ARLINGTON, VA — November 19, 2020 — After more than two years of research and advocacy work, NAMA has successfully updated national safety standards allowing for the unrestricted placement of vending machines refrigerated with advanced, environmentally-friendly coolants.

“This is a tremendous victory for machine manufacturers and operators, finally allowing the unrestricted placement of vending machines cooled by new technologies with less environmental impact. Our success positions the convenience services industry to be a leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship, while ensuring the continued business success of our member companies” said Carla Balakgie, NAMA’s President & CEO.

States across the nation continue to pass laws phasing out the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), currently the most common refrigerant used in vending machines. Securing this standards update better positions NAMA members to meet HFC phaseout timelines.

Since 2017, NAMA has worked with the American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to amend outdated standards that restricted refrigerated vending machines using HC R-290—the industry’s most viable coolant alternative due to its low environmental impact and excellent performance—from being placed in hallways, lobbies and places of ingress and egress.. Today’s announcement marks the successful update to both standards.

“NAMA would like to thank its committed members who provided the necessary data and testing needed to achieve these changes,” said Mike Goscinski, NAMA’s Director of Federal & State Affairs. “Our work ensures a timely, efficient and business feasible transition to a more environmentally friendly alternative, with the same safety levels for which the industry is known.”