Tops Markets Installs Automatic Leak Detection Technology in 14 New York Stores
July 25, 2025 | 5 min to read
In response to stringent New York State regulations aimed at reducing high-GWP refrigerant emissions, Tops Markets has implemented the Matelex PolarBox system in 14 stores. This initiative, motivated by mandates for automatic leak detection, not only ensures compliance but also enhances food safety and environmental sustainability. As noted by experts, adopting advanced refrigeration strategies is crucial for managing operational costs and reducing climate impact, particularly in light of rising regulatory scrutiny.
Strict State Regulations Spur Grocer to Act; Highlights Food Safety and Environmental Stakes
NEW YORK – As the grocery industry faces increasing pressure to reduce emissions from refrigerants, Tops Markets is taking action. The regional supermarket chain, which operates 152 stores along with 58 fuel stations across New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, has installed 14 stores in New York with Matelex’s PolarBox system — two per store, totaling 28 installations — in response to new state mandates on automatic leak detection (ALD) and a broader commitment to keeping food cold in a more environmentally responsible way.
The move comes in response to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) updated refrigerant regulations, which took effect June 1, and require commercial refrigeration systems with more than 1,500 pounds of high-GWP refrigerants like R-404A to be equipped with ALD systems. Non-compliance may result in fines of up to $37,500 per day, per violation, impacting thousands of grocery and cold storage facilities across the state.
“A proactive compliance strategy is key,” said Ron Smith, Sr. Maintenance & Energy Specialist at Tops Markets. “We’re seeing much stricter regulations in New York compared to the federal level. Matelex has a track record — their solution is tested, reliable, and built for long-term compliance.”
In addition to meeting regulatory requirements, Smith emphasized the broader importance of smart refrigeration strategies:
“Refrigeration plays a critical role in food safety and environmental stewardship every day,” he said. “That’s why we carefully evaluated the technology, focusing on minimizing refrigerant leakage, maximizing energy efficiency, and reducing food waste across our supply chain. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to operate.”
Why This Matters — For Business and the Environment
Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) leaks are a major contributor to climate change — with some refrigerants having global warming potentials thousands of times higher than CO₂. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, even small leaks can result in thousands of dollars in losses annually for grocers due to product spoilage, higher energy use, and emergency repairs.
“Automatic leak detection is by far the most strategic option to stay compliant, ensure cold chain safety, and protect merchandise and profits,” said Marion Lazzarotto, Customer Experience Manager, Matelex.
“States like New York, California, and Washington are moving forward regardless of any changes that might take effect at the federal level,” Lazzarotto added. “Retailers who wait for Washington to act are going to be left behind — both on compliance and operational efficiency.”
Matelex’s proven ALD and energy monitoring solution — PolarBox paired with the PolarVisor web app — is an award-winning, two-part system designed to simplify compliance while controlling costs. The technology not only benefits grocery retailers, but also improves the workflow and service capabilities of refrigeration technicians.
Operational Benefits for Grocery Retailers:
● Reduce refrigerant losses and cut overall costs
● Improve energy efficiency and lower utility bills
● Prevent costly system failures and protect perishable goods
● Extend equipment lifespan and reduce emergency repairs
Efficiency Gains for Technicians:
● Receive precise, remote leak alerts, eliminating guesswork
● Prioritize service calls and avoid unnecessary site visits
● Share transparent, data-backed insights with store managers
● Manage more store locations with fewer resources
More About PolarBox and PolarVisor
PolarBox is a remote monitoring device for refrigeration installations, offering 24/7 visibility to owners and technicians. With measurements taken every 5 seconds and data analysis tools, the PolarBox is able to learn the normal operation of an installation in order to identify drifts and leaks, also alerting the proper personnel by leveraging current infrastructure. It can even integrate into an existing alarming workflow.
Owners as well as operators and technicians gain access to a remote web app called PolarVisor with real time and historical refrigerant level curves, prompting them to take action based on what is actually happening in the system. The algorithm is the critical component in detecting all leakages. It’s proactive, allowing immediate action to reduce risk of catastrophe including product loss. It will also detect slow leaks that are hard to detect.
For more information about solutions for grocery store owners and operators, visit www.matelex.com.