The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) OzonAction and the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) have jointly released three new Cold Chain Technology Briefs aimed at addressing key refrigeration challenges. The publications provide practical guidance for countries to enhance sustainable cold chain systems in alignment with climate goals under the Montreal Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
The briefs cover three focus areas: refrigeration on fishing vessels, walk-in cold rooms in Article 5 countries, and refrigeration for commercial, professional, and domestic applications. Each brief outlines current technologies, environmental impacts, and policy considerations.
The brief on fishing vessels emphasizes modernizing onboard refrigeration systems to reduce food loss and greenhouse gas emissions, offering energy-efficient technologies suitable for various vessel types and climate zones.
The walk-in cold room brief highlights solutions for preserving perishables in rural and peri-urban areas, detailing available technologies, refrigerants, and foam blowing agents. It also identifies technical and policy barriers and provides recommendations for improvement.
The third brief addresses the final stages of the cold chain, focusing on refrigeration in food retail, food service, and households. It reviews temperature control, energy use, and emissions, and explores emerging technologies and policy options for enhanced sustainability.
To facilitate global knowledge exchange, UNEP and IIR will host a three-part webinar series in November and December 2025. Each session will present a specific brief, feature expert insights and case studies, and offer interactive discussions. All webinars will be conducted in English and French, and are open to the public free of charge.
Scheduled sessions include:
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“Refrigeration at Every Scale: From Homes to Supermarkets” – 18 November 2025
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“Marine Refrigeration: Keeping the Catch Cool from Sea to Shore” – 25 November 2025
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“Refrigerated Transport in Hot Climates: Challenges and Innovations” – date to be announced
Contact:
info@iifiir.org
www.iifiir.org | www.unep.org/ozonaction
