As one of the first people to launch environmentally friendly refrigeration into the UK in 1996, I am bewildered that the potential of Hydro carbon technology has not been harnessed. There is a apathy in trade to ignore the environmental concerns of refrigeration when there are real options to move from conventional gases like R134A for smaller commercial equipment such a back bar coolers.
Accepting that in 1996, there were its doubters, Care 30 was used in many 10’s of thousands of unit sold in the nineties and into 2000. There were little to no risks involved both in manufacture and use in the trade, units were clearly market and could be serviced very well in trade. However, still in trade today we are clinging onto the old R134a technology, mostly due to lack of training and false safety fears regarding Hydrocarbon Gases.
UKCMP launched R600 units in 2007, and although mildly successful, failed to gain a foot hold for its value for money range that would have been expected. Constantly we were faced with customers who were happy to try the units, but wanted R134a. This took its toll on introducing our products to the market and our penetration to larger accounts. So bowing to our business needs we have now launched a Full range of R134A Units.
Although we are happy to grow our business we still consider going for the R134a gas as a retro grade step in our business and while the industry is looking for new technologies to combat this type of gas, and as long as the government gives no lead on this with legislation the chances of returning to the Hydrocarbon alternatives are bleak.
UKCMP is committed to offer both alternatives in volume to its customers any large users, can obtain R600 units from us under contract and we are happy to supply and service such stocks in trade. But our general stock will continue on R134a for trade sales and stocked products.
Chris Lloyd
Sales & Marketing Director
Chris.lloyd@ukcoolermarket.co.uk
0870 609 3259