세계의 냉동기유 시장은 2024년에 12억 5,000만 달러로 평가되고 예측 기간 중 CAGR 3.35%를 나타낼 전망이며, 2030년에는 15억 1,000만 달러에 달할 것으로 예측되고 있습니다.
냉동 압축기의 윤활은 최적의 성능과 효율을 보장하는 데 가장 중요합니다. 사용되는 냉동기유의 종류는 압축기의 전반적인 성능을 결정하는 데 중요한 역할을 합니다. 냉동 압축기는 다양한 온도 조건에서 작동하기 때문에 압축기 내부의 온도는 상승하는 경향이 있습니다. 따라서 압축기에서 발생하는 열을 최소화하고 발산하는 것이 필수적입니다. 이를 달성하기 위해 냉동기유는 압축실 및 밸브와 같은 압축기의 다양한 구성 요소에서 열을 분산시키는 동시에 실링을 돕는 데 사용됩니다. 압축기 부품에서 열을 효과적으로 방출하는 냉동기유에 대한 수요가 증가하면서 전 세계 냉동기유 시장을 촉진하고 있습니다.
| 시장 개요 | |
|---|---|
| 예측 기간 | 2026-2030년 |
| 시장 규모 : 2024년 | 12억 5,000만 달러 |
| 시장 규모 : 2030년 | 15억 1,000만 달러 |
| CAGR : 2025-2030년 | 3.35% |
| 급성장 부문 | 합성유 |
| 최대 시장 | 북미 |
냉동 및 냉장 시스템, 에어컨, 자동차 에어컨 시스템에서 압축 온도는 최대 1800°C까지 상승할 수 있습니다. 냉동기유의 열적 및 화학적 안정성은 압축 온도를 낮추고 에어컨의 정상 작동을 보장하는 데 중요한 역할을 합니다. 또한 엄격한 환경 규제로 인해 암모니아 및 이산화탄소와 같은 천연 냉매 냉동기유 개발에 새로운 기회가 창출되었습니다. 이 요인은 예측 기간 동안 전 세계 냉동기유 시장의 성장을 더욱 촉진할 것으로 예상됩니다.
냉동기유는 점점 더 중요해지고 있으며 산업용 히트 펌프에 널리 사용되고 있습니다. 합성 냉동기유는 기존 냉동기유에 비해 우수한 효율성으로 인해 주로 산업용 압축기 및 히트 펌프에 사용됩니다. 또한 합성 냉동 오일은 이산화탄소 및 암모니아를 포함한 다양한 냉매와 호환됩니다. 산업용 냉동 압축기, 히트펌프 및 저온 증발기는 열 발생을 효과적으로 최소화하고, 장비에서 열을 방출하며, 윤활유의 수명을 연장하고, 샤프트 누출을 최소화하는 오일의 사용을 요구합니다. 이러한 요인들은 냉동기유에 대한 수요 증가에 상당한 기여를 하여 전 세계 시장의 성장을 촉진하고 있습니다.
식품 및 음료 업계에서 냉동기유 수요 증가
오일 폐기 및 재활용과 관련된 문제
저 GWP 냉매로 전환
Global Refrigeration Oil Market was valued at USD 1.25 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1.51 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 3.35% during the forecast period. Lubrication of refrigeration compressors is of utmost importance for ensuring their optimal performance and efficiency. The type of refrigeration oil used plays a crucial role in determining the overall performance of the compressors. As refrigeration compressors operate under varying temperature conditions, the temperature inside the compressors tends to rise. Therefore, it becomes imperative to minimize and dissipate the heat generated by the compressors. To achieve this, refrigeration oils are used to disperse heat from various components of the compressor, such as compression chambers and valves, while also assisting in sealing. The demand for refrigeration oils that effectively dissipate heat from compressor components has been on the rise, thereby driving the growth of the global refrigeration oil market.
| Market Overview | |
|---|---|
| Forecast Period | 2026-2030 |
| Market Size 2024 | USD 1.25 Billion |
| Market Size 2030 | USD 1.51 Billion |
| CAGR 2025-2030 | 3.35% |
| Fastest Growing Segment | Synthetic Oil |
| Largest Market | North America |
In refrigeration and freezer systems, air conditioners, and automotive air conditioning systems, the compression temperature can reach peak levels of up to 1800C. The thermal and chemical stability of refrigeration oil plays a vital role in reducing the compression temperature, ensuring the proper functioning of air conditioners. Moreover, stringent environmental regulations have created new opportunities for the development of natural refrigeration oils, such as ammonia and carbon dioxide. This factor is expected to further fuel the growth of the global refrigeration oil market during the forecast period.
Refrigeration oils are gaining increasing importance and are being widely used in industrial heat pumps. Synthetic refrigeration oils are predominantly used in industrial compressors and heat pumps due to their superior efficiency compared to conventional oils. Furthermore, synthetic refrigeration oils are compatible with a wide range of refrigerants, including carbon dioxide and ammonia. Industrial refrigeration compressors, heat pumps, and low evaporators require the use of oils that effectively minimize heat generation, dissipate heat from the equipment, improve the lifespan of lubricant oils, and minimize shaft leakage. These factors have significantly contributed to the growing demand for refrigeration oil, driving the growth of the global market.
Key Market Drivers
Growing Demand of Refrigeration Oil in Food & Beverage Industry
Refrigeration oil plays a pivotal role in the functionality of refrigeration systems. It ensures the smooth operation of compressors, which are the heart of refrigeration mechanisms, by providing necessary lubrication. This, in turn, leads to efficient cooling and ultimately, better preservation of food products. The food and beverage industry heavily relies on refrigeration systems to preserve the quality and extend the shelf life of products. From storing raw materials to preserving prepared foods, refrigeration is integral at every step of the food processing chain. Consequently, the demand for refrigeration oil is intrinsically linked to the operation of the food and beverage industry. The global food and beverage industry has been witnessing significant growth over the past few years. Factors such as rising population, urbanization, and changes in lifestyle have led to an increased demand for processed and packaged foods. These factors, coupled with stringent food safety regulations, have necessitated the expansion of cold storage facilities, and refrigerated transport, leading to an upswing in the demand for refrigeration oil.
In the United States, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that food and beverage manufacturing shipments reached over USD 1.3 trillion in 2023, up from USD 1.1 trillion just five years earlier, signaling steady industrial growth. Similarly, data from India's Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) shows the sector contributed nearly 12% to the country's manufacturing GDP in 2022-23, with significant government investments aimed at expanding cold chain and refrigerated storage infrastructure. Refrigeration systems are essential to maintain the safety and quality of perishable goods, and this has led to a sharp rise in cold storage construction. For instance, China's National Bureau of Statistics highlighted that cold storage capacity exceeded 200 million cubic meters in 2022, with aggressive expansion plans underway as part of its national food security strategy. The European Union's Eurostat data also reflects consistent growth in food production and export volumes, further increasing reliance on refrigerated transportation and storage. The expansion of the food and beverage industry, reinforced by national policy efforts, makes it clear that the demand for refrigeration oil will continue to grow in the years ahead.
Key Market Challenges
Problems Associated with Oil Disposal and Recycling
Used refrigeration oil, if not disposed of properly, can have severe environmental consequences. Improper handling and disposal methods often result in contamination of soil and water resources, posing a significant threat to both human health and biodiversity. The regulation of used lubricating oil disposal varies at the state and federal level, highlighting the importance of proper management to mitigate environmental impacts.
Moreover, older refrigerators and freezers not only contain used refrigeration oil but also ozone-depleting refrigerants and/or foam blowing agents. These substances add another layer of complexity to the disposal process and require specialized handling. If released into the atmosphere, these ozone-depleting substances contribute to global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer, exacerbating environmental concerns.
In the context of the circular economy, recycling used refrigeration oil presents unique challenges. While the circular economy aims to recover materials, reduce waste, and promote recycling, the actual process of recycling refrigeration oil is complex and resource intensive. It requires advanced technologies and specialized facilities to extract, purify, and re-refine the oil for reuse. Furthermore, the characteristics of used oil and oil production pose specific sustainability issues that need to be addressed.
To meet the growing demand for higher-quality lubricants, re-refiners have increased their used oil re-refining capacity. However, they face sustainability challenges related to oil composition, impurities, and the overall energy and resource requirements of the re-refining process. These considerations make the recycling of refrigeration oil a nuanced and multifaceted issue that requires careful attention to ensure environmental sustainability.
Key Market Trends
Transition to Low-GWP Refrigerants
The refrigeration industry has been gradually transitioning from hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) to hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, but now it is shifting its focus towards low-GWP hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants as part of a broader push for sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of refrigeration systems. Low-GWP refrigerants, such as CO2 (or refrigerant R-744), R-290 (propane), and others, are gaining popularity as more sustainable alternatives. These refrigerants have a lower potential for contributing to global warming compared to traditional refrigerants.
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under its American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, has implemented a phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 85% over 15 years, beginning in 2022. This has accelerated the shift to low-GWP alternatives like R-1234yf, R-290 (propane), CO2, and ammonia each requiring refrigeration oils that can handle the unique pressures, chemical properties, and thermal conditions of these new refrigerants. Similarly, the European Union, through its F-Gas Regulation, has set strict GWP thresholds and quotas, pushing industries to adopt eco-friendly refrigerants across sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, and commercial buildings. The ongoing transition is not merely about the refrigerants themselves but also about the entire system compatibility, where refrigeration oils play a crucial role. As regulatory pressure intensifies and companies commit to sustainability goals, the demand for advanced, environmentally compatible refrigeration oils is expected to grow steadily, aligning with the global push toward climate-resilient cooling technologies.
In this report, the Global Refrigeration Oil Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:
Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Refrigeration Oil Market.
Global Refrigeration Oil Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report: