What is the AIM Act & Its Impact on Foodservice Operations?
The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act is a U.S. law enacted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2020 with the goal of reducing the consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs are potent greenhouse gases and climate pollutants with incredibly high global warming potentials (GWPs) that can be hundreds to thousands of times more potent than other alternatives, like propane or C02. HFCs are commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning, aerosols, insulating foams, and fire extinguishing systems.

Objectives of the AIM Act
The main objectives of the AIM Act are four-fold:
- Phase down HFCs, establishing a gradual reduction in usage by 85% over 15 years (by 2036).
- Support the transition to more environmentally friendly refrigerants and technologies.
- Empower the EPA to regulate HFC production, import, and usage.
- Encourage investment in sustainable technologies, fostering job growth in related industries.
This act also aligns the U.S. with international efforts such as the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement among developed countries to reduce HFC emissions to prevent global warming and protect the ozone layer.
Timeline and the AIM Act’s Impact on Foodservices
The AIM Act is being implemented through EPA regulations and industry transitions, setting limits on HFC production and import and giving them authority to ban certain HFCs in specific applications, including refrigeration. This has many implications for foodservice operations, including refrigeration equipment changes and increased compliance.
Many existing refrigeration units, including walk-in coolers, freezers, and display cases, use HFCs like R-404A and R-134a. These are being phased out. Operators, therefore, must upgrade or retrofit their systems to use approved low-GWP refrigerants, like R-290, CO2, or hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs).
Businesses must also monitor their refrigerant usage, as stricter leak detection and rules may apply. The cost of HFC refrigerants will rise due to supply reductions, making repairs more expensive. Investing now in newer, energy-efficient refrigeration systems may have higher upfront costs, but greater long-term savings on energy and maintenance.
This phase-down is on a 15-year schedule, which started in 2020. Reduction percentages are based on 2011-2013 HFC production and consumption levels. Here is a timeline of implementation:

Though changing refrigerant equipment and updating compliance can be daunting and expensive, there are many benefits to these changes. New refrigerants are more efficient, reducing energy consumption, and foodservices adopting sustainable cooling can market their commitment to going green for an eco-friendly reputation. There are also financial incentives. Some utilities offer rebates for switching to low GWP refrigeration.
Action Steps for Foodservice Operators
There are a few actionable steps operators can take now to ensure proper compliance.
- Audit your existing equipment, identifying those that use high-GWP HFCs and plan to upgrade.
- Educate your staff on how to handle new refrigerants and maintain energy-efficient systems.
- Budget accordingly for upgrades, and consider investing in EPA-compliant refrigeration to avoid future regulatory risks.
- Consult with a refrigeration professional to ensure proper conversions and equipment compliance.
- Verify local and state regulations. Some states, like California and New York, may introduce stricter rules ahead of the federal timeline.
Alternatives to HFCs: How Norlake is Paving the Way
The common HFC refrigerants you’re likely to see include R-448 and R-449. These have a GWP of more than 1,000 and are being phased out. There are a few other types of refrigerant that depend on your application. R-290 is among the most popular ones with an ultra-low GWP of 3 and excellent energy efficiency. This is ideal for long-term compliance with evolving environmental regulations. A2Ls, such as R-454a and R-32, have a moderately higher GWP, but are compatible with larger systems.
Did you know Norlake is one of the only manufacturers to engineer refrigeration systems with R-290 refrigerant completely in-house at our factories in the USA? This helps ensure compliancy and future-proofs operators against potential supply chain issues. Our systems are designed to maximize efficiency across various refrigerant types, ensure compliance with evolving regulations, and guarantee safety and reliability, no matter the refrigerant.
We’ve also been the first to lead the way with these regulation changes with our patented Capsule Pak ECO™ system. This system combines efficient components with natural R-290 refrigerant for one of the most eco-friendly systems on the market. It’s also designed for easy installation and service.