“Aeon considered a refrigeration system that uses natural refrigerants. We decided to employ it first, and installed it at a MaxValu store of the Aeon group. On the discussion stage, some presented their concern that it may not help reduce our energy consumption. But it turned out to be energy efficient, allowing us to save 10-20% of energy. There was no problem at all with operational stability and safety. So far, the system has demonstrated about 20% of energy saving. Given the result, we announced the Aeon Declaration on the Natural Refrigerants in November 2011. This is a commitment of Aeon towards low carbon society. Specifically, we decided to employ natural refrigerant (CO₂) units for all new stores opened in and after 2015, and shift to CO₂ at existing stores overtime.”

Aeon Co., Ltd. -retail chain store

“We studied all kinds of equipment regardless of types of refrigerant, whether it's HFC or non-F gas natural refrigerants such as CO₂ or ammonia. Among them, we selected one of the natural refrigerants, namely ammonia, since we had made company-wide efforts to conduct ISO14001-compliant operation and help protect the environment, could expect to sufficient cost reduction, and furthermore could use the subsidy to be offered by the Ministry of the Environment. Roughly at the same time as at Okayama Plant, an energy-efficient unit using natural refrigerants was introduced at our Gunma Plant as well. “

CALPIS Co., Ltd. Okayama Plant -beverage manufacturer

“Setting our goal to phase out chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which pose environmental impacts such as ozone depletion and global warming, we have practically shifted ourselves to natural refrigerants. In 2009, TCCC announced a global goal to phase out the use of HFCs in all new cold drink equipment, including vending machines, showcases, and dispensers, by 2015. At the end of 2014, we had installed more than one million HFC-free (natural refrigerant) units globally.”

Coca Cola (Japan) Company, Limited -beverage manufacturer

“Our aim of the adoption is to take a proactive measure before the production ban of HCFC starts in 2020. We internally call it the 2020 challenge. If this new regulation could shake the foundation of our refrigeration business, we would need to take a proactive measure to respond to the potential risk which could affect our business continuity.”

Maruha Nichiro Logistics, Inc. -logistics

“Our reinforced efforts toward the environment have enhanced the pride of our employees. Even though in the past we had introduced photovoltaic systems or energy-saving natural refrigerant equipment we never externally annouced. We never thought of publicizing such initiatives as a promotional tool. In the midst of changing times, however, companies are expected to take measures to protect the environment. Against such a background we decided to take proactive approach. Even if we don't make announcements externally, our employees have come to know about their company's stance of doing what's good for the environment and have taken pride. “

Shinetsu-Myojo Co., Ltd -noodle company

“One of major products of Takaki Bakery is frozen bread dough, which accounts for 25~30% of our sales. Although a key to our business is to produce quality frozen dough stably and deliver it to our customers properly, external environment surrounding our business is changing, which at times poses risks in our business. One of major risks is a regulatory change, of which regulations on F gases are expected to be one of the future risks for our business.”

Takaki Bakery Co., Ltd –bread making