Biobased refrigerants: sustainable alternative or marketing myth?

What are biobased refrigerants?

Origin and definition

A biobased refrigerant is a refrigerant of which (part of) the material is derived from renewable, plant-based raw materials, such as corn starch, sugar cane or cellulose. Unlike products based on fossil polymers, the focus here is on raw material renewal and reduced environmental impact.

Important is the distinction between biobased and biodegradable. A product can be biobased without being compostable – and vice versa. Compostability requires specific certification and industrial processing.

Structure and operating principle

Like traditional refrigerants, biobased variants consist of:

• A outer jacket, often made of PLA or bio-PE;
• A filling Of water or vegetable-based gel.

The operation is similar to that of water packs: during melting, the contents extract heat from the environment, temporarily keeping the temperature within the desired range.

How do biobased refrigerants compare to traditional variants?

Cooling performance: similar, but less robust

Conventional gel packs and water packs possess higher thermal mass and are more resistant to varying conditions. Biobased alternatives can provide equivalent performance in controlled situations, but are more sensitive to:

• Material variation (consistency of the gel);
• Mechanical stress (cracks or leaks);
• Moisture action or external pressure.

For short-term applications, they are often adequate. In demanding chains, traditional solutions are even more reliable.

Sustainability gains? Not always obvious

Although biobased refrigerants contribute to feedstock renewal, the actual environmental benefit depends on:

• The energy source in production;
• Transport distance and packaging volume;
• Opportunities for return, reuse or recycling.

A conventional water pack that is reused 20 times may even be more sustainable in its total life cycle than a single-use biobased version.

Higher costs: justification or risk?

The production of biobased materials is more complex and raw material prices are higher. Biobased refrigerants are on average 20-40% more expensive. For companies with a stated sustainability strategy or ESG accountability, that investment may make sense – provided the performance matches the application.

Environmental claims: critical review prevents disappointment

Biobased does not automatically mean compostable

Much biobased packaging is only partially biodegradable. Industrial compostability (according to EN 13432) is rarely achieved in household or regular waste disposal. In practice, most products still end up in residual waste.

Greenwashing lurks

Vague terms like “eco” or “environmentally friendly” often suggest more than they prove. Coolpack therefore recommends:

• To ask about material percentages and certifications;
• To verify that the product is actually recyclable or compostable within the chain;
• Clearly communicate waste scenarios in advance to the customer or end user.

Waste disposal: theory and practice diverge

Refrigerants almost always consist of combinations of materials. If these cannot be easily separated, they often still end up in the incinerator. This also applies to many so-called compostable products without centralized return logistics.