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Press release: Strengthening Cold Chains: UNEP and IIR Release Three Technology Briefs and Announce Webinar Series

Nairobi, 3 November 2025 — The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) OzonAction are pleased to announce the release of three new Cold Chain Technology Briefs that address critical refrigeration challenges. These publications provide practical guidance to support countries in strengthening their cold chains by disseminating the latest knowledge on sustainable cold chain practices and emerging technologies, while considering different climate conditions and supporting national efforts under the Montreal Protocol and the Paris Agreement. 

 

The new cold chain technology briefs focus on: 

  • Refrigeration on Fishing Vessels: This brief highlights the urgent need to modernize onboard chilling and freezing systems to reduce food loss and greenhouse gas emissions. It presents a range of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies adapted to different vessel types and climatic conditions. 
  • Walk-in Cold Rooms (WICRs) in Article 5 Countries: WICRs are essential for preserving perishable foods in rural and peri-urban areas. This brief explores commercially available WICR technologies, refrigerants, and foam blowing agents, and provides recommendations to overcome affordability, technical, and policy barriers. 
  • Commercial, Professional, and Domestic Refrigeration: Covering the final stages of the cold chain, this brief examines temperature control, energy consumption, and refrigerant emissions in food retail, food service, and household refrigeration. It also outlines emerging technologies and policy options to improve performance and sustainability. 

 

The briefs are available in English and will soon be published in French and Spanish to ensure wider accessibility. 

 

In addition, a fourth brief on Refrigerated Road Transport in Hot Climates is currently under development and will be released soon. This upcoming publication will address the specific challenges of maintaining cold chain integrity in high-temperature environments, with a focus on solutions for hot climates. 

 

To promote knowledge sharing, IIR and UNEP OzonAction will host a three-part global webinar series in November and December 2025. Each session will present key findings from one of the briefs and feature expert speakers, case studies, and interactive discussions. 

 

Webinar Schedule: 

 

All webinars will be in English and French, and are free and open to the public.  

 

About the IIR: 

Founded in 1908, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) is an independent intergovernmental organisation committed to advancing refrigeration science and technology for a sustainable future through the development of science-based energy-efficient, low-impact refrigeration solutions. By fostering global collaboration and building knowledge on all aspects of refrigeration and heat pump technologies, the IIR plays a crucial role in tackling pressing issues such as food security, healthcare, and climate change. Through its extensive international network, expert commissions, and scientific initiatives, the IIR bridges the gap between knowledge and action, highlighting refrigeration’s role as critical infrastructure for all life forms on our planet.

 

Contact: 
📧 iif-iir@iifiir.org
🌐 www.iifiir.org | www.unep.org/ozonaction