Low-GWP Refrigeration Upgrade for Meat Processor in Gloucestershire
Client: Leading Meat Processor
Sector: Food Production & Cold Storage
Project Focus: Focus: Refrigeration System Replacement with Low-GWP A2L Refrigerant
Location: Gloucestershire
Service & technical partners
The brief
A leading Gloucestershire meat processor needed to replace its end-of-life refrigeration system, which supported fresh meat storage. The brief required a sustainable, future-proof solution that complied with tightening F-Gas regulations while delivering reliable temperature control and cost efficiency.
The solution
SK Heating & Cooling worked closely with BITZER to design and install a bespoke refrigeration system using three ECOLITE condensing units running on R-454C, a low-GWP A2L refrigerant. The new system offers efficient cooling, reduced environmental impact, and full regulatory compliance.
The benefits
The installation now delivers stable cooling at 1°C for a 315 m³ store processing 5,000 kg of meat per day. It combines reduced running costs, minimal emissions, and future-proof refrigerant choice, all completed with full UKCA certification and safety compliance.
The business challenge
The client’s original refrigeration system had reached end-of-life and was no longer compliant with evolving environmental regulations. With tightening F-Gas quotas and rising costs for high-GWP refrigerants such as R-404A and R-507A, the risk of non-compliance and inefficiency was growing.
The processor required a modern solution that would maintain strict temperature control, operate cost-effectively, and support their sustainability goals. Compliance with EN378 and UK PED safety regulations was also essential given the use of A2L refrigerants.
Our solution
SK Heating & Cooling partnered with BITZER and key suppliers to design a bespoke refrigeration solution using three ECOLITE condensing units (LHL5E/4CES-6Y-40s), running on R-454C (GWP 148). The new system supports three refrigeration circuits, each charged with 13.5 kg of refrigerant.
The ECOLITE units are air-cooled, high-efficiency condensing systems that use BITZER ECOLINE compressors, variable speed fans, and integrated capacity control for optimal performance. The system was designed to maintain a consistent 1°C temperature in a 315 m³ cold store, with a throughput of 5,000 kg of meat daily.
SK handled the full technical design, approval process, and installation, including UKCA certification and compliance with EN378 and PED. The project involved careful planning due to the refrigerant’s A2L classification, ensuring the solution was both safe and effective.
Matt Dolphin, Director of SK Refrigeration, Heating and Cooling Ltd, said: “Due to the A2L classification, the project entailed a lot of detailed design work to ensure it met the client’s brief and UK safety compliance requirements.
Installation photos
The outcome
Operational improvements
The new refrigeration system maintains a stable 1°C in the fresh meat storage area, improving reliability and ensuring optimal storage conditions for the daily 5,000 kg meat throughput.
Energy and cost savings
The use of R-454C and high-efficiency ECOLITE units significantly lowers energy usage. As a result, the client benefits from reduced operational costs while avoiding future penalties associated with high-GWP refrigerants.
Compliance and safety
The installation meets all current safety and environmental standards, including EN378 and PED, and is UKCA certified. This ensures peace of mind and long-term compliance as regulations continue to tighten.
Customer satisfaction
The client praised the installation’s performance and the quality of aftercare. Since commissioning, the system has run “super-efficiently,” with the client expressing confidence in the long-term partnership with SK.
The customer said: “We are pleased to report that, since being commissioned, the system has performed super-efficiently. We are extremely happy with the installation and after-care provided by the team at SK Refrigeration, Heating and Cooling and look forward to our continued partnership”.
Future-proofed system
With R-454C falling well below the 150 GWP threshold and ECOLITE units compatible with a range of refrigerants, the system is ready for future regulatory and operational demands.
The benefits
- Replaced ageing refrigeration system with modern, low-GWP alternative
- Reduced energy costs and improved efficiency
- Full UKCA certification and compliance with EN378 & PED
- Maintains consistent 1°C cooling in a 315 m³ storage area
- Safe and scalable A2L-based system with BITZER components
- Excellent client feedback and long-term service agreement
Technical specification
Equipment installed
- 3x BITZER ECOLITE LHL5E/4CES-6Y-40s condensing units (42 kW combined capacity)
- R-454C refrigerant
- 3x Circuits with 13.5 kg charge per circuit
Location
Fresh meat storage facility, Gloucestershire.
Project timeline
Full system design, certification, and installation completed on schedule. One of the first such projects to be installed in the UK.
Scope of works
Design, refrigerant selection, equipment specification, installation, commissioning, UKCA certification, compliance with EN378 & PED.
Controls/monitoring
BITZER ECOLINE compressors with integrated capacity control and variable speed fans.
Compliance standards
EN378, PED, UKCA-certified; safe use of A2L refrigerants.
Service & technical partners
Next steps
Looking for a refrigeration solution that cuts emissions and cost?
Contact the SK Heating & Cooling Team to find out how we can help your food facility or cold storage meet future-ready standards.
Call: 01452 410500
Email: sales@skheatingandcooling.co.uk / service@skheatingandcooling.co.uk
Address: SK Heating and Cooling Ltd, 229 Bristol Road, Gloucester, GL1 5TL
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