BITZER hosted the Industrial Refrigeration Network Conference (IRN) 2026 at the SCHAUFLER Academy in Rottenburg-Ergenzingen, Germany, on 10 and 11 June under the motto “Driving Natural Innovation.” The event focused on natural refrigerants in industrial refrigeration and heat pump technology.
The conference was held for the third time at BITZER’s international training and education centre. More than 100 participants from 19 countries attended technical discussions, case studies and presentations by conference sponsors on current and future industry requirements.
A keynote by Yesenia Rector, Vice President of the International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration (IIAR), addressed international developments in natural refrigerants. She discussed experiences, regulatory and technological developments, and the use of natural refrigerants reliably, efficiently and safely on a large scale.
Further presentations covered speakers’ work and trends from their organisations, with a continued focus on natural refrigerants and solutions for industrial refrigeration and heat pump technology. The IRN, launched in 2024, brings together manufacturers, contractors, planners, users, researchers, students and industry association representatives for technical exchange on industrial refrigeration in Europe.
“The Tech Talks by the sponsors also provided valuable impulses for professional exchange on how the uses of natural refrigerants are continuing to evolve in Europe and the opportunities this creates,” said Bernhard Blaeser, Head of Industrial Refrigeration at BITZER. “That is exactly why the IRN was launched: to discuss developments, innovations, experience and practical applications within the industry. We thank the IIAR, and all other speakers for this technical exchange.”
