Navigating the AIM Act: A New Era for HFC Management

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Navigating the AIM Act: A New Era for HFC Management

Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves

It's the end of the year, which means we're nearing the Jan. 1 implementation of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. This groundbreaking legislation aims to address the environmental impacts of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The act mandates the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) "to address HFCs by: phasing down their production and consumption, maximizing reclamation, minimizing releases from equipment, and facilitating the transition to next-generation technologies through sector-based restrictions on HFCs."

This act is designed to reduce HFC emissions by 30% over the next three years, centered around three main pillars:

  • HFC Phasedowns: A structured approach to gradually decrease the production and consumption of HFCs.
  • Reclamation and Minimization: Strategies to recover refrigerants and minimize emissions from current equipment.
  • Sector-based Transitions: Specific industries will transition to next-gen refrigerants and tech, adhering to tailored timelines for a seamless shift.

The process will unfold over three years, from Jan. 1, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2028. This timeline allows industries some flexibility, though regulations will vary based on the size of refrigerant charges. For instance, supermarkets using systems with charges over 200 pounds will face more stringent guidelines than smaller operations like restaurant coolers. Non-refrigeration uses of HFCs, such as those in insulation foam manufacturing, are also included.

Impact on Industries

The cold storage sector is expected to be hit first, as self-contained refrigeration systems are prioritized in these changes. Transitioning to new refrigerants and tech will likely raise expenditure by 20%-40%, accounting for new system components and increased EPA reporting obligations.

Food and Drug Innovations

Photo: Big Mozz

The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association's inaugural Penguin Pitch contest spotlights emerging brands in frozen foods. Among finalists were gourmet mozzarella sticks and innovative twists on traditional snacks, with Big Mozz's oversized mozzarella sticks taking top honors for their quality and unique market appeal.

Big Mozz CEO Matt Gallira notes the shift towards premium branding in frozen foods, reflecting a broader trend of brand discovery and quality focus in this market.

Cold Chain Dynamics

SONAR Tickers: ROTVI.PDX, ROTRI.PDX

Portland, Oregon, is experiencing a cold chain crunch with reefer outbound tender rejections surging to 44.09%. This dramatic rise is driven by heightened demand in the Christmas tree market, signaling an inflationary trend in spot rates. Shippers should plan further ahead and prepare for higher costs.

Curious about SONAR? Check it out with a demo!

Shelf Life Insights

  • [Carrier sponsors World Cold Chain Symposium 2024 to enhance global sustainability efforts](Help Center)
  • [Emerging B.C. family innovates in frozen meals](Help Center)
  • [Top-selling single-serve frozen dinner brand](Help Center)
  • [CPKC, Americold explore co-development in Mexico](Help Center)
  • [Premier Nutrition and Hometown Food Co. launch new breakfast line](Help Center)

Want to share your thoughts? Contact me with comments or ideas at [email protected].

Stay connected online,

Mary

If you found this through a forward, subscribe to join the coolest community in freight at freightwaves.com/subscribe.


The post Running on Ice: Getting into the AIM Act appeared first on FreightWaves.

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