The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) has introduced a new concept and brand identity that position the intergovernmental organisation as a bridge between science, policy and industry across refrigeration and heat pump technologies. Announced on 21 April 2026 in France, the changes also include a restructured membership framework. The IIR said the update is intended to reaffirm its mission to foster collaboration and enhance knowledge on all aspects of refrigeration and heat pump technologies and their applications.
At the centre of the new concept is a revised institutional framework built around mission, vision and values. The IIR defines its mission as fostering collaboration and enhancing knowledge on all aspects of refrigeration and heat pump technologies and their applications to contribute to a sustainable future for all. Its vision is framed as “Science of cold in action,” with sustainable refrigeration and heat pumps for all as the long-term objective.
The IIR said refrigeration and heating together account for about 49% of global final energy consumption, while demand for efficient cooling, sustainable cold chains and heat pump deployment continues to grow. It presents refrigeration as critical infrastructure for food safety, health products, data centres, air conditioning, cryogenics and heating applications, while heat pumps are identified as a key tool for decarbonising heating and improving energy security. The organisation said its role is to turn scientific progress into practical applications through conferences, briefs, reports, data tools and policy support.
According to the IIR, the new logo reflects the organisation’s pillars of science, policy and industry through dots around the periphery, its global reach through a world motif and cold through a snowflake. The institute said the dots are separated from the rest of the logo to highlight its independence, while a vertical equals sign at the centre represents the need for all nations to have equal access to refrigeration resources and efficient refrigeration equipment. Separate English and French versions of the logo have also been introduced.
The IIR has also reorganised its membership structure around five pillars: network, science, data, policy and action. The organisation brings together 59 parties to the treaty, more than 390 experts, 10 commissions and two sub-commissions, while its FRIDOC database contains more than 110,000 references. To support the new framework, the IIR will launch a series of webinars throughout 2026 for country representatives, corporate members and private members.
“Refrigeration is not just a resource; it is a fundamental right. It protects lives, preserves food and supports economies, yet it is often invisible. Today, we highlight the urgency not just to recognise its importance, but to turn science into action,” said Yosr Allouche, IIR Director General.
