Why Refrigerants Are the Next Critical Sustainability Frontier

With stricter regulations on the horizon, biopharma labs are being forced to rethink how they cool, store, and protect critical samples

By
Lu Wang
June 18, 2026
6 min

The Medicine Maker

Overview

Biopharma labs face significant challenges in transitioning to lower-GWP refrigerants due to regulatory pressures and the need to maintain strict temperature controls for biological samples.

Background

The biopharma sector is increasingly focused on sustainability, particularly in light of new regulations aimed at phasing out high-GWP refrigerants. These man-made greenhouse gases contribute significantly to global warming, necessitating a transition to more environmentally friendly alternatives.

Data Highlights

No numerical data provided in the article.

Key Findings

Fluorinated gases (F-gases) used in biopharma labs have high global warming potentials (GWPs).
New regulations from the EU and EPA are set to phase down the use of HFC refrigerants.
Transitioning to lower-GWP refrigerants poses challenges in maintaining performance and quality in lab settings.
CO₂ refrigerants are a sustainable option but require high-pressure operation, complicating design and costs.
Collaboration with suppliers is essential for successful adoption of low-GWP refrigerants.
Technical support from suppliers can facilitate the transition to new refrigerant technologies.

Clinical Implications

Biopharma labs must integrate refrigerant management into their sustainability strategies to ensure compliance with emerging regulations.

Conclusion

The transition to sustainable refrigerants in biopharma labs is a complex but necessary step towards achieving environmental goals and regulatory compliance.