and educators are encouraged to take action—implement supportive policies, expand training, share knowledge, and accelerate the transition to a sustainable refrigeration sector. Aligned with broader climate targets, including the HFC phase-down under the Kigali Amendment, the Greener Reefers Project ensures these technologies are practical, safe, and scalable. From Durban to Puerto Limón, its trainings show how international collaboration can empower local communities, advance global climate goals, and prepare workers for the green jobs of tomorrow.