FEATURE
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
SCM Ref Africa – five years of CO2 transcritical manufacturing
Contributed by SCM Ref Africa
SCM Ref Africa has had an interesting and challenging, but ultimately fantastic five years in
CO2 transcritical manufacturing.
Our very first locally manufactured system rolled off the factory floor in August 2021 for one of South Africa’ s leading retailers. Today, just five years later, we are proud to announce that we are nearing our hundredth CO₂ transcritical system – an incredible achievement for our team and our industry. In the early years, challenges included the availability of CO₂ components, and the specialist manufacturing know-how required for such advanced systems. Over time, with experience, persistence and market demand, these hurdles have been overcome. The growing uptake of CO₂ technology, together with our strong local and international supplier relationships, has enabled SCM Ref Africa to standardise on its CO₂ components. This has been a key factor in reducing lead times and ensuring strong spare parts availability across the country, giving our customers peace of mind.
We are proud to have a dedicated CO₂ production line and team within our factory, whose expertise continues to grow as we refine, innovate and improve our systems. Being part of the Beijer Ref Group has been a major advantage. Our close collaboration with SCM Frigo, one of Europe’ s largest CO₂ system manufacturers has brought invaluable support in design, manufacturing, testing and procedures. This partnership continues to strengthen and gives our customers confidence in the reliability and quality of our products.
To further expand our CO₂ offering, in 2023 RECAM – a division of SCM Ref Africa – introduced a new range of CO₂ evaporators and gas coolers, which are already receiving strong support across the industry.
Over the past five years, we’ ve had the privilege of supplying projects across multiple sectors, including retail, agriculture and logistics, while collaborating with a growing network of local contractors. Remarkably, the CO₂ contractor base has expanded by 400 % over this period, which is a strong indicator of the industry’ s confidence in this technology. Our largest project to date is a 1.8MW installation in KwaZulu-Natal, delivered over four separate systems. Despite shipping delays, factory logistics challenges, and the many intricate details involved, the project was completed successfully – a true testament to the resilience and dedication of our team.
As sustainability and legislation drive the global transition to natural refrigerants, SCM Ref Africa is fully committed to leading this change locally. While some debate continues on whether CO₂ transcritical systems suit South Africa’ s climate, our experience says otherwise. With nearly 100 units in operation, including in regions experiencing + 42 ° C days, we can confidently confirm their suitability.
It is important to note that our message is not that CO₂ transcritical systems are always more efficient than traditional technologies – efficiencies depend on design, ambient conditions and applied technology. Our drive is to offer customers a future-proof, natural and sustainable solution for their cold chain requirements.
We are equally proud of the technical support our team provides, strengthened by the expertise of SCM Frigo. This ensures our customers have the tools and confidence to embrace CO₂ technology. Looking ahead, our commitment extends further with the launch of the Beijer Ref Africa Training Academy in March 2025. The facility will offer both CO2 and F-gas system training and will initially focus on in-house training as it develops and grows, with external training for the wider HVAC & R industry to follow in the near future. This initiative will be supported by Beijer Ref’ s network of global training academies.
Finally, we wish to express our sincere gratitude to our customers and suppliers for their loyalty and support over the past five years. Together, we look forward to the next chapter in shaping the future of South Africa’ s HVAC & R industry. CLA
“ The Montreal Protocol of 1987 marked a turning point by phasing out ozone-depleting substances” – Andre can der Merwe.
Freepik. com
24 www. coldlinkafrica. co. za COLD LINK AFRICA • October 2025