PUBLISHER: Stratistics Market Research Consulting | PRODUCT CODE: 1766068
PUBLISHER: Stratistics Market Research Consulting | PRODUCT CODE: 1766068
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Secondary Refrigerants Market is accounted for $927.9 million in 2025 and is expected to reach $1729.3 million by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period. Secondary refrigerants are heat transfer fluids used to transport thermal energy from one location to another, typically in cooling or refrigeration systems where the primary refrigerant does not circulate directly. These fluids absorb heat from the target area and carry it to the evaporator, where the primary refrigerant removes it. Common secondary refrigerants include water, brines (such as calcium chloride or sodium chloride solutions), and glycol-based solutions. They are widely used in applications like cold storage, ice rinks, and air conditioning systems to reduce the quantity and potential leakage of primary refrigerants, thereby enhancing system safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance.
Stringent Environmental Regulations
Stringent environmental restrictions are benefiting the Secondary Refrigerants Market by encouraging the transition from hazardous primary refrigerants to environmentally benign alternatives. In line with sustainability objectives, these rules encourage the use of secondary refrigerants that have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and low global warming potential (GWP). Businesses are investing more in secondary systems as governments impose stronger emission regulations and phase out HFCs and CFCs. This change stimulates innovation and demand for safer, more energy-efficient refrigerant systems in addition to ensuring compliance.
High Initial Installation Cost
The high initial installation cost significantly hampers the growth of the secondary refrigerants market. Advanced system components, complex infrastructure requirements, and specialized design drive up capital expenses, making adoption less feasible for small and medium enterprises. This financial barrier discourages widespread implementation, especially in developing regions, where budget constraints are critical. Consequently, potential users often opt for traditional systems, slowing market penetration and limiting long-term sustainability advancements.
Growth of Industrial and Commercial Refrigeration
The growth of industrial and commercial refrigeration significantly drives the secondary refrigerants market. Rising demand for cold storage, food processing, and large-scale HVAC systems has led to increased adoption of secondary refrigerants due to their efficiency and safety benefits. Supermarkets, refrigerated warehouses, and ice rinks increasingly prefer secondary refrigerants to meet sustainability and regulatory goals. This trend enhances market penetration, particularly in developed regions focused on reducing direct emissions from primary refrigerants while ensuring optimal thermal performance and system reliability.
System Complexity
The complexity of secondary refrigerant systems poses a significant hindrance to market growth. These systems require specialized design, additional components like heat exchangers and pumps, and skilled installation, increasing initial setup and maintenance costs. Such technical challenges can deter adoption, especially among small- and medium-sized enterprises. The need for technical expertise and the risk of operational inefficiencies further limits widespread usage, restraining the overall expansion of the Secondary Refrigerants Market.
Covid-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily disrupted the Secondary Refrigerants Market due to supply chain interruptions, reduced industrial activities, and delays in construction and refrigeration projects. Lockdowns and restrictions slowed down demand in key end-use industries like food processing and chemicals. However, as economies reopened, the market gradually recovered, driven by renewed industrial demand and increased focus on efficient, environmentally friendly refrigeration solutions to meet evolving regulatory and safety standards.
The pharmaceutical segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The pharmaceutical segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to its stringent temperature control requirements for drug storage and transportation. Secondary refrigerants offer enhanced thermal stability and energy efficiency, making them ideal for maintaining precise temperature ranges critical in pharmaceutical applications. The rise in vaccine production, biopharmaceuticals, and cold chain logistics further fuels demand. As pharmaceutical companies expand their global operations, the need for reliable refrigeration solutions boosts adoption of secondary refrigerants across the industry.
The heat pumps segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the heat pumps segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, due to demand for efficient and eco-friendly thermal energy transfer systems. As heat pumps gain popularity in residential, commercial, and industrial applications due to their energy efficiency and low environmental impact, the need for secondary refrigerants that ensure safe, reliable, and effective heat exchange rises. Additionally, government incentives promoting heat pump installations further fuel the adoption of secondary refrigerants, strengthening market growth and innovation in sustainable cooling and heating technologies.
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share due to rapid industrialization, rising commercial infrastructure, and stringent environmental regulations are encouraging the adoption of secondary refrigerants. Additionally, expanding cold chain logistics and growing awareness of sustainable refrigeration practices are further propelling market expansion. Countries like China, India, and Japan are key contributors, supported by government incentives and rising investments in HVAC and industrial refrigeration systems across the region.
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, owing to rising demand for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly refrigeration systems. Strict regulatory standards, such as those from the EPA, are encouraging the shift away from primary refrigerants with high global warming potential. Additionally, the region's strong industrial base, particularly in food processing and cold chain logistics, is boosting adoption. Technological advancements and increasing investments in HVACR infrastructure are further supporting the market's expansion across North America.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players profiled in the Secondary Refrigerants Market include Dow Chemical Company, BASF SE, Clariant AG, Arteco NV, Eastman Chemical Company, Dynalene Inc., Brinecool Refrigeration, Hydratech, Haldor Topsoe A/S, Linde plc, Kilfrost Ltd, MPG Company, Sasol Limited, ChemPoint, Solvay SA, Perstorp Holding AB, Houghton International, Tetra Chemicals Europe AB and Axima Refrigeration.
In April 2025, BASF announced its first Canadian Master Research Agreement (MRA) with the University of Toronto, marking a significant milestone in the company's efforts to expand its research collaborations in North America. This partnership aims to streamline innovation projects and foster collaboration between BASF researchers and Canadian academics.
In October 2024, BASF made a strategic partnership with Aspen Aerogels to enhance its aerogel product offerings and expand its market reach. This partnership is set to drive innovation in aerogel technologies, particularly in high-performance insulation materials.
In July 2024, BASF launched Haptex 4.0, an innovative polyurethane solution for the production of synthetic leather that is 100% recyclable. Synthetic leather made with Haptex 4.0 and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric can be recycled together using an innovative formulation and recycling technical pathway without the need of layer peel-off process.