Several factors need to be considered when making that decision
With an increased interest in using natural refrigerants, there are several important considerations to make when deciding whether to use CO2 (R-744) as a refrigerant for food retail, food manufacturing, food processing plants, and the cold chain. These include environmental benefits, refrigeration system technology, regulations and compliance, safety requirements, maintenance and operating conditions, and refrigerant leak detection technology.
Natural refrigerants like CO2, ammonia, and hydrocarbons are often used because of their inherent environmental benefits. With zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and very low to zero GWP, natural refrigerants are seen as a great alternative to synthetic refrigerants, as they are less polluting to the atmosphere. For the food retailer or manufacturer, using a natural refrigerant like CO2 carries with it a positive environmental message that often coincides with the natural foods or farm-to-table branding messages that customers find appealing.