New Zealand Dairy Farmers Face Refrigerant Transition Challenges
In New Zealand, a substantial number of dairy farmers continue to use outdated refrigerants, which present a significant emissions challenge. Luke Walker, General Manager of DTS Refrigeration, highlights the urgency and opportunity for farmers to make meaningful emissions reductions by updating their refrigeration systems.
Walker has been actively involved in efforts to modernize the dairy refrigeration sector and participated in a panel discussion at ARBS 2026, Australia's leading refrigeration expo. The panel addressed the practicalities of transitioning to new refrigerants, focusing on technologies such as CO₂ and A2L refrigerants, and the benefits they bring.
DTS Refrigeration has been at the forefront of introducing A2L refrigeration technologies in New Zealand, promoting the transition from R404A to R449A. R449A offers a lower global warming potential, and DTS runs a campaign that allows farmers to swap their old refrigerants at no cost.
Approximately one-third of New Zealand dairy farms still use R404A, a refrigerant with a global warming potential nearly 4000 times that of CO₂. These systems can lose a significant percentage of refrigerant annually through leaks, adding to emissions without farmers' awareness.
DTS's initiative includes collecting and sending the outdated R404A to authorized destruction facilities, ensuring it is disposed of responsibly. The company services major milk processors in New Zealand, with over 6000 customers nationwide.
Recently, DTS Refrigeration rebranded to Cryvex following its acquisition by Terravest. This transition reflects a commitment to provide world-class refrigeration solutions and expertise to New Zealand dairy farmers.
Walker emphasizes the ease of addressing milk cooling emissions, stating that technological solutions are already available. He encourages farmers to prioritize this area as a straightforward step in their emissions reduction journey.
