Rogério Marson, engineering manager at Eletrofrio, has long been passionate about creating a more sustainable future in the refrigeration industry.  

Marson's journey began with a trip to Europe, where he discovered game-changing refrigeration systems. Inspired by the advanced technology, he was determined to bring the ideas back to Eletrofrio in Brazil and apply them with an engineer's precision and a visionary's perspective, Marson's aim was uncompromisingly ambitious: to revolutionize the company's approach to refrigeration. 

Propelled by UNIDO's support, Marson's vision for eco-friendly refrigeration has become a roadmap for the future.  

Eletrofrio's groundbreaking engineering of the R-290 chiller for medium temperature has been a resounding success by not only reducing refrigerant use by 93% compared to traditional systems but it's also exceptionally cost-effective, resulting in a significant reduction in electricity consumption.  

"If it hadn't been for UNIDO's help, we might have waited an additional five to six years to start using propane here in Brazil," says Marson. "That is why UNIDO is very important to us."   

Eletrofrio has now successfully introduced 100% natural refrigeration systems in Brazilian supermarkets.   

The first Latin American supermarket to embrace the change was the Condor supermarket chain – a benchmark-setting milestone for the industry.   

So significant are Eletrofrio's efforts, they've been recognized globally, with the prestigious "Lower-GWP Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Innovation Award" from ASHRAE and UNEP in 2019.  

Eletrofrio's reliable award-winning solution has now been in operation for over four years without a single leak. It's well on the way to reducing CO2 emissions by 50% over a 15-year horizon.  

The success of Eletrofrio not only positions the company as an industry leader but also as a trailblazer on the road to a more environmentally responsible future in Brazil. With collaborative support from UNIDO, the country is moving towards a greener industry benefiting both the environment and the economy.  

Brazil has embarked on an ambitious plan to phase out environment-harming refrigerant use by manufacturers of commercial refrigeration equipment and replace it with eco-friendly alternatives. 

This UNIDO project is funded by the Montreal Protocol and implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Environment of Brazil.   

Project name: HCFC Phase-Out Management Plan -Stage II