International. Sustained rising global temperatures and growing demand for preservation of food, medicines, and other sensitive products are driving the adoption of more efficient and sustainable refrigeration technologies in the cold chain.
According to data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in 2025 the global average surface temperature was 1.44 °C above the average recorded between 1850 and 1900, while the period 2015-2025 makes up the sequence of eleven warmest years on record. This trend has reinforced the need to develop solutions that allow us to face more extreme temperatures without increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
In this context, refrigeration takes on a strategic role not only in terms of thermal comfort, but also to ensure the preservation of food, medicines and vaccines, as well as to support various industrial processes. Its impact on public health, food security and quality of life makes it a key component for economic and social development.
An expanding global infrastructure
The growth of the cold chain is evident. According to the report The role of refrigeration in global economy by the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), there are currently 5.4 billion refrigeration and air conditioning equipment in operation in the world.
Of that total, 2.33 billion pieces of equipment are directly linked to the cold chain and preservation of perishable products, including domestic refrigerators and freezers, commercial refrigeration units, refrigerated vehicles, containers and cold stores.
However, access to these technologies remains uneven. The same report notes that more than 1.12 billion people lack adequate refrigeration, mainly in rural areas or vulnerable communities, increasing food losses and making it difficult to safely store vaccines and health products.
Transition to low-climate-impact refrigerants
Against this backdrop, one of the main challenges of the HVACR industry is the progressive reduction of the use of synthetic refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP), such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), regulated by the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment.
As an alternative, the industry is moving towards the adoption of natural refrigerants, including ammonia (NH₃/R-717), carbon dioxide (CO₂/R-744) and hydrocarbons such as propane (R-290). These technologies make it possible to reduce the environmental impact and improve the energy efficiency of the systems.
The transition, however, requires technological innovation, investment in infrastructure, and training programs that facilitate the adoption of these solutions, especially in developing countries.
Technological solutions for an efficient cold chain
Faced with these challenges, global companies in the sector are developing solutions focused on optimizing energy consumption, complying with environmental regulations and improving operational efficiency in the cold chain.
Today's HVACR systems incorporate technologies such as reciprocating and screw compressors, industrial chillers, high-capacity heat pumps, and intelligent control systems, designed to ensure operational reliability, load and temperature flexibility, and extended maintenance intervals.
Likewise, innovation in refrigeration is oriented towards the comprehensive design of facilities that integrate compressors, chillers, heat pumps, hydraulic systems and intelligent controls, with the aim of maximizing energy efficiency and reducing operating costs.
The development of sustainable systems also involves complying with international design and safety standards. Organizations such as the International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration (IIAR), the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) establish guidelines for the safe use of refrigerants, especially when it comes to flammable fluids.
In parallel, modern facilities are designed with ultra-low refrigerant charges and indirect systems, allowing exposure to refrigerant to be limited without compromising system efficiency.
Sustainable refrigeration solutions have direct applications in strategic sectors such as the food, pharmaceutical, chemical and petrochemical industries, where temperature control is essential to guarantee the quality and safety of products.
In the food sector, for example, refrigeration is essential in processes ranging from slaughterhouses and meat and poultry processing, to dairy, fruit, vegetable, bakery and beverage storage. It is also key in logistics centers and cold stores that maintain the integrity of supply chains.
The future of refrigeration is marked by the integration of automated technologies, sensors for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance systems, as well as the increasing use of variable speed drives, ejectors and economizers that optimize energy efficiency.
These trends, combined with the use of natural refrigerants, point to a more efficient, resilient cold chain aligned with global decarbonization goals, in a scenario where demand for refrigeration will continue to grow.
In this context, companies such as Johnson Controls participate in the development of solutions based on natural refrigerants and high-efficiency designs, with the aim of contributing to the reduction of emissions and the strengthening of refrigeration infrastructure globally.
