IIAR

The Board of Directors of the International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration, during the Institute’s last meeting in June 2024, approved an agreement with Paraguay’s Institute of Standards and Metrology. The Institute of Standards and Metrology said it will start adopting IIAR standards as Paraguay’s national standards.

Paraguay has one of the largest meat and dairy industries in Latin America. The country exports their products worldwide, including to Brazil, which is the largest exporter in the world of meat products. Paraguay relies heavily on ammonia refrigeration systems, but like many countries with developing industries reliant on all-natural refrigerants, Paraguay is working to codify and improve safety.

The government’s initial reaction to safety issues was to ban the use of ammonia. However, that course of action became untenable due to the important role natural refrigerants play in the country’s economy. 

IIAR Argentina Chapter Chair, Luis Adur, traveled to Paraguay and successfully advocated for the industry, resulting in a substantial shift in the government’s perspective on natural refrigerants. Now, the Paraguay government, industry stake holders, and end users have begun the process of closely working with IIAR to learn more about the industry’s best practices and utilize IIAR standards to make this important industry safe and sustainable.

In a recent statement, Paraguay’s Institute of Standards and Metrology said, “We are excited about this strategic alliance and are confident that it will strengthen our ability to meet our society’s health, safety and environmental needs. Through close collaboration, we will work to improve the quality of life of Paraguayans and contribute to the development of a sustainable economy.”

“This agreement is a step forward towards a safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly future in the field of refrigeration. We will continue to work together to achieve meaningful results and benefit our community.”

Meanwhile, IIAR announced that new IIAR International Committee Regional Vice Chair, Luis Adur would take the lead on furthering IIAR’s international safety and standards goals.

“Based on all his advocacy work in the region, not only recently in Paraguay, but also in Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia and Brazil, we are happy to announce that Luis Adur, (owner of Bombadur, ammonia pumps manufacturer and current IIAR Argentina Chapter Chair), has joined the International Committee as the new Vice Chair for the southern LATAM region, (i.e., Merco Sur, plus Bolivia),” said Yesenia Rector, Meetings and International Program Director for IIAR. “Luis also was key in implementing the newest IIAR Chapter in the Region in Brazil, (whose current chair is Rodrigo Barion, owner of Valvugas, Brazil).”