Dallas 2009 - IIAR joins the Global Cold Chain Alliance

Despite the difficult economic times the industry is going through, an impressive number of 850 attendees, including manufacturers, operators, end-users and researchers gathered on 23 March in Dallas at the opening plenary session of the 2009 IIAR Industrial Refrigeration Conference & Exhibition. At the event, the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) took another step to broaden the outreach of ammonia technology throughout the whole global cold chain, by officially joining the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA). Brian Marriott, outgoing Chair of IIAR and J. William Hudson, President and CEO of GCCA, signed the agreement to create tighter links between the voice of the cold chain industry, and the world’s leading advocate for ammonia used as a refrigerant.

“IIAR is the cold in the cold chain” said Bruce Badger, IIAR President, referring to the crucial role ammonia is playing worldwide to keep perishable products cool and maintain quality and safety from the point of harvest or slaughter through the distribution chain to the final consumer.
Through this strategic partnership, a number of benefits for the use of ammonia refrigerant will accrue:

• IIAR outreach to a broader network: While the two organisations will retain their independencies, the partnership will allow for the development of closer links and better interaction among the members of the IIAR and GCCA. Hence, the IIAR will be able to reach out to a broader network of organisations such as the International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW), the World Food Logistics Organisation (WFLO), the International Refrigerated Transportation Association (IRTA) and the International Association for Cold Storage Construction (IACSC), which currently form the core partners of the Global Cold Chain Alliance.
   
• Promoting technical expertise: Through the partnership, the IIAR will bring its technical expertise to a wider audience globally.
   
• Bringing industrial refrigeration to the developing world: Given GCCA’s successful track record for bringing industrial refrigeration to the developing world, the benefits of using ammonia technology will be conveyed beyond the developed world.

The recent move is the latest in a series of efforts to promote the use of natural refrigerants in industrial refrigeration. For 2009, the IIAR is focusing on its campaign “Natural refrigerants … don't leave a footprint”, where it urges the industry to seize this strategic opportunity and replace R-22 with environmentally-friendly refrigerants, such as ammonia (Watch the IIAR campaign short video).

About the IIAR and GCCA

Formed more than 35 years ago, the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration envisions to be recognised as the world’s leading advocate for the safe, reliable and efficient use of ammonia and other natural refrigerants for industrial applications. The organisation provides advocacy, education, standards, and information for the benefit of the ammonia refrigeration industry worldwide.


The Global Cold Chain Alliance, officially launched in April 2007, acts as the platform for communication, networking and education for each link of the cold chain. With 3,500 members, it serves as the focused voice of the cold chain industry.

ammonia21.com reporting from the IIAR Exhibiton

Over the coming days, ammonia21.com will keep you updated on technical sessions and solutions showcased in Dallas. This will include photo galleries and technical papers presented at the IIAR conference.