Wednesday, 05 February 2025 11:55

DTS pioneering refrigerant swap

Written by  Staff Reporters
Farmer Cam Lewis (left) and Aaron Evans DTS regional manager. Farmer Cam Lewis (left) and Aaron Evans DTS regional manager.

DTS, New Zealand's leading manufacturer of stainless steel vats and refrigeration technologies, is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative to phase out R404A refrigerant gas, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

Long used in dairy, horticulture, and commercial cooling systems, R404A is known for its high global warming potential (GWP) of 3922 and skyrocketing costs. DTS is replacing it with R449A, a more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient alternative with a GWP of just 1397 - one-third that of R404A.

Luke Walker, DTS national sales and service manager, explains the rationale behind the initiative.

"Many producers don't realise the environmental and financial impact of their refrigerant until a leak occurs and they're hit with an expensive re-gassing bill," says Walker.

"By swapping R404A for R449A, we're not only reducing costs but also making a significant positive impact on the environment."

The swap-out is part of DTS's proactive service contracts and is designed to be seamless and cost-neutral. The transition requires minimal adjustments, such as a valve replacement in some systems, and poses no additional operating risks. DTS says R449A not only reduces environmental harm but also improves energy efficiency by up to 10%, which translates to lower power consumption and further emission reductions. Farmers like Cam Lewis, a forurth-generation steward of the Dunoon property in Foxton, are embracing the initiative.

"This decision was an absolute no-brainer," says Lewis. "For us, it's about balancing environmental responsibility with financial practicality. The swap ticks all the boxes - it's seamless, cost-neutral, and reduces our exposure to the soaring costs of R404A."

DTS says its commitment to sustainability goes beyond simple replacements. The company has already extracted four tonnes of R404A from New Zealand’s cooling systems in the first year of its campaign. This equates to preventing 10,000 tonnes of CO₂e emissions— equivalent to the emissions from driving a diesel vehicle 60 million kilometres. With around 700 tonnes of R404A still circulating in New Zealand’s refrigerated food chain, DTS aims to remove at least another four tonnes in the coming year.

Gavin Thwaites, CEO of DTS, highlights the broader implications of the initiative.

“The transition away from harmful refrigerants like R404A is a critical step for a sustainable future. Every reduction counts, and we’re committed to helping New Zealand producers make this change efficiently and responsibly.”

Beyond the immediate benefits of the swap, DTS is exploring partnerships with government and industry players to accelerate the transition. The company is also investing in new technologies and manufacturing practices to reduce reliance on harmful hydrocarbon gases across the dairy and cold food chain sectors.

As Walker concludes, “DTS is more than a manufacturer—we’re problem-solvers and innovators. Our mission is to help New Zealand producers build sustainable, efficient operations that align with the environmental challenges of today and tomorrow.”

DTS’s initiative reflects its commitment to leadership in innovation and sustainability, setting a benchmark for New Zealand’s refrigeration and agribusiness sectors while paving the way for a greener future.

More like this

Maintaining raceways the easy way

Farm races or laneways are central to moving animals, people and machinery around the farm. In the case of dairy farms, their maintenance is paramount as cows may walk considerable distances two or even three times a day.

The ultimate in stock handling

Made in New Zealand is a feature that looks at the wealth of design and manufacturing ability we have in New Zealand, producing productive and cost-effective products for the agricultural sector. Machinery and Products editor Mark Daniel takes a closer look at Combi Clamp Limited, catching up with Managing Director Wayne Coffey.

Telehandler’s value on the rise

The practicalities of dairy farming centre around looking after animals well, and a whole bunch of logistics – largely lifting and loading.

Silage cover reduces wastage

Waikato farmer Dave Muggeridge was fed up with water seeping in through his maize silage cover and spoiling feed.

Balanced diets key to keeping cows in milk

Waikato dairy farmers are well-placed heading into the peak of summer, thanks to favourable growing conditions late last year that resulted in abundant onfarm feed reserves.

Featured

Crush death triggers on-farm traffic alert

Following a sentencing for a death at a South Canterbury agribusiness, WorkSafe New Zealand is calling on farmers to consider how vehicles move inside their barns and sheds.

Vegetable growing at risk

Horticulture New Zealand says the country’s ability to provide fresh, healthy vegetables is at risk unless the Government makes growing them a permitted activity.

Industry monitoring dry conditions

While it has been a great spring and summer for farmers, soil moisture levels in the Waikato are now plummeting as the dry February starts to bite.

National

Synlait sweetens milk supply deal

Canterbury milk processor Synlait is confident of retaining its farmer supplier base following a turnaround in its financial performance.

Optimism in the air

Ag First chief executive James Allen says dairy farmer optimism is on the rise.

Machinery & Products

New distributor for Aussie equipment

Australian agricultural equipment distributor, Waringa Distribution, has increased its support to South Island farmers and contractors with the appointment of…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Bovaer's fate

OPINION: The fate of methane inhibitor Bovaer in NZ farming is still up in the air.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter