Weis Markets gives refrigeration update

Weis Markets has made the switch to the use of eco-friendly refrigerants throughout its operation.

The Mid-Atlantic supermarket retailer reported more than 90% of its stores no longer use ozone-depleting refrigerants. Weiss Markets’ distribution, manufacturing and support facilities have also transitioned away from the use of these refrigerants.

“Over the past fifteen years, as part of our work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Chill partnership, we’ve worked to reduce our store and facility refrigerant emissions, which deplete the ozone layer and contributes to climate change,” said R. Kevin Small, VP of development, Weiss Markets. “We’ve done this by reducing refrigerant leaks and by switching from hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants to less harmful alternatives.”

The retailer announced milestone on the anniversary of the UN’s Montreal Protocol to phase out ozone depleting refrigerants. The UN adopted the treaty in 1987 to phase out substances depleting the Earth’s ozone layer, which protects us from receiving harmful levels of the sun’s ultraviolet light, a known cause of skin cancer and cataracts. The Protocol is the only UN treaty to have been ratified by all 198 UN Member States.

Developed countries have banned the production and import of new HCFCs as of January 1, 2020, while developing countries are to complete the phase-out by 2030. To date, the Parties to the Protocol have phased out 98% of ozone-depleting substances globally compared to 1990 levels.

Small said the UN’s Montreal protocol was an important first step in Weiss’ process to phase out harmful refrigerants.

“We are also grateful to our store support, manufacturing and store associates who’ve helped us implement our refrigerant reduction program,” he said.

[Read More: Weis Markets’ new store is energy efficient]

Founded in 1912, Weis Markets, operates 197 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York West Virginia and Virginia.