Industrial CO₂ (R744) Refrigeration Systems for Food Processing, Cold Storage, Logistics and Retail

Koriel Group designs, supplies and installs industrial CO₂ (R744) refrigeration systems for food processing, cold storage warehouses, logistics centres and retail. We deliver the full project cycle — from technical audit and cooling load calculation to commissioning and long-term service support.

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 Energy-Efficient CO₂ (R744) Refrigeration Systems for Food Industry, Warehousing, and Logistics

CO₂ refrigeration systems

CO₂ (R744) — the choice of the future for refrigeration equipment

In a world where environmental responsibility and energy efficiency are becoming key requirements for modern technologies,
the natural refrigerant CO₂ (R744) is emerging as one of the most promising solutions for refrigeration units,
cooling systems, and heat pumps used in industrial and commercial refrigeration.

CO₂ has an extremely low Global Warming Potential (GWP = 1) and zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP = 0), making it an
environmentally safe alternative to synthetic refrigerants such as HFCs. In addition to its environmental benefits,
CO₂-based refrigeration systems provide high energy efficiency, stable performance under varying load conditions,
and the ability to recover heat. This allows businesses to significantly reduce operating costs while improving the
sustainability and efficiency of modern cooling and refrigeration technologies.

Natural refrigerant R744 (CO2).
The benefits of using CO₂ (R744) in refrigeration equipment

Why choose CO₂ as a refrigerant?

Advantages of using CO₂ (R744)

Modern industry requires energy-efficient and environmentally responsible solutions in the field of refrigeration technology. CO2 (R744) is not just an alternative to traditional freon refrigerants — it is one of the most promising natural refrigerants used in modern industrial and commercial refrigeration systems, including cooling, freezing, and cold storage applications. As a natural refrigerant with a low global warming potential (GWP), CO2 is increasingly adopted in sustainable refrigeration, energy-efficient cooling systems, food processing facilities, supermarkets, warehouses, and industrial cold chain infrastructure.

  • Eco-Friendly CO2 Refrigerant (R744)

    Eco-Friendly CO2 (R744)

    R744 (Natural Refrigerant CO₂)
    Sustainable cooling solution with GWP = 1 and ODP = 0. Fully compliant with EU F-Gas Regulation and environmental standards. Ideal for eco-friendly commercial and industrial refrigeration systems.

  • Low cost of CO₂ Refrigerant R744

    Low cost of CO₂ (R744)

    R744 is a readily available natural refrigerant that helps reduce overall system operating costs. By choosing CO2, you optimize energy efficiency and ensure long-term compliance, making it a future-proof solution for industrial and commercial cooling.

  • The high thermal conductivity of the CO₂ refrigerant R744

    High thermal conductivity

    Provides rapid heat transfer and improves the efficiency of refrigeration systems, enabling better cooling performance in industrial and commercial refrigeration equipment.

  • CO2 (R744) transcritical operation

    Transcritical operation

    Ensures stable operation of CO2 (R744) refrigeration systems even at high ambient temperatures, maintaining reliable cooling performance and energy efficiency in industrial and commercial refrigeration applications.

  • Heat recovery from CO2 refrigeration systems

    Heat recovery

    CO2 refrigeration systems enable efficient heat recovery, allowing useful heat generation up to +90°C during system operation for space heating, hot water, and other energy-efficient industrial applications.

  • Material compatibility in CO2 refrigeration systems

    Material compatibility

    High adaptability and compatibility with modern refrigeration components and materials. We collaborate with leading suppliers of refrigeration equipment and engineering solutions to select the optimal configuration for your specific industrial cooling requirements.

The energy efficiency advantage of CO₂ R744 refrigerant

What results can you expect ?

Efficiency of CO₂ refrigeration systems

  • The energy efficiency advantage of CO₂ R744 refrigerant

    Energy efficiency

    Reduction of energy consumption in industrial refrigeration equipment by 30–60%, improving overall performance of energy-efficient cooling systems and cold storage solutions.

  • The energy efficiency advantage of CO₂ R744 refrigerant

    High COP performance

    High coefficient of performance (COP) for refrigeration systems and industrial heat pump applications, ensuring efficient cooling and optimized energy use.

  • The energy efficiency advantage of CO₂ R744 refrigerant

    Heat recovery

    Ability to recover useful heat up to +90°C from refrigeration equipment, supporting industrial heat recovery, hot water production, and energy-efficient facility heating.

  • The energy efficiency advantage of CO₂ R744 refrigerant

    Environmental sustainability

    Compliance with EU environmental regulations for refrigeration systems, using the natural refrigerant CO2 (R744) with ultra-low global warming potential (GWP).

CO2 refrigeration efficiency results
Businesses using CO2 R744 refrigeration equipment

Where is it used?

Applications of CO2 refrigeration systems

CO₂ refrigeration systems are widely used across industrial and commercial sectors where energy-efficient, sustainable, and reliable cooling solutions are required for refrigeration, freezing, product storage, and heat recovery.

  • CO2 refrigeration equipment for supermarkets and shopping centres

    Supermarkets and shopping centers

    Centralized refrigeration systems, display refrigeration cabinets, and freezer units for supermarkets and retail chains using energy-efficient CO₂ refrigeration technology.

  • CO2 refrigeration equipment for the food industry and food processing

    Food processing industry

    Industrial refrigeration equipment for food production, processing, cooling, freezing, and long-term storage in modern food processing facilities.

  • Cold storage warehouses

    Cold storage and frozen warehouses

    Industrial cooling systems for cold storage warehouses, deep-freeze storage facilities, and temperature-controlled storage environments for perishable goods.

  • Heat pumps and CO2 heating systems

    Heat pumps and heating systems

    CO₂ heat pumps for energy-efficient heating, hot water production, and heat recovery from refrigeration systems.

  • CO2 refrigeration equipment for logistics and distribution centres

    Logistics and distribution centers

    Centralized refrigeration solutions for logistics hubs and distribution centers that support reliable temperature control in cold chain logistics.

  • Refrigeration equipment for medical and pharmaceutical facilities

    Medical and pharmaceutical facilities

    Specialized refrigeration systems for hospitals, laboratories, and pharmaceutical facilities to safely store vaccines, medicines, and temperature-sensitive medical products.

CO2 systems

Who CO2 systems are suitable for

Efficient solutions for businesses with high refrigeration demand

Industrial CO₂ (R744) refrigeration systems are ideal for facilities with medium to high cooling loads where stable temperature control, energy-efficient refrigeration, and compliance with modern environmental standards are essential.

Transcritical CO₂ systems make it possible to integrate refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat recovery into a single engineering solution, reducing operating costs while improving system efficiency and facility management.

These refrigeration technologies deliver the greatest economic benefits for large-scale facilities with centralized infrastructure and continuous refrigeration demand.

CO2 refrigeration system

Large logistics complexes

  • Centralized refrigeration systems for warehouses
  • Stable temperature-controlled storage conditions
  • Integration with ventilation systems and BMS
  • Heat recovery for facility heating

Retail chains and hypermarkets

  • Large number of refrigeration circuits
  • Continuous refrigeration demand
  • Energy-efficient air conditioning systems
  • Compliance with F-Gas regulations

Food and agricultural industries

  • Strict microclimate requirements
  • Precise humidity and temperature control
  • Safe natural refrigerant (GWP = 1)
  • Integration with automation and control systems

Industrial enterprises

  • High heat loads from industrial processes
  • Continuous system operation
  • Scalable refrigeration infrastructure
  • Reduction of operating costs by up to 30%
CO2 system implementation

CO2 project implementation

Implementation stages of industrial CO2 refrigeration systems

We deliver comprehensive solutions for industrial refrigeration systems based on CO₂ (R744) for logistics centers, food processing facilities, and commercial buildings. Our services cover the full project lifecycle — from feasibility studies and system design to automation integration and long-term service support.

  • CO2 refrigeration technical audit

    Technical audit and cooling load calculation

    Facility analysis, heat load calculations, identification of medium- and low-temperature refrigeration circuits, and evaluation of the feasibility of implementing a transcritical CO₂ refrigeration system.

  • CO2 refrigeration system engineering design

    Engineering design and system modeling

    Development of transcritical or booster CO₂ refrigeration system layouts, selection of compressor racks, gas coolers, heat exchangers, and heat recovery solutions for industrial cooling applications.

  • CO2 refrigeration equipment supply

    Equipment selection and supply

    Supply of compressors, receivers, electronic expansion valves, automation systems, and advanced controllers designed for high-pressure CO₂ refrigeration operation.

  • CO2 refrigeration installation

    Installation and system commissioning

    Installation of high-pressure refrigeration pipelines, system testing, commissioning in transcritical mode, and optimization of operating parameters.

  • CO2 refrigeration automation

    Integration and automation

    Configuration of PLC, SCADA, or BMS systems for real-time monitoring of temperature, pressure, and energy consumption, including remote diagnostics and system management.

  • CO2 refrigeration service

    Service and technical support

    Preventive maintenance, optimization of system performance, equipment upgrades, and minimization of operational downtime for industrial refrigeration facilities.

CO2 vs Freon comparison

Technical comparison

CO2 (R744) or Freon? Refrigerant comparison for industrial refrigeration systems

The choice of refrigerant directly affects energy efficiency, system reliability, compliance with F-Gas regulations, and long-term operating costs. Below is a technical comparison between transcritical CO₂ refrigeration systems and traditional HFC-based refrigeration solutions (R404A, R410A) commonly used in industrial cooling applications.

For large facilities with continuous cooling demand, CO₂ refrigeration technology often delivers higher efficiency and long-term operational stability.

Parameter CO₂ (R744) Freon systems (HFC)

Refrigerant type

Natural refrigerant (carbon dioxide)

Synthetic hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants

GWP (Global Warming Potential)

1

1400–3900

ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential)

0

0

Operating pressure

Up to 120 bar (high pressure)

10–25 bar

Temperature ranges

MT / LT circuits, transcritical cycle

MT / LT, subcritical cycle

COP at high load conditions

High and stable in large-scale refrigeration systems

Depends on refrigerant type and condensing temperature

Heat recovery capability

Highly efficient, heat recovery up to +80…+90°

Limited heat recovery options

F-Gas regulation compliance

Full compliance

Gradual phase-down in the EU

Long-term operating costs

Lower for large industrial facilities

Depends on refrigerant market price

Strategic perspective

A long-term solution for the EU and Ukraine

Future regulatory constraints

Conclusion: CO₂ (R744) is considered a strategic solution for modern industrial and commercial refrigeration systems. Its ultra-low GWP, full compliance with F-Gas regulations, and efficient heat recovery capabilities make it a cost-effective long-term refrigeration technology.

For facilities with continuous or high cooling demand, transcritical CO₂ refrigeration systems provide stable energy efficiency, scalability, and compliance with modern environmental standards in the EU.

Interested in implementing CO₂ refrigeration technology at your facility?

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Frequently asked questions about industrial CO₂ refrigeration equipment

FAQ

FAQs about CO₂ refrigeration equipment

  • A CO₂ (R744) refrigeration system is an industrial or commercial cooling installation that uses carbon dioxide as a refrigerant. These systems provide high energy efficiency, environmental safety, and full compliance with modern European refrigeration standards.

  • CO₂ is a natural refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP = 0) and a very low global warming potential (GWP = 1). This makes CO₂ refrigeration systems an optimal solution for environmentally responsible industrial and commercial facilities.

  • Industrial CO₂ refrigeration equipment is widely used in supermarkets, shopping centers, cold storage warehouses, frozen food facilities, logistics hubs, food processing plants, and in modern heating and heat pump systems

  • CO₂ refrigeration systems offer higher energy efficiency, lower environmental impact, and comply with international regulations aimed at reducing the use of synthetic refrigerants such as HFCs.

  • Modern CO₂ refrigeration systems can reduce electricity consumption by approximately 30–60% compared to conventional cooling systems when properly designed and configured

  • Yes. Modern CO₂ solutions can be integrated into existing refrigeration systems or implemented during equipment modernization and system upgrades.

  • The average service life of industrial CO₂ refrigeration systems is approximately 15–25 years with regular maintenance and professional servicing.

  • Maintenance requires qualified technicians, but modern monitoring systems, diagnostics, and automation significantly simplify service and troubleshooting.

  • Yes. We implement refrigeration projects for agricultural enterprises, farms, and agro-industrial holdings. We design and build cold storage facilities for vegetables, fruits, berries, grain, and other agricultural products with precise temperature and humidity control. Controlled atmosphere storage systems can also be integrated to extend product shelf life.

  • To select the appropriate CO₂ refrigeration equipment, our engineers first analyze the facility, calculate cooling capacity requirements, and develop a customized refrigeration system design

Completed projects by Koriel Group

Completed projects

Our Projects

Freezing berry

Flash freezing 80 t/day

Volyn Region

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Shock freezing of raspberries with Guntner and Alfa Laval heat exchangers

Berry freezing tunnel, 3,000 kg/day

Volyn region

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Milk cooling system for the Yagotynske plant based on BOCK compressors

KB Freeze Food Factory

Kamianka-Buzka, Lviv reg.

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CO2 holding machine for storing finished products with BOCK compressors and Guntner heat exchanger

Food warehouse

Lviv Region

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Unidex TZF 1500M, fluidized-bed quick-freezer, IQF tunnel, freezing berries in a freezing tunnel

Blast freezing of berries at 1,500 kg/h

Vinnytsia

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Clients who trust Koriel Group

Clients

We are trusted

Galfruct freeze-dried products and berries
Freezing blueberries and raspberries
Yatran sausage products
Norven Universal Fish Company
Organic milk products manufacturing corporation
Silpo foods
Freezing berries
Bila Tserkva Milk cooperative Enterprise
Milk products from the farm
Kamianka-Buzka Food Products Plant KB Freeze
Partners we work with

Our partners

Work with us

danfoss
Powerful German Zyl Abegg fans for heat exchangers
Alco Controls automation from EMERSON for stable operation of the refrigeration unit
Screw and piston compressors from German manufacturer Bitzer
German high-performance BOCK compressors
Carel automation and monitoring systems for refrigeration systems
Castel shut-off and control valves for refrigeration systems
GVN refrigeration equipment components buffer vessels for refrigeration systems
K-Flex thermal insulation for improving the energy efficiency of equipment
Freezing tunnels for fish, berries, and vegetables Unidex
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Testimonial

Customers Says

Customer ordering frozen berries
Olga

Lviv

Koriell Group completed the development of a refrigeration machine and its installation on CO2 for berry sublimation. We are very pleased with the cooperation because the work was completed on time. The equipment operates productively and energy-efficiently, which in turn reduces the cost of finished products.

Olena project manager
Olena

Rivne

We have had a positive experience working with the Coriel Group team. Just recently, 20-year-old blast freezing system with a new, modern and more efficient system that works flawlessly.

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