The Refrigeration Landscape Is Evolving
Environmental regulations are reshaping commercial refrigeration across the foodservice industry. ​The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act directs the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to phase down high-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants commonly used in equipment today.
​As a result, manufacturers are transitioning to low-GWP refrigerants like R290, changing how equipment is designed, specified, and installed.
What Is R290?
R290 is a hydrocarbon refrigerant consisting of high-purity propane used in refrigeration systems designed for low refrigerant charge volumes. It is becoming the preferred alternative to legacy hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants due to its extremely low environmental impact and strong thermodynamic performance.
Environmental Impact
R290 has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of approximately 3, making it one of the lowest-impact refrigerants currently used in commercial refrigeration.
System Performance
R290 offers efficient heat transfer properties that allow manufacturers to design refrigeration platforms capable of maintaining strong cooling performance in compact systems.
System Architecture
Most R290 applications in foodservice equipment are self-contained refrigeration systems, meaning the refrigeration circuit is sealed within the appliance rather than connected to a remote condenser.
Refrigerant Charge Design
Safety standards restrict the allowable refrigerant charge size per system. As a result, R290 is typically used in smaller refrigeration platforms such as reach-ins, prep tables, and ice machines.
2020
AIM Act Passed
The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act directs the EPA to phase down high-GWP refrigerants used across many industries.
2025
Initial Equipment Requirements
EPA rules begin affecting certain self-contained commercial refrigeration systems and ice machines, accelerating adoption of lower-GWP refrigerants.
2026
Industry Transition
Manufacturers continue transitioning refrigeration platforms to meet upcoming regulatory requirements, with many new models utilizing R290 refrigerant.
2027
Regulatory Deadline
EPA regulations take effect restricting higher-GWP refrigerants in many newly manufactured commercial refrigeration systems.
Key Refrigerant Transition Milestones
Understanding this timeline helps you plan equipment decisions ahead of regulatory deadlines.
Where You’ll See R290
R290 is already widely used across foodservice equipment and continues to expand as manufacturers transition product lines. Common applications include:
Ice Machines
Reach-In Refrigeration
Prep Tables
Undercounter Refrigeration
Beverage Equipment
In categories like ice machines, manufacturers such as Manitowoc have already transitioned key platforms to R290, making compliant equipment available today. Availability is already shifting toward R290 across many equipment categories, making early planning and specification increasingly important.
What the R290 Transition Means For You
The refrigerant transition impacts every stage of a project—from design and specification to installation and operation.
Sell with confidence
Understand which equipment platforms are transitioning so you can guide customers toward compliant solutions
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Avoid project delays
Plan ahead for changing specs, shipping limitations, and install deadlines to keep jobs on schedule
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Stay ahead of product changes
Be aware of model transitions and availability as manufacturers shift to R290 platforms
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Strengthen customer relationships
Provide informed recommendations that help operators make confident equipment decisions
Ice Machines Are
Leading the Transition
Ice machines are one of the first equipment categories impacted by new refrigerant regulations.
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Manufacturers like Manitowoc Ice have already transitioned key product lines to R290, making this a practical starting point for understanding how the shift affects real equipment.
Your Partner in the Transition
Don Stevens works closely with leading manufacturers to stay ahead of equipment changes and regulatory developments.
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We Help Foodservice Professionals:
​Understand what’s changing | Plan equipment transitions | Identify the right solutions | Navigate timelines with confidence
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Need Help Navigating the Transition?
Our team is here to help you understand what these changes mean for your business and your equipment.