Can Propane Revolutionize the Refrigeration Sector as a Refrigerant Gas?
Why is innovation important for Petit Forestier Group and how is it structured?
Anjavony Andriamanoara: Innovation is essential to keep pace with and anticipate market changes. These changes may be related to new technologies, evolving regulations, and above all, new customer needs.
We have structured our innovation strategy around three key areas: optimizing the cold chain by exploring new logistics models, maximizing efficiency and productivity through the integration of smart technologies, and improving energy efficiency and reducing our CO2 impact — all while ensuring the reliability of the equipment we offer.
What role do refrigeration units and refrigerant gases play in the Group’s activities?
AA: Refrigeration units and their refrigerant fluids are at the heart of our rental business. Their role is to maintain the temperature inside refrigerated containers, ensuring cold chain continuity despite outside temperature fluctuations and during loading/unloading operations. Their performance must meet strict standards, such as the ATP standard.
How does innovation help reduce the carbon footprint?
AA: Through innovation, we aim to reduce our environmental impact while enhancing the performance of our products. For example, we are studying a cleaner refrigerant for our refrigeration units: propane.
Propane, as a refrigerant gas, is a more eco-friendly alternative that also offers better energy efficiency: it reduces CO2 emissions by 99% compared to a standard refrigeration unit! Additionally, propane requires minimal maintenance. Once installed, the refrigeration unit can run for several years without intervention.
What is the collaboration with PBX about?
AA: We are supporting PBX, an Austrian startup that has developed one of the first refrigeration units using propane as a refrigerant gas for road transport, through an industrial qualification process.
What does the process of integrating a new innovation like propane into your equipment involve?
AA: Introducing an innovative product into large-scale production requires a multi-step qualification process: first, we test its reliability and performance. If necessary, we then make adjustments to address durability and industrial assembly requirements. Certification finalizes the process, ensuring safe use for our customers.
Why is it important to work with expert suppliers and technicians when integrating a refrigerant gas like propane into an industrial process?
AA: The integration of propane into our equipment is a rigorous process. Beyond product performance, it is essential to ensure that our teams and workshops can use it safely. It’s a co-development effort with suppliers and our expert technicians to ensure everything is ready for large-scale use while complying with industrial and regulatory standards.