Secondary Refrigerant Market Trends and Forecast
The future of the global secondary refrigerant market looks promising with opportunities in the commercial refrigeration, industrial refrigeration, heat pump, and air conditioning markets. The global secondary refrigerant market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 6.4% from 2025 to 2031. The major drivers for this market are the rising demand for energy-efficient cooling solutions, the growing focus on reducing environmental impact, and the increasing use in food preservation & industrial applications.
• Lucintel forecasts that, within the type category, glycol is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
• Within the application category, commercial refrigeration is expected to witness the highest growth.
• In terms of region, APAC is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Emerging Trends in the Secondary Refrigerant Market
The secondary refrigerant market is experiencing numerous emerging trends that indicate the increasing need for sustainable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective refrigeration solutions. The future of the industry is influenced by these emerging trends, especially in response to environmental pressures and technological advancements in cooling. From the transition to natural refrigerants to improved energy-efficient systems, these trends are impacting market trends across various regions. Some of the prominent trends that are currently unfolding in the market are as follows.
• Use of Natural Refrigerants: There is a growing tendency to utilize natural refrigerants including CO2, ammonia, and hydrocarbons in secondary refrigeration systems. These refrigerants have a much smaller environmental footprint than synthetic refrigerants, providing a more environmentally friendly option that comes in tandem with international sustainability objectives. With the tightening of regulations on refrigerant emissions, businesses are resorting to natural refrigerants in order to meet environmental regulations. This change is particularly pronounced in industrial applications, cold storage, and commercial refrigeration, where environmental responsibility is becoming increasingly important.
• Energy Efficiency Emphasis: Energy efficiency is increasingly a focus in the refrigeration industry, and secondary refrigerant are at the heart of more energy-efficient systems. Secondary refrigerants, including glycol and brine, enable greater heat transfer and can lower the energy usage of refrigeration systems. As energy prices rise and pressure mounts on companies to curb carbon emissions, the industry is seeing a sharp push towards adopting innovative secondary refrigerant that not only minimize energy consumption but donÄX%$%Xt affect the performance of systems. This wave is likely to catch on with industries working toward achieving energy-conserving targets.
• Eco-Friendly Refrigerants Development: Part of the global sustainability drive is the production of green refrigerants, a leading trend in the secondary refrigerant market. Fresh innovations in non-toxic, non-flammable, and environmentally friendly refrigerant blends are finding increasing adoption in industries with high-performance refrigeration requirements. These refrigerants not only lower environmental damage but also comply with stringent regulations from environmental bodies globally. Producers are spending big money on R&D to create refrigerants that meet these changing standards while providing even better performance.
• Regulation Drive for Low-GWP Technologies: Governments globally are growingly concentrating on regulations that ensure the use of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants within cooling systems. This regulation drive is propelling demand for secondary refrigerant that are environmentally low-impact. The European Union, for instance, has adopted the F-Gas regulation, which is driving the use of lower-GWP refrigerants in the food and beverage industry, as well as in industrial cooling applications. This trend will continue to influence the market for secondary refrigerant in the near future.
• Increased Application in Commercial and Industrial Uses: The market for secondary refrigerant is expanding in commercial and industrial uses, especially in cold storage, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. These industries need dependable, energy-saving cooling systems that can satisfy both temperature control and safety needs. Secondary refrigerants like glycol and CO2 are being used more and more in these applications to maximize system performance, save energy, and improve overall refrigeration reliability. With the growth in commercial and industrial refrigeration comes an increase in secondary refrigerant use, leading to new business opportunities in the respective industries.
Secondary refrigerant market are in response to increased demands for sustainability, energy efficiency, and minimized environmental footprint. The use of natural refrigerants, the focus on energy-efficient systems, and the creation of environmentally friendly refrigerants are revolutionizing the market. Furthermore, the regulatory momentum for low-GWP refrigerants and the increasing application of secondary refrigerant in commercial and industrial sectors are likely to propel additional innovation and market growth. These trends are redefining the industry by driving more sustainable behavior and pushing the adoption of new, high-performance refrigerants that are suited to the demands of contemporary refrigeration systems.
Recent Development in the Secondary Refrigerant Market
The secondary refrigerant market has witnessed several developments in recent times, prompted by technological innovations, sustainability targets, and the increased need for energy-efficient cooling technologies. Following are five of the most important developments transforming the market, especially as a reaction to regulatory demands and rising industry needs for cleaner and more efficient refrigerant technologies.
• Use of CO2-Based Refrigerants: Integration of CO2 as a secondary refrigerant is amongst the most valuable developments in the market. CO2 is an environmentally friendly, natural refrigerant with a significantly lower environmental profile than conventional refrigerants. Increasingly, commercial and industrial refrigeration systems are using CO2, especially for supermarkets and cold storage. CO2-based systems provide energy efficiency and better performance, and this is boosting the demand for CO2 as a secondary refrigerant in the European and North American markets.
• Introduction of Glycol-Based Refrigerants in Cold Storage: Glycol secondary refrigerant have been a widely accepted solution in cold storage and industrial refrigeration. Ethylene and propylene glycol solutions possess superior thermal characteristics and facilitate effective heat transfer and temperature management in low-temperature conditions. As industries, especially the food and drink industry, seek dependable and cost-effective cooling solutions, glycol-based refrigerants are becoming increasingly popular for application on a large scale, particularly in environments where environmental friendliness and energy efficiency are of utmost importance.
• Low-GWP Secondary Refrigerants: With the world moving towards minimizing the environmental footprint of refrigeration systems, low Global Warming Potential (GWP) secondary refrigerant have been the industryÄX%$%Xs focus. These secondary refrigerant are being developed to comply with strict regulations while providing added efficiency and performance. Technological advancements in low-GWP refrigerants like R-1234yf and R-744 are promoting their use in industrial and commercial air conditioning systems as a more sustainable option than conventional refrigerants, and aligning with global efforts to cut emissions.
• Ammonia-Based Refrigerants Improvements: Ammonia remains a leading refrigerant in the industrial world, especially for industrial-scale refrigeration systems. Recent developments in ammonia-based systems have centered on enhanced safety features and system performance. Advances in leak detection technologies, system design, and ammonia refrigeration have made it increasingly acceptable to apply in commercial and industrial settings. Ammonia-based refrigerants are increasingly turning out to be an ideal solution for high-temperature capacity cooling systems, owing to their efficiency, inexpensive nature, and environmental attractiveness.
• Expansion of Refrigerant Management Solutions: Increased emphasis on sustainability and compliance with regulations has resulted in the creation of innovative refrigerant management solutions. Such solutions enable the monitoring, managing, and lowering of refrigerant consumption, increasing system efficiency, and reducing environmental footprint. As a response to more stringent regulation of refrigerant emissions, several companies are implementing these solutions in order to boost their operational sustainability. These systems are increasingly becoming essential for industries seeking to uphold environmental compliance while maximizing their usage of refrigerants and efficiency in energy usage.
These developments are having a positive effect on the secondary refrigerant market by enhancing sustainability, minimizing environmental footprint, and enhancing energy efficiency. The transition to natural refrigerants, like CO2 and ammonia, along with the technology to better manage refrigerants and low-GWP options, is opening the door for more efficient, environmentally friendly cooling technologies. These technologies are not just fueling market growth but also changing the design and operation of refrigeration systems to ensure future systems are compatible with global environmental aspirations.
Strategic Growth Opportunities in the Secondary Refrigerant Market
The secondary refrigerant market is experiencing strong growth, spurred by growing demand for energy-efficient and eco-friendly refrigeration systems. Secondary refrigerants play a critical role in numerous applications, ranging from food storage to industrial cooling, providing the benefit of enhancing efficiency with lower environmental impact of refrigeration systems. With industries attempting to minimize energy consumption and abide by environmental legislations, growth opportunities in strategy are unfolding in various industries. Below are prominent growth opportunities based on application that contribute to market growth and adoption of more sustainable refrigeration technology.
• Cold Storage Industry: The cold storage sector is one major growth area for secondary refrigerant as it is boosted by growing demand for food preservation and temperature-controlled products. Secondary refrigerants, such as glycol-based systems, are increasingly important in ensuring energy-efficient cooling in large cold storage facilities. Secondary refrigerants are more efficient in heat transfer, minimize energy consumption, and maintain improved temperature control. As international food trade grows, with more emphasis placed on minimizing food waste, the cold storage industry is set to grow even further, reinforcing the application of secondary refrigerant to enhance refrigeration performance and lower operating expenses.
• Commercial Refrigeration: Commercial refrigeration is one of the most extensive uses of secondary refrigerant in supermarkets, restaurants, and food retail. As demand increases for more environmentally friendly refrigeration methods, secondary refrigerant like CO2 and ammonia are increasingly popular due to their minimal environmental footprint and efficiency. Secondary refrigerants provide greater temperature control and reduced use of primary refrigerants, therefore maximizing the performance of commercial refrigeration systems. This opportunity for growth is being further driven by the increased global move towards sustainable refrigerant solutions as well as the more stringent regulatory demands that seek to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
• Industrial Refrigeration: Secondary refrigerants serve an important function in cooling operations within industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and automotive production in industrial refrigeration. Glycol and ammonia-based secondary refrigerant facilitate effective cooling in the industrial sector. These systems provide improved thermal control and energy efficiency, which are critical for high-cooling-demand industries. As industries target improving operating efficiency and environmental sustainability, the need for secondary refrigerant in industrial refrigeration systems will increase, presenting a high growth prospect in this industry.
• Air Conditioning Systems: Residential and commercial air conditioning systems are incorporating secondary refrigerant to improve energy efficiency and system performance. Secondary refrigerants, including glycol solutions and brine, are employed in district cooling systems to enhance heat transfer and thermal control. With rising global temperatures and growing cooling requirements, especially in cities, secondary refrigerant are increasingly the backbone of green air conditioning systems. This opportunity in the market is fueled by increased demand for efficient air conditioning technology that reduces not only energy use but also its environmental footprint.
• District Cooling Systems: District cooling systems, which cool several buildings off from a common plant, are increasingly using secondary refrigerant in order to boost efficiency and sustainability. With the use of secondary refrigerant such as chilled water or brine, district cooling systems can become more energy efficient, decrease the environmental impact, and save costs. District cooling systems are being increasingly used in densely populated cities with high cooling loads, including commercial centers and residential estates. With the international trend toward smart cities and energy-efficient technologies, district cooling systems are witnessing strong growth, and secondary refrigerant are becoming an essential part of their success.
The opportunities of strategic growth across different applications are propelling the use of secondary refrigerant, especially in cold storage, commercial refrigeration, and district cooling systems. As consumers and industries increasingly need more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly refrigeration products, these opportunities are fueling the transition toward cleaner alternatives. The growing regulatory pressure for reduced environmental footprint and enhanced energy efficiency is likely to continue to drive market growth. These opportunities are transforming the refrigeration sector by encouraging the extensive application of secondary refrigerant that improve system performance, lower operating expenses, and address environmental objectives.
Secondary Refrigerant Market Driver and Challenges
The secondary refrigerant market is driven by a variety of drivers and challenges. Technological developments, policy changes, and economic conditions are some of the main drivers fueling growth in the market. However, obstacles like high capital expenses and regulatory complexity need to be overcome in order to tap into the full potential of secondary refrigerant. Recognizing these dynamics is essential for players in the refrigeration industry to adjust to evolving market realities and take advantage of new opportunities.
The factors responsible for driving the secondary refrigerant market include:
1. Advances in Refrigeration Systems Technology: Refrigeration technology advancements are one of the major drivers of the secondary refrigerant market. Increased efficiency in secondary refrigerant and technological advancements in heat exchange technology are enhancing the performance of refrigeration systems overall. With improved energy efficiency and eco-friendliness, secondary refrigerant are being increasingly adopted by industries. The growth of intelligent refrigeration systems, coupled with automated management and monitoring, is also boosting the demand for secondary refrigerant, particularly in industries that demand high temperature control.
2. Regulatory Push for Sustainable Refrigerants: Regulatory reform is also largely pushing the uptake of secondary refrigerant. Increased regulations on the use of destructive refrigerants, including those with high global warming potential (GWP), have encouraged industries to find alternatives. Governments globally are pursuing policies promoting the adoption of low-GWP, energy-efficient secondary refrigerant. For example, in Europe, the F-Gas regulation is compelling industries to transition to sustainable refrigerants, directly favoring the secondary refrigerant market. These policy pressures will remain drivers of growth, more so in commercial and industrial refrigeration applications.
3. Energy Efficiency Demands: With growing energy costs and sustainability issues, companies are placing greater emphasis on enhancing energy efficiency within their refrigeration systems. Secondary refrigerants, which ensure maximum cooling and minimize energy use, are becoming key to addressing these needs. The employment of secondary refrigerant such as glycol and brine provides energy savings through enabling primary refrigerants to work more efficiently. This driver is especially important in cold storage, commercial refrigeration, and industrial applications, where energy savings can translate to major cost savings in operations over the long term.
4. Need for Eco-Friendly Solutions: Global demand for environmentally friendly refrigeration solutions is on the rise, fueled by concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability. Secondary refrigerants, as a sector that tends to have lower environmental footprints than conventional refrigerants, are becoming increasingly popular as part of the larger trend towards more sustainable technologies. Increased focus on environmental issues combined with government support for green technologies means companies are looking to adopt environment-friendly refrigerants. One of the major trends driving expansion in the secondary refrigerant market is the move towards sustainability.
5. Growth of Cold Storage and Food Processing Sectors: The expansion of the food processing and cold storage industries is the key driver for the secondary refrigerant market. With the growth in global demand for perishables, the demand for effective refrigeration solutions also grows. Secondary refrigerants play a critical role in maximizing the performance of refrigeration systems within these industries by providing improved temperature control, energy efficiency, and lower operating expenses. The growth of cold storage and food processing plants, especially in developing economies, is likely to continue fueling the demand for secondary refrigerant.
Challenges in the secondary refrigerant market are:
1. High Upfront Investment Costs: One of the biggest challenges for the secondary refrigerant market is the initial capital expenditure involved in the implementation of sophisticated refrigeration systems utilizing secondary refrigerant. The financial burden of replacing the conventional refrigerants with secondary refrigerant, along with installation of new equipment and infrastructure, may act as a deterrent for certain companies, especially small and medium enterprises. Although the energy savings and operational efficiency over the long term are tremendous, the initial expenditure can act as a disincentive to take up adoption, especially in industries where costs are a sensitivity.
2. Regulatory Complexity: The regulatory environment for refrigerants is complicated and dynamic. Firms within the refrigeration sector have to contend with different regulations at local, national, and international levels, which may lead to uncertainty and elevated compliance expenses. Compliance with shifting requirements for the use of refrigerants, emission cuts, and environmental effects may be difficult. This regulatory complexity may retard the adoption rate of secondary refrigerant since companies need to make sure that their systems comply with everything without disrupting operations.
3. Technical Issues with Secondary Refrigerants: Notwithstanding the benefits of secondary refrigerant, there are technical issues that may limit their widespread adoption. Some of these issues relate to compatibility with the current system, the complexity of managing the fluid, and possible difficulties in maintaining consistent temperature control. In addition, although secondary refrigerant are energy-saving, effectiveness is limited by the configuration of the refrigeration equipment in which they are incorporated. Overcoming these technical hurdles calls for ongoing innovation and investment in research and development to enhance the performance and integration of secondary refrigerant.
The drivers and challenges facing the secondary refrigerant market make for an evolving landscape. While technological advancements, regulatory support, and rising energy efficiency demands are fueling market growth, the challenges of high initial costs, complex regulatory compliance, and technical hurdles must be addressed. Companies that can overcome these challenges, particularly through innovation and strategic investment in sustainable technologies, will be well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities in the secondary refrigerant sector. The ongoing emphasis on green and energy-efficient refrigeration technologies will eventually propel the market towards greener practices.
List of Secondary Refrigerant Companies
Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. With these strategies secondary refrigerant companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the secondary refrigerant companies profiled in this report include-
• Linde Group
• A-Gas International
• Dow Chemical
• Eastman
• Clariant
• Tazzetti
• Arteco Coolants
• Temper Technology
• Srs Frigadon
• Hydratech
Secondary Refrigerant Market by Segment
The study includes a forecast for the global secondary refrigerant market by type, application, and region.
Secondary Refrigerant Market by Type [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Glycols
• Salt Brines
• Carbon Dioxide
• Others
Secondary Refrigerant Market by Application [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Commercial Refrigeration
• Industrial Refrigeration
• Heat Pumps
• Air Conditioning
Secondary Refrigerant Market by Region [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• The Rest of the World
Country Wise Outlook for the Secondary Refrigerant Market
The secondary refrigerant market has been growing at a fast pace as a result of the increasing need for energy-efficient and eco-friendly refrigeration systems. Secondary refrigerants are utilized in cooling systems to transfer heat from the primary refrigerants to the surroundings, improving system efficiency and minimizing energy usage. Over the last few years, the market has witnessed tremendous shifts, especially in nations such as the United States, China, Germany, India, and Japan, due to technological innovation, regulatory reforms, and the emphasis on sustainable and environmentally friendly options. These shifts are contributing to the shaping of the future of refrigeration systems across the world.
• United States: In the US, the secondary refrigerant market has been growing steadily because of the use of energy-efficient technologies and an emphasis on sustainability. New refrigerants like CO2, glycol-based fluids, and ammonia are commonly used as secondary coolants for commercial and industrial applications. Moreover, regulatory shifts from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have driven the use of environmentally friendly refrigerants that meet more stringent emissions regulations. The U.S. companies are concentrating on creating and employing non-toxic, non-flammable refrigerants to meet their sustainability objectives and minimize the carbon footprint of refrigeration systems.
• China: China is projected to undergo a substantial shift in its secondary refrigerant market, supported by the industrialization of the nation and increasing demand for cooling systems. The governmentÄX%$%Xs initiative towards sustainability and energy efficiency is promoting the adoption of environmentally friendly secondary refrigerant. Specifically, China is investing in CO2 and ammonia-based refrigerants, which are gaining applications in the food and beverage, industrial, and cold storage markets. The countryÄX%$%Xs emphasis on lowering greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency is boosting the development of refrigerant technologies, which will further boost growth in the years to come.
• Germany: GermanyÄX%$%Xs secondary refrigerant market has been characterized by the uptake of sustainable refrigerants and energy-efficient technologies, more so in the industrial and commercial segments. Germany has imposed stringent regulations to mitigate the use of harmful refrigerants such as HFCs, resulting in the growing uptake of ammonia, CO2, and other natural refrigerants. Such refrigerants, in many cases utilized in combination with secondary refrigerant, enable greater energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. GermanyÄX%$%Xs dedication to sustainability, coupled with robust R&D efforts by manufacturers, has made the country a world leader in the transition towards environmentally friendly refrigeration technologies.
• India: India is experiencing a boom in the demand for secondary refrigerant as the nationÄX%$%Xs industrial and commercial sectors keep growing. As energy usage is growing and there is a requirement for efficient cooling technologies, India is moving more and more towards secondary refrigerant like glycol and CO2 that assist in improving refrigeration efficiency and minimizing costs of operation. Government policies for the implementation of energy-efficient technology along with a growing awareness about environmental issues are leading to increased usage of these refrigerants. The market is also experiencing growth with respect to the use of natural refrigerants, specifically in commercial refrigeration and cold storage.
• Japan: JapanÄX%$%Xs secondary refrigerant market is changing as the nation adopts technological advances in refrigeration systems. Japan has dramatically advanced its adoption of CO2, ammonia, and glycol-based refrigerants, particularly for commercial and industrial use. The nationÄX%$%Xs strict environmental policies and focus on lowering greenhouse gas emissions are fueling the need for more environmentally friendly refrigerants. JapanÄX%$%Xs strong infrastructure and research base are also helping to advance next-generation secondary refrigerant, which will further minimize energy use and lower the environmental footprint of refrigeration systems.
Features of the Global Secondary Refrigerant Market
Market Size Estimates: Secondary refrigerant market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2019 to 2024) and forecast (2025 to 2031) by various segments and regions.
Segmentation Analysis: Secondary refrigerant market size by type, application, and region in terms of value ($B).
Regional Analysis: Secondary refrigerant market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different type, application, and regions for the secondary refrigerant market.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the secondary refrigerant market.
Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.
FAQ
Q1. What is the growth forecast for secondary refrigerant market?
Answer: The global secondary refrigerant market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 6.4% from 2025 to 2031.
Q2. What are the major drivers influencing the growth of the secondary refrigerant market?
Answer: The major drivers for this market are the rising demand for energy-efficient cooling solutions, the growing focus on reducing environmental impact, and the increasing use in food preservation & industrial applications.
Q3. What are the major segments for secondary refrigerant market?
Answer: The future of the secondary refrigerant market looks promising with opportunities in the commercial refrigeration, industrial refrigeration, heat pump, and air conditioning markets.
Q4. Who are the key secondary refrigerant market companies?
Answer: Some of the key secondary refrigerant companies are as follows:
• Linde Group
• A-Gas International
• Dow Chemical
• Eastman
• Clariant
• Tazzetti
• Arteco Coolants
• Temper Technology
• Srs Frigadon
• Hydratech
Q5. Which secondary refrigerant market segment will be the largest in future?
Answer: Lucintel forecasts that, within the type category, glycol is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Q6. In secondary refrigerant market, which region is expected to be the largest in next 5 years?
Answer: In terms of region, APAC is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Q7. Do we receive customization in this report?
Answer: Yes, Lucintel provides 10% customization without any additional cost.
This report answers following 11 key questions:
Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the secondary refrigerant market by type (glycols, salt brines, carbon dioxide, and others), application (commercial refrigeration, industrial refrigeration, heat pumps, and air conditioning), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.5. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.7. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.10. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.11. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?
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