The IIAR Peru Chapter’s latest International Seminar, June 4-5, drew a packed house, with almost 300 attendees from over 14 countries and a high-caliber lineup of technical presentations, underscoring the region’s growing commitment to natural refrigerants and the standards that support them.

Held in Lima, the two-day event maxed out its registration capacity and delivered what organizers called “a great industry turnout” with strong engagement from engineers, end users, and government representatives.

“The presentations were extremely professional and covered a wide range of topics,” said IIAR’s Vice President – Education, Outreach and Events, Yesenia Rector.

Rector supported the IIAR Manager for Latin America, Federico Alarcon, who coordinated the event. “We saw a lot of interest in system comparisons, efficiency strategies, and especially in how our industry can stay sustainable in the face of global refrigerant regulations,” said Alarcon.

The meeting featured presentations on CO₂ cascade systems, hydraulic efficiency in pumped ammonia systems, ammonia system management, and comparative analyses of ammonia, CO₂ subcritical cascade, and CO₂ transcritical systems. One session focused on blast freezing efficiency for post-harvest applications – a key concern for Peru’s agricultural exporters.

But the unifying theme was sustainability. With HFC and F-gas regulations tightening worldwide, attendees explored how natural refrigerants like ammonia, CO₂, and hydrocarbons can meet both environmental and performance goals. “The main concern is the sustainability of refrigerants,” Rector said. “Peru trades heavily with Japan, China, and Europe, so systems need to align with global expectations.”

The success of the Peru Chapter International Seminar reflects a broader trend across Latin America: countries are increasingly turning to IIAR for technical guidance, training, and standards adoption. In the absence of clear national regulations for ammonia and CO₂ systems, IIAR’s standards have become the de facto reference.

We’re seeing more end users become group members after events like this,” Rector noted. “They’re looking for certificate courses, access to standards, and a community that can help them navigate the transition to natural refrigerants.”

The momentum is what IIAR envisioned when it launched its Chapter initiative, said Rector. Since 2009, IIAR has hosted Industrial Refrigeration Seminars across Latin America to bring technical education to professionals who can’t easily attend the annual IIAR Conference.

The Chapter model builds on that foundation, enabling local members to organize regular meetings, collaborate with government agencies, and promote IIAR’s mission in their own countries. The leadership and hard work of the volunteers who work in the IIAR Chapters has been key to the success of these international seminars.

IIAR Chapters are composed of members residing outside the United States and serve as regional hubs for education, standards adoption, and professional development.

Through translated materials, volunteer support, and international partnerships, IIAR is expanding its reach—and its relevance— in the global refrigeration industry, said IIAR president, Gary Schrift.

According to Rector, the drive to adopt IIAR standards often comes from within an interested country. “We’re usually approached by a government agency,” she said. “They may reach out to a local IIAR Chapter, and then to us. There’s a real desire here to align with IIAR’s work.”