Under the global “dual-carbon” strategy and the push for green transformation1, refrigerants have become a crucial topic not only in the refrigeration industry but across the entire manufacturing sector. The choice of refrigerants directly impacts the performance of chillers, air conditioners, and refrigerators, while also influencing environmental protection, energy efficiency, and sustainable development. Different countries, guided by varying policies and technologies, have formed their own “refrigerant maps.” As a pioneer in micro-environment cooling and high-precision temperature control, Coolingstyle is leveraging R290-based compact chillers2 to strike a balance between safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
I. Evolution of Refrigerants and Environmental Pressure
From CFCs in the mid-20th century, to HCFCs, then HFCs, and now low-GWP refrigerants3, the development of refrigerants is essentially a story of continuous innovation under the dual pressures of environmental regulation4 and technological progress.
II. Global Trends in Refrigerants
The choices made by different countries reflect differences in environmental standards5, technical maturity, safety regulations6, and cost considerations.
Since 2015, the EU has accelerated the phase-out of high-GWP refrigerants. By 2020, large-scale adoption of R2907 and other low-GWP refrigerants3 began. While R2907 delivers near “perfect” environmental performance, it also demands stringent equipment safety design, requiring companies to invest heavily in R&D for reliability.
In 2013, Japan led the global adoption of R328 in air conditioners, cutting the GWP nearly in half compared to R410A. At the same time, CO₂ has been widely used in refrigeration cabinets and heat pumps, earning Japan the reputation of a “CO₂ refrigerant leader9.”
In 2021, China joined the Kigali Amendment, committing to gradually reducing HFCs. The air-conditioning industry is rapidly shifting from R410A to R328, while R2907 is gaining momentum in chillers and other applications. As the world’s largest manufacturing hub, China’s transition is reshaping global market dynamics.
Since 2017, the U.S. automotive industry has adopted R1234yf10 to replace R134a. These HFOs11 are both environmentally friendly and safe, though higher costs and technical thresholds have slowed adoption in industrial applications.
- India: R32 and R290
India began promoting R32 air conditioners12 in 2013, followed by R290 in refrigerators13. With strong policy support and cost considerations, India has sought a balanced path between environmental responsibility and affordability.
III. The Advantages and Challenges of R290
Among low-GWP refrigerants, R290 (propane)14 stands out for its unique strengths:
- Outstanding environmental performance15: With a GWP value of just 3, it has virtually no impact on global warming.
- Excellent thermal properties16: Comparable or superior to traditional refrigerants, with lower energy consumption.
- Wide applicability17: Especially suitable for compact chillers and commercial refrigeration equipment.
However, R290 is mildly flammable, which raises safety concerns. This requires enhanced system design, optimized piping, leak protection, and intelligent monitoring to ensure safe operation.
IV. Coolingstyle’s Leadership in Green Refrigerants
As an innovator in micro-environment cooling and high-precision temperature control, Coolingstyle is at the forefront of the refrigerant transition.
- Early Adoption of R2907
Since 2024, Coolingstyle has integrated R2907 into its chiller R&D roadmap, firmly aligning with green development goals.
- Compact High-Precision Chillers18
With temperature control accuracy of ±0.01 °C, Coolingstyle’s chillers combine precision with low-GWP refrigerants, achieving the ideal balance of safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Equipped with self-developed DC inverter micro-compressors, each unit saves around 3,000 kWh of electricity annually, delivering both economic and environmental benefits.
Coolingstyle products are exported to over 30 countries and regions, widely applied in laser processing, semiconductor manufacturing, medical imaging, and other advanced industries.
Thanks to its commitment to innovation and responsibility, Coolingstyle has earned strong market recognition as well as honors such as the Red Light Award21, High-Quality Development Leading Enterprise22, and National “Little Giant” Specialized and Innovative Enterprise.
V. Future Outlook: Green and Smart Together
Looking ahead, refrigerant development will follow four key trends:
1. Accelerated adoption of low-GWP refrigerants3 such as R290, CO₂, and ammonia.
2. Dual focus on energy efficiency and precision, balancing performance, cost, and sustainability.
3. Intelligent system management23, including real-time monitoring and predictive safety alerts.
4. Full lifecycle environmental responsibility, covering production, use, and recycling.
Conclusion
Refrigerants are not just materials—they embody a responsibility to the environment and to future generations. While different countries pursue varying paths, the global consensus is clear: low-GWP refrigerants3 like R290 are shaping the industry’s future.
As a company with over a decade of dedication to refrigeration technology, Coolingstyle24 will continue to drive innovation with a green mission at its core, providing customers worldwide with more sustainable, efficient, and intelligent cooling solutions.
Temperature is more than a number—green is the future25.
- Discover insights on green transformation and its impact on sustainability in the manufacturing sector. ↩︎
- Explore this link to understand how R290 chillers enhance efficiency and sustainability in cooling solutions. ↩︎
- Exploring this link will provide insights into the advantages of low-GWP refrigerants in reducing environmental impact. ↩︎
- Understanding this topic will reveal the crucial role of regulations in shaping sustainable refrigerant technologies. ↩︎
- Understanding global environmental standards can help you navigate regulations and improve sustainability practices. ↩︎
- Exploring safety regulations can provide insights into best practices and compliance requirements in various regions. ↩︎
- Explore this link to understand the advantages and safety considerations of R290, a key player in eco-friendly refrigeration. ↩︎
- Explore this link to understand why R32 is a game-changer in energy efficiency and environmental impact. ↩︎
- Discover how Japan’s innovative use of CO₂ in refrigeration is setting global standards for sustainability. ↩︎
- Explore this link to understand the advantages of R1234yf, including its environmental benefits and safety features. ↩︎
- Learn more about HFOs and their environmental impact, which is crucial for understanding modern refrigerants. ↩︎
- Explore this link to understand the advantages of R32 air conditioners, including energy efficiency and lower environmental impact. ↩︎
- Discover the benefits of R290 in refrigerators, including its eco-friendliness and efficiency, by visiting this informative resource. ↩︎
- Explore the advantages of R290 (propane) to understand its environmental and efficiency benefits. ↩︎
- Learn how outstanding environmental performance influences refrigerant selection for sustainability. ↩︎
- Discover how excellent thermal properties can enhance energy efficiency and performance in refrigeration systems. ↩︎
- Learn about R290’s versatility in various refrigeration applications and its benefits for commercial use. ↩︎
- Learn about high-precision chillers, their technology, and how they ensure optimal temperature control in various industries. ↩︎
- Explore this link to understand how energy savings can significantly reduce costs and environmental impact. ↩︎
- Discover insights on how a global reach enhances market opportunities and customer access in various sectors. ↩︎
- Discover the importance of the Red Light Award and how it recognizes innovation and excellence in various industries. ↩︎
- Learn about the criteria and impact of being recognized as a High-Quality Development Leading Enterprise in today’s market. ↩︎
- Discover how intelligent system management can enhance HVAC systems through real-time monitoring and predictive alerts. ↩︎
- Explore Coolingstyle’s advancements in refrigeration technology and their commitment to sustainability. ↩︎
- Learn about the significance of green technology in shaping sustainable cooling solutions for the future. ↩︎
