Global refrigerant market: Towards $36.7 billion by 2030

The refrigerant market is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by two converging forces: the expanding demand for cooling and the need to reduce the environmental impact of the technologies used .

Prospects point to steady growth in the sector, which could reach a total value of $36.7 billion by 2030 , outlining a scenario in which innovation, regulation and industrial applications become increasingly interconnected.

Growth in demand and technological transition

Increasing refrigeration needs in the industrial, commercial, and logistics sectors continue to drive global demand for refrigerants.

The spread of the cold chain, the evolution of food retail, and the development of temperature-controlled storage and transport infrastructure are expanding the scope of industrial refrigeration.

At the same time, the market is called upon to deal with increasingly stringent environmental regulations , which are pushing towards the progressive abandonment of high GWP refrigerants.

This context is accelerating the transition towards low-climate impact fluids and towards technical solutions capable of ensuring energy efficiency, operational safety, and long-term regulatory compliance.

Natural refrigerants, retrofits and hybrid systems

In the industrial and commercial sectors, the transition to alternative refrigerants is now a structural process.

The adoption of CO₂, ammonia, and hydrocarbons is growing especially in larger-scale applications, where efficiency and service continuity are key factors. At the same time, investments in retrofit technologies and hybrid systems, designed to accommodate the replacement of traditional fluids without disrupting the operation of existing systems, are increasing.

In retail and commercial refrigeration, transcritical and hybrid CO₂ solutions are consolidating their role, offering an increasingly effective balance between sustainability, performance, and safety. This approach allows companies to plan the transition gradually, limiting technical and economic risks.

Geographic dynamics and technological leadership

Geographically, the Asia-Pacific region continues to record the highest growth rates, thanks to industrial development and the expansion of refrigeration infrastructure. At the same time, Europe is strengthening its position as a hub of technological innovation, supported by an advanced regulatory framework and decarbonization policies that directly influence the evolution of refrigerants.

The result is a market increasingly oriented toward "future-proof" solutions , designed to meet today's needs and tomorrow's constraints. The choice of refrigerant thus becomes a strategic decision, capable of impacting competitiveness, sustainability, and the longevity of investments over time.

An evolving scenario for the HVAC/R supply chain

The growth of the refrigerant market is not just a question of volumes, but reflects a profound change in the structure of the refrigeration supply chain.

Manufacturers, designers, and operators are called upon to confront a context in which fluid innovation, system compatibility, and regulatory compliance become central elements of design.

For the industrial and commercial refrigeration sector, understanding these dynamics means anticipating technological choices and positioning oneself consciously within a market destined to evolve rapidly in the coming years.