SONAE MC’s Amad Hafez spoke to R744.com about their experience with cascade systems in Portugal and the retailer’s feelings about their future use of natural refrigerants. While the company praised the high savings their CO₂ subcritical commercial refrigeration systems were able to provide, they are still seeking an alternative to R134a. The performance of its two CO₂/NH₃ stores has not met expectations. However, SONAE MC is keeping an eye on CO₂-only technology and the innovative solutions being developed to improve the efficiency of transcritical systems in southern Europe.