Refra Signs Strategic Partnership with Hussmann in Australia: A Milestone for Green Cooling on a Global Scale

Author: Ilona Brant Pavšukova

Refra CEO Aleksej Pavšukov and Hussmann Australia Deputy MD, GM Australia & Business Development Director Oceania Vinney Kumar announces strategic partnership © Ben Beech

A New Horizon for Refra in Australia

The Lithuanian manufacturer of green cooling systems, Refra, has signed a landmark partnership with Hussmann in Australia. This strategic collaboration not only opens a new chapter for Refra in one of the world’s largest island nations, but also represents a strong signal of trust from a global refrigeration leader. For more than 100 years, Hussmann (a wholly owned subsidiary of Panasonic) has proudly served the food retailing industry with innovative solutions and their decision to join forces with Refra highlights how forward-thinking partnerships are shaping the new benchmarks for sustainability in refrigeration.

Technology with Purpose

At the heart of this partnership is a shared commitment to natural refrigerants and sustainable technologies. To strengthen its green portfolio in the Australian market, Hussmann has selected Refra’s Transcritical CO₂ racks along with R290-based chillers and heat pumps. With more than a decade of experience, Refra has developed advanced systems with natural refrigerants, consistently pushing the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and safety. Today, 84% of Refra’s production is based on CO₂ and propane, positioning the company as a leader in responsible cooling technologies.

Propane units at Refra factory equipment loading dock. © Ilona Brant Pavšukova

Europe and Australia Aligning on Climate Goals

This collaboration takes place at a critical time, as the global refrigeration industry undergoes major transformation. In the European Union, the revised F-gas Regulation is tightening restrictions on high-GWP refrigerants, rapidly steering the industry toward natural alternatives. For manufacturers, this is not just about meeting legislative requirements — it’s a call to address the deeper climate crisis through innovation and accountability.

On the other side of the world, Australia is also progressing toward sustainable refrigeration practices. A signatory to the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, Australia has committed to phasing down HFCs by 85% by 2036. This national transition began in 2018 with a legally binding HFC phase-down program under its Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act. While implementation has its challenges, the direction is clear: natural refrigerants are the future, and the market is beginning to respond accordingly. Major retailers are already incorporating CO₂-based systems, reflecting growing demand for greener alternatives.

European Union and Australian flags together. © Generated by Leonardo AI.

The Human Impact

But the significance of this transition goes far beyond industry or policy. Cooling is a human issue. From food preservation to healthcare and data infrastructure, cooling plays a fundamental role in modern society. And yet, outdated or harmful refrigeration technologies continue to contribute disproportionately to greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and climate inequality.

This is why the adoption of low-GWP, natural refrigerant-based technologies is not just a technical solution — it’s a moral imperative. It’s about building systems that are clean, safe, and future-ready — not just for business, but for people.

A Shared Vision for Sustainability

The partnership between Hussmann Australia and Refra is more than a business alignment — it’s a unification of values and direction. Together, the companies are committed to delivering sustainable refrigeration solutions that align with the climate goals of Europe and Australia, while also responding to the global need for smarter, greener, and more inclusive technologies. By combining Refra’s decade-long expertise with Hussmann’s market reach and reputation, this collaboration is poised to make a real difference — not only in how we cool, but in how we care for the planet.

Refra and Hussmann Australia teams meet at ATMO Australia event © Ben Beech