Global Natural Refrigerants Market Overview
The Global Natural Refrigerants Market is expected to grow at a healthy pace during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035, driven by increasing environmental regulations, global climate commitments, and the phasedown of high-GWP synthetic refrigerants. Natural refrigerants—including ammonia, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons—are gaining widespread adoption due to their low global warming potential (GWP), zero ozone depletion potential (ODP), and long-term regulatory acceptance.
The Natural Refrigerants Market Report 2025 provides an in-depth analysis of market size, structural evolution, and growth drivers across refrigeration and air-conditioning applications. The report evaluates historical performance and current industry dynamics to forecast future market development. Extensive primary and secondary research has been employed to analyze factors such as international climate agreements, energy-efficiency regulations, refrigerant safety standards, technological advancements in system design, infrastructure modernization, and competitive developments. The study also examines supply-chain structures and emerging end-use trends influencing the global natural refrigerants industry.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Natural Refrigerants Market
The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the natural refrigerants market in 2020 due to disruptions in manufacturing activities, delayed commercial construction projects, and reduced industrial demand. Supply-chain interruptions and postponement of refrigeration and HVAC installations impacted short-term growth. However, the market recovered steadily as cold-chain infrastructure expansion, food storage demand, healthcare refrigeration, and regulatory momentum toward low-GWP refrigerants regained strength. Post-pandemic recovery has been supported by renewed investments in sustainable cooling technologies.
Global Natural Refrigerants Market Segmentation
By Type
Ammonia
Ammonia is widely used in large-scale industrial refrigeration due to its high energy efficiency and zero GWP. It is extensively adopted in food processing, cold storage, and industrial cooling applications.
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
Carbon dioxide refrigerants are increasingly used in commercial refrigeration, supermarkets, and heat pump systems. CO₂ systems are favored for their environmental benefits and compatibility with stringent climate regulations.
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbon refrigerants, such as propane and isobutane, are widely used in domestic refrigeration, commercial equipment, and small air-conditioning systems. Their low GWP and high efficiency support strong adoption, particularly in residential and light commercial applications.
Others
This category includes emerging natural refrigerants and blends used in niche or specialized cooling applications.
By Application
Refrigeration
Refrigeration is the largest application segment, driven by demand from food & beverage processing, cold storage, supermarkets, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. Expansion of cold-chain infrastructure is a major growth factor.
Air Conditioning
Natural refrigerants are increasingly adopted in residential, commercial, and industrial air-conditioning systems due to regulatory restrictions on synthetic refrigerants and rising energy-efficiency requirements.
Others
Other applications include heat pumps, industrial process cooling, and specialized temperature-control systems.
Key Players in the Global Natural Refrigerants Market
The natural refrigerants market is moderately fragmented, with global suppliers and regional distributors focusing on refrigerant purity, regulatory compliance, safety, and distribution networks. Major companies include:
These companies compete on refrigerant portfolio breadth, compliance with environmental standards, distribution reach, pricing, and technical support. Strategic initiatives include expansion of low-GWP refrigerant offerings, investments in safety-enhanced refrigerant solutions, partnerships with HVAC manufacturers, and regional capacity expansion.
Regional Analysis
North America
North America is a significant market for natural refrigerants, supported by regulatory pressure to reduce HFC usage and increasing adoption of sustainable HVAC systems. The United States leads regional demand due to commercial refrigeration upgrades and cold-chain expansion.
Europe
Europe represents a mature and high-value market, driven by strict environmental regulations and early adoption of natural refrigerants. Germany, the U.K., France, Italy, and Nordic countries lead regional implementation in commercial refrigeration and industrial cooling.
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing regional market, driven by rapid urbanization, expanding cold-chain infrastructure, and growing air-conditioning demand. China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia dominate regional growth due to large-scale manufacturing and food distribution needs.
South America
South America shows moderate growth potential, supported by rising food exports, cold storage development, and gradual regulatory alignment with global climate standards. Brazil and Argentina are key markets.
Middle East & Africa
The Middle East & Africa region is experiencing steady growth, driven by rising cooling demand, infrastructure development, and increasing awareness of sustainable refrigeration solutions. Saudi Arabia and South Africa are major contributors.
Drivers, Restraints, Trends & Opportunities (DRTO)
Market Drivers
Global Phase-Down of High-GWP Synthetic Refrigerants
International climate commitments and national regulations aimed at reducing hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) usage are strongly accelerating adoption of natural refrigerants with near-zero GWP.
Rapid Expansion of Cold Chain and Food Logistics Infrastructure
Growth in food processing, pharmaceutical storage, vaccine distribution, and temperature-controlled logistics is driving demand for efficient and environmentally compliant refrigeration systems.
Rising Energy Efficiency Requirements
Natural refrigerants such as ammonia, CO₂, and hydrocarbons offer superior thermodynamic efficiency, supporting compliance with increasingly stringent energy-performance standards.
Long-Term Regulatory Certainty
Unlike synthetic alternatives, natural refrigerants face minimal regulatory risk, encouraging long-term investments by equipment manufacturers and end users.
Market Restraints
Safety and Handling Challenges
Some natural refrigerants present flammability (hydrocarbons) or toxicity (ammonia) risks, requiring specialized system design, trained personnel, and higher upfront safety investment.
High Initial System Conversion Costs
Retrofitting or replacing existing HFC-based systems with natural refrigerant technology can involve higher capital expenditure.
Limited Skilled Workforce in Emerging Markets
Lack of trained technicians and service infrastructure in developing regions can slow adoption.
Market Trends
Shift Toward CO₂ Transcritical Systems
CO₂-based systems are increasingly adopted in commercial refrigeration, particularly supermarkets, due to regulatory acceptance and improving system efficiency.
Growth of Hydrocarbon Refrigerants in Small Systems
Propane and isobutane are gaining rapid traction in domestic refrigeration, vending machines, and small commercial units.
Integration of Natural Refrigerants in Heat Pumps
Natural refrigerants are increasingly used in heat pump systems for residential, commercial, and industrial heating applications.
Advancements in Safety-Focused System Design
Innovations in leak detection, ventilation, and charge-reduction technologies are addressing safety concerns and expanding application scope.
Market Opportunities
Emerging Market Cooling Demand
Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America present significant growth opportunities due to urbanization, rising incomes, and expanding cooling needs.
Government Incentives and Green Financing
Subsidies, tax benefits, and green funding programs for low-carbon cooling systems enhance market attractiveness.
Replacement of Aging Refrigeration Infrastructure
Large installed bases of obsolete systems in developed markets offer long-term replacement demand.
Growth in Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Refrigeration
Increasing demand for temperature-sensitive medicines and vaccines creates new opportunities for natural refrigerant systems.
SWOT Analysis – Natural Refrigerants Market
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
Threat of New Entrants – Moderate
Technical expertise, safety compliance, and regulatory knowledge create moderate barriers, but entry is possible through distribution and servicing.
Bargaining Power of Suppliers – Moderate
Suppliers of refrigerant gases and cylinders have moderate influence, balanced by multiple global producers.
Bargaining Power of Buyers – High
Large HVAC OEMs, retailers, and industrial users possess strong negotiating power due to scale and multiple sourcing options.
Threat of Substitutes – Moderate
Low-GWP synthetic refrigerants and hybrid systems can substitute natural refrigerants in certain applications.
Competitive Rivalry – High
The market is competitive, with global gas suppliers, regional distributors, and specialized refrigerant companies competing on compliance, safety, and service capability.
Competitive Landscape Matrix
|
Company |
Refrigerant Portfolio |
Geographic Reach |
Core Focus |
Market Position |
|
The Linde Group |
Very Broad |
Global |
Industrial & Commercial |
Market Leader |
|
A-Gas International |
Broad |
Global |
Refrigerant Supply & Recovery |
Market Leader |
|
Airgas |
Broad |
North America |
Industrial Gases |
Strong Contender |
|
Tazzetti |
Broad |
Europe |
Refrigerants & Services |
Strong Contender |
|
Sinochem |
Broad |
Asia-Pacific |
Industrial Chemicals |
Strong Contender |
|
Harp International |
Medium |
Europe |
Refrigerants |
Competitive Player |
|
Hychill Australia |
Medium |
Asia-Pacific |
Hydrocarbon Refrigerants |
Niche Leader |
|
Engas Australasia |
Medium |
Asia-Pacific |
Gas Distribution |
Regional Player |
|
Refron |
Medium |
Global |
Refrigerant Blends |
Competitive Player |
|
Aeropres |
Medium |
North America |
Refrigerant Distribution |
Regional Player |
Executive Summary
The Global Natural Refrigerants Market is expected to grow steadily from 2025 to 2035, driven by regulatory mandates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, rising global cooling demand, and long-term environmental sustainability goals. Natural refrigerants—ammonia, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons—are increasingly replacing high-GWP synthetic refrigerants across refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat-pump applications.
Refrigeration remains the dominant application segment, supported by cold chain expansion, food security needs, and pharmaceutical logistics. Air-conditioning and heat-pump applications are gaining momentum as system designs evolve to safely accommodate natural refrigerants. While safety considerations and upfront costs pose challenges, continuous innovation in system engineering and regulatory clarity are accelerating adoption.
Regionally, Europe leads in natural refrigerant deployment due to strict environmental regulations, while North America is witnessing strong growth through supermarket conversions and cold storage investment. Asia-Pacific represents the fastest-growing market, driven by rapid urbanization, manufacturing expansion, and rising cooling demand.
Competitive dynamics are characterized by intense rivalry, with global gas suppliers, refrigerant specialists, and distributors focusing on compliance, safety innovation, and service capabilities. Overall, the natural refrigerants market offers strong long-term growth potential, underpinned by climate policy alignment, energy efficiency benefits, and expanding global cooling requirements.
1. Market Overview of Natural Refrigerants
1.1 Natural Refrigerants Market Overview
1.1.1 Natural Refrigerants Product Scope
1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook
1.2 Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Regions:
1.3 Natural Refrigerants Historic Market Size by Regions
1.4 Natural Refrigerants Forecasted Market Size by Regions
1.5 Covid-19 Impact on Key Regions, Keyword Market Size YoY Growth
1.5.1 North America
1.5.2 East Asia
1.5.3 Europe
1.5.4 South Asia
1.5.5 Southeast Asia
1.5.6 Middle East
1.5.7 Africa
1.5.8 Oceania
1.5.9 South America
1.5.10 Rest of the World
1.6 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Impact Will Have a Severe Impact on Global Growth
1.6.1 Covid-19 Impact: Global GDP Growth, Projections
1.6.2 Covid-19 Impact: Commodity Prices Indices
1.6.3 Covid-19 Impact: Global Major Government Policy
2. Covid-19 Impact Natural Refrigerants Sales Market by Type
2.1 Global Natural Refrigerants Historic Market Size by Type
2.2 Global Natural Refrigerants Forecasted Market Size by Type
2.3 Ammonia
2.4 Carbon Dioxide
2.5 Hydrocarbons
2.6 Others
3. Covid-19 Impact Natural Refrigerants Sales Market by Application
3.1 Global Natural Refrigerants Historic Market Size by Application
3.2 Global Natural Refrigerants Forecasted Market Size by Application
3.3 Refrigeration
3.4 Air Conditioning
3.5 Others
4. Covid-19 Impact Market Competition by Manufacturers
4.1 Global Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity Market Share by Manufacturers
4.2 Global Natural Refrigerants Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers
4.3 Global Natural Refrigerants Average Price by Manufacturers
5. Company Profiles and Key Figures in Natural Refrigerants Business
5.1 Root Neal
5.1.1 Root Neal Company Profile
5.1.2 Root Neal Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.1.3 Root Neal Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.2 Brothers Supply
5.2.1 Brothers Supply Company Profile
5.2.2 Brothers Supply Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.2.3 Brothers Supply Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.3 A-Gas International
5.3.1 A-Gas International Company Profile
5.3.2 A-Gas International Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.3.3 A-Gas International Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.4 A.S. Trust and Holdings
5.4.1 A.S. Trust and Holdings Company Profile
5.4.2 A.S. Trust and Holdings Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.4.3 A.S. Trust and Holdings Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.5 Airgas
5.5.1 Airgas Company Profile
5.5.2 Airgas Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.5.3 Airgas Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.6 Engas Australasia
5.6.1 Engas Australasia Company Profile
5.6.2 Engas Australasia Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.6.3 Engas Australasia Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.7 Harp International
5.7.1 Harp International Company Profile
5.7.2 Harp International Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.7.3 Harp International Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.8 Hychill Australia
5.8.1 Hychill Australia Company Profile
5.8.2 Hychill Australia Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.8.3 Hychill Australia Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.9 Puyang Zhongwei Fine Chemical
5.9.1 Puyang Zhongwei Fine Chemical Company Profile
5.9.2 Puyang Zhongwei Fine Chemical Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.9.3 Puyang Zhongwei Fine Chemical Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.10 Shandong Yueon Chemical Industry
5.10.1 Shandong Yueon Chemical Industry Company Profile
5.10.2 Shandong Yueon Chemical Industry Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.10.3 Shandong Yueon Chemical Industry Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.11 Sinochem
5.11.1 Sinochem Company Profile
5.11.2 Sinochem Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.11.3 Sinochem Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.12 Tazzetti
5.12.1 Tazzetti Company Profile
5.12.2 Tazzetti Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.12.3 Tazzetti Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.13 The Linde Group
5.13.1 The Linde Group Company Profile
5.13.2 The Linde Group Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.13.3 The Linde Group Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.14 Gts
5.14.1 Gts Company Profile
5.14.2 Gts Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.14.3 Gts Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.15 Refron
5.15.1 Refron Company Profile
5.15.2 Refron Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.15.3 Refron Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.16 Earle M Jorgensen
5.16.1 Earle M Jorgensen Company Profile
5.16.2 Earle M Jorgensen Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.16.3 Earle M Jorgensen Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.17 Chemtura
5.17.1 Chemtura Company Profile
5.17.2 Chemtura Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.17.3 Chemtura Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.18 Aeropres
5.18.1 Aeropres Company Profile
5.18.2 Aeropres Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.18.3 Aeropres Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.19 Grainger Industrial Suppy
5.19.1 Grainger Industrial Suppy Company Profile
5.19.2 Grainger Industrial Suppy Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.19.3 Grainger Industrial Suppy Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.20 F.W. Webb
5.20.1 F.W. Webb Company Profile
5.20.2 F.W. Webb Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.20.3 F.W. Webb Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.21 W.D. Service
5.21.1 W.D. Service Company Profile
5.21.2 W.D. Service Natural Refrigerants Product Specification
5.21.3 W.D. Service Natural Refrigerants Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
6. North America
6.1 North America Natural Refrigerants Market Size
6.2 North America Natural Refrigerants Key Players in North America
6.3 North America Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Type
6.4 North America Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Application
7. East Asia
7.1 East Asia Natural Refrigerants Market Size
7.2 East Asia Natural Refrigerants Key Players in North America
7.3 East Asia Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Type
7.4 East Asia Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Application
8. Europe
8.1 Europe Natural Refrigerants Market Size
8.2 Europe Natural Refrigerants Key Players in North America
8.3 Europe Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Type
8.4 Europe Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Application
9. South Asia
9.1 South Asia Natural Refrigerants Market Size
9.2 South Asia Natural Refrigerants Key Players in North America
9.3 South Asia Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Type
9.4 South Asia Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Application
10. Southeast Asia
10.1 Southeast Asia Natural Refrigerants Market Size
10.2 Southeast Asia Natural Refrigerants Key Players in North America
10.3 Southeast Asia Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Type
10.4 Southeast Asia Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Application
11. Middle East
11.1 Middle East Natural Refrigerants Market Size
11.2 Middle East Natural Refrigerants Key Players in North America
11.3 Middle East Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Type
11.4 Middle East Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Application
12. Africa
12.1 Africa Natural Refrigerants Market Size
12.2 Africa Natural Refrigerants Key Players in North America
12.3 Africa Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Type
12.4 Africa Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Application
13. Oceania
13.1 Oceania Natural Refrigerants Market Size
13.2 Oceania Natural Refrigerants Key Players in North America
13.3 Oceania Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Type
13.4 Oceania Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Application
14. South America
14.1 South America Natural Refrigerants Market Size
14.2 South America Natural Refrigerants Key Players in North America
14.3 South America Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Type
14.4 South America Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Application
15. Rest of the World
15.1 Rest of the World Natural Refrigerants Market Size
15.2 Rest of the World Natural Refrigerants Key Players in North America
15.3 Rest of the World Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Type
15.4 Rest of the World Natural Refrigerants Market Size by Application
16 Natural Refrigerants Market Dynamics
16.1 Covid-19 Impact Market Top Trends
16.2 Covid-19 Impact Market Drivers
16.3 Covid-19 Impact Market Challenges
16.4 Porter?s Five Forces Analysis
18 Regulatory Information
17 Analyst's Viewpoints/Conclusions
18 Appendix
18.1 Research Methodology
18.1.1 Methodology/Research Approach
18.1.2 Data Source
18.2 Disclaimer
Global Natural Refrigerants Market Segmentation
By Type
Ammonia
Ammonia is widely used in large-scale industrial refrigeration due to its high energy efficiency and zero GWP. It is extensively adopted in food processing, cold storage, and industrial cooling applications.
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
Carbon dioxide refrigerants are increasingly used in commercial refrigeration, supermarkets, and heat pump systems. CO₂ systems are favored for their environmental benefits and compatibility with stringent climate regulations.
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbon refrigerants, such as propane and isobutane, are widely used in domestic refrigeration, commercial equipment, and small air-conditioning systems. Their low GWP and high efficiency support strong adoption, particularly in residential and light commercial applications.
Others
This category includes emerging natural refrigerants and blends used in niche or specialized cooling applications.
By Application
Refrigeration
Refrigeration is the largest application segment, driven by demand from food & beverage processing, cold storage, supermarkets, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. Expansion of cold-chain infrastructure is a major growth factor.
Air Conditioning
Natural refrigerants are increasingly adopted in residential, commercial, and industrial air-conditioning systems due to regulatory restrictions on synthetic refrigerants and rising energy-efficiency requirements.
Others
Other applications include heat pumps, industrial process cooling, and specialized temperature-control systems.
Key Players in the Global Natural Refrigerants Market
The natural refrigerants market is moderately fragmented, with global suppliers and regional distributors focusing on refrigerant purity, regulatory compliance, safety, and distribution networks. Major companies include:
These companies compete on refrigerant portfolio breadth, compliance with environmental standards, distribution reach, pricing, and technical support. Strategic initiatives include expansion of low-GWP refrigerant offerings, investments in safety-enhanced refrigerant solutions, partnerships with HVAC manufacturers, and regional capacity expansion.
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