Commercial Refrigerant Rental Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Within One Month, More than One Month), By Applications Covered (Retail, Exhibition, Event, Commercial Kitchen, Temporary Kitchen, Others) and Regional Forecast to 2033

Commercial Refrigerant Rental Market Size

The global commercial refrigerant rental market was valued at USD 457.57 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 494.5 million in 2025, growing to USD 920.1 million by 2033, with a CAGR of 8.07% during the forecast period (2025–2033).

The U.S. commercial refrigerant rental market is driven by growing demand in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and retail sectors. Increasing focus on sustainability and energy-efficient solutions further supports market expansion in the region.

The commercial refrigerant rental market is expanding rapidly due to increasing demand from industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. Refrigerant rentals provide cost-effective solutions for businesses requiring temporary cooling, making them ideal for events, seasonal storage, and emergency breakdowns. Modern refrigerant systems offer energy-efficient and eco-friendly options to meet stringent environmental regulations. The rise of e-commerce and cold chain logistics further fuels market growth as temperature-sensitive products require reliable cooling solutions. Flexible rental plans, ranging from short-term to long-term agreements, are attracting a diverse customer base, ensuring continuous demand for commercial refrigerant rental services.

Commercial Refrigerant Rental Market Trends

The commercial refrigerant rental market is witnessing significant trends, driven by the evolving needs of industries requiring flexible cooling solutions. The food and beverage sector is the largest consumer, accounting for approximately 40% of rental demand. This is due to the need for temporary refrigeration during peak seasons or special events. The pharmaceutical industry follows closely, with rising demand for refrigerated storage of temperature-sensitive drugs and vaccines.

Sustainability is a key trend shaping the market, with over 50% of new refrigerant rentals featuring energy-efficient technologies and eco-friendly refrigerants. These advancements help businesses comply with stringent environmental regulations while reducing operational costs. The adoption of low-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants is particularly high in North America and Europe.

Another emerging trend is the integration of IoT and remote monitoring technologies in rental refrigerant units. These features allow real-time temperature control and system diagnostics, ensuring operational efficiency and reducing downtime.

Regionally, Asia-Pacific is experiencing rapid growth due to expanding cold chain logistics and the rise of e-commerce platforms requiring temperature-controlled storage. Meanwhile, Europe and North America emphasize compliance with sustainability standards, driving the adoption of advanced refrigerant technologies in the rental market. These trends collectively ensure continuous innovation and demand in the market.

Commercial Refrigerant Rental Market Dynamics

Drivers of Market Growth

"Increasing Demand for Cold Chain Logistics"

The rapid expansion of cold chain logistics is a primary driver for the commercial refrigerant rental market. Over 70% of perishable goods, including fresh produce and frozen foods, require temperature-controlled storage and transport. The pharmaceutical industry also contributes significantly, with vaccines and biologics demanding precise temperature management. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce platforms selling temperature-sensitive products, such as meal kits and specialty beverages, has increased the need for temporary refrigeration solutions. Flexible rental options allow businesses to scale their cooling capacity during peak seasons, ensuring seamless operations without significant capital investment in permanent infrastructure.

Market Restraints

"High Maintenance and Operating Costs"

One major restraint in the commercial refrigerant rental market is the high cost associated with maintaining and operating advanced refrigeration units. Modern units equipped with energy-efficient technologies often require specialized maintenance, increasing overall expenses for rental providers. Fluctuating electricity costs further add to the challenge, as prolonged usage during peak seasons can significantly raise operating expenses. Additionally, compliance with evolving environmental regulations, such as phasing out high-GWP refrigerants, necessitates frequent upgrades, increasing costs for rental companies. These factors can discourage smaller businesses from opting for rental solutions, limiting market penetration in cost-sensitive regions.

Market Opportunities

"Rising Demand for Eco-Friendly Refrigerants"

The increasing focus on sustainability presents significant opportunities for the commercial refrigerant rental market. Over 60% of businesses in developed regions prioritize renting units equipped with low-GWP refrigerants to comply with environmental regulations. This shift is particularly evident in Europe and North America, where stringent policies drive the adoption of eco-friendly solutions. Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific also show potential, with governments encouraging green technologies in logistics and storage. Rental providers offering advanced units with energy-efficient systems and recyclable components can capitalize on this growing demand, attracting environmentally conscious clients and gaining a competitive edge in the market.

Market Challenges

"Limited Availability of Advanced Units"

A significant challenge in the commercial refrigerant rental market is the limited availability of advanced, energy-efficient units in certain regions. Smaller rental providers often lack the resources to invest in the latest technologies, leading to an imbalance in supply and demand. This issue is particularly pronounced in emerging markets, where cost constraints hinder the adoption of modern refrigerants. Additionally, the high initial investment required to develop and deploy advanced rental units can delay market expansion. As industries increasingly seek sustainable and technologically advanced solutions, the inability to meet these demands may restrict the growth of some rental providers.

Segmentation Analysis

The commercial refrigerant rental market is segmented by type and application, catering to diverse industry needs. By type, rental durations are classified into within one month and more than one month. Short-term rentals are popular for events and exhibitions, while long-term rentals dominate industries like commercial kitchens and retail.

By application, the market serves retail, exhibitions, events, commercial kitchens, temporary kitchens, and other specialized uses. Retail and commercial kitchens lead in demand, requiring consistent temperature control for perishable goods. Events and exhibitions rely on short-term rentals for temporary cooling, showcasing the market’s versatility in meeting different operational requirements.

By Type

• Within One Month: Short-term rentals, classified as within one month, account for approximately 40% of the commercial refrigerant rental market. These rentals are particularly popular for events, exhibitions, and seasonal businesses. For instance, outdoor food festivals and trade shows often require temporary refrigeration solutions to ensure the freshness of displayed goods. Units rented for less than one month are typically portable and easy to install, catering to the dynamic needs of event organizers. Additionally, these rentals offer cost-effective solutions for businesses requiring cooling during peak periods, allowing flexibility without the burden of purchasing or maintaining permanent refrigeration systems.

• More Than One Month: Long-term rentals, exceeding one month, dominate the commercial refrigerant rental market, contributing over 60% of total demand. These rentals are preferred by industries requiring consistent temperature control, such as retail, logistics, and commercial kitchens. Supermarkets and cold storage facilities often opt for long-term rentals to manage inventory fluctuations or during equipment maintenance. Pharmaceutical companies also rely on extended rentals for vaccine and biologics storage. Advanced units with energy-efficient features and remote monitoring systems are popular in this segment, ensuring operational efficiency and cost savings. Long-term agreements often include maintenance packages, making them a reliable option for continuous cooling needs.

By Application

• Retail: Retail applications account for approximately 30% of the commercial refrigerant rental market. Supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty retailers depend on rental units for maintaining the quality of perishable goods. During peak seasons, such as holidays, demand surges as retailers expand their cooling capacity to accommodate increased inventory. Portable refrigeration units are particularly popular for pop-up stores and promotional events. Advanced technologies, including remote temperature monitoring, are increasingly integrated into rental units, ensuring product safety and reducing waste. The growing focus on sustainable refrigeration in retail is also driving demand for energy-efficient rental solutions.

• Exhibition: The exhibition segment contributes around 15% to the commercial refrigerant rental market. Trade shows and expos often require temporary cooling solutions to showcase temperature-sensitive products, such as food, beverages, and cosmetics. Portable refrigerant units are highly favored for their ease of installation and mobility within exhibition halls. Advanced models with customizable temperature settings are in demand, ensuring optimal conditions for diverse product types. Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific are witnessing a rise in exhibition-based rental demand due to the growing number of trade fairs and consumer expos. This segment highlights the market’s versatility in catering to short-term cooling requirements.

• Event: Events represent approximately 20% of the commercial refrigerant rental market. Weddings, outdoor festivals, and corporate gatherings often require short-term refrigeration to store food, beverages, and decorations. Portable units with rapid cooling capabilities are in high demand for such events. The rise of outdoor and destination weddings has further boosted the need for efficient, temporary refrigeration solutions. Event organizers prefer rental providers offering customizable and energy-efficient units to suit diverse settings. In developed regions, luxury events demand aesthetically designed units that seamlessly integrate with the venue layout, adding another layer of sophistication to the segment.

• Commercial Kitchen: Commercial kitchens hold a significant share, contributing nearly 25% to the commercial refrigerant rental market. Restaurants, catering services, and food delivery companies rely on rental units for additional cooling capacity during peak business periods. Temporary kitchens set up for large-scale events or disaster relief operations also require consistent refrigeration solutions. Long-term rentals are often chosen for backup during equipment repairs or expansions. Advanced units with features like temperature zoning and IoT-enabled monitoring are gaining traction, ensuring operational efficiency in fast-paced environments. The increasing prevalence of cloud kitchens further drives demand for rental refrigerants in this segment.

• Temporary Kitchen: Temporary kitchens, including those used in disaster relief, construction sites, and remote areas, account for approximately 10% of the commercial refrigerant rental market. These setups require robust and portable refrigeration units to store perishable food and medical supplies. Nonprofit organizations and government agencies often depend on rental services for such scenarios. Units with energy-efficient and solar-powered features are gaining popularity in remote locations, reducing reliance on traditional power sources. The market is expanding as temporary kitchen setups become more common in diverse applications, highlighting the importance of flexible and reliable refrigerant solutions.

• Others: The "Others" segment encompasses niche applications such as laboratory storage, mobile medical units, and temporary cold storage for industrial purposes. Laboratories and research facilities require precise temperature control for storing sensitive samples, while mobile medical units depend on refrigeration for vaccines and other supplies. Temporary cold storage solutions are also employed during construction projects or large-scale industrial operations. These specialized uses account for approximately 10% of the market and highlight the versatility of rental refrigerants. Advanced features, including programmable temperature settings and remote diagnostics, are increasingly in demand to cater to these niche requirements.

Commercial Refrigerant Rental Market Regional Outlook

The commercial refrigerant rental market demonstrates diverse growth patterns across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. North America leads with significant demand from retail and pharmaceutical sectors. Europe prioritizes eco-friendly refrigerants due to strict environmental regulations, fostering market growth. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, driven by increasing e-commerce and cold chain logistics. The Middle East & Africa are emerging markets, with rising investments in infrastructure and healthcare sectors requiring temporary refrigeration. Each region’s unique focus on retail, sustainability, or infrastructure projects significantly influences the demand for refrigerant rental services.

North America

North America holds a significant share in the commercial refrigerant rental market, driven by demand from retail chains and the pharmaceutical industry. The United States dominates, accounting for over 70% of regional demand, with supermarkets and cold storage facilities being major consumers. Canada follows, emphasizing sustainable refrigeration solutions in compliance with environmental policies. The pharmaceutical sector heavily relies on rental refrigerants for vaccine storage and biologics distribution. Additionally, temporary refrigeration solutions are widely used during seasonal peaks, ensuring operational efficiency. Technological advancements, such as IoT-enabled monitoring, are increasingly integrated into rental units, further boosting adoption in this region.

Europe

Europe is a key player in the commercial refrigerant rental market, driven by stringent environmental regulations promoting eco-friendly refrigerants. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK account for over 60% of the regional demand, with retail and logistics sectors being prominent users. Temporary refrigeration solutions are popular during large-scale events and exhibitions. The rise of e-commerce in Western Europe further increases demand for cold chain logistics. Rental providers in the region are increasingly offering units equipped with low-GWP refrigerants to comply with sustainability goals. Advanced technologies, such as energy-efficient systems, are widely adopted, enhancing operational efficiency.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the commercial refrigerant rental market, contributing over 35% of global demand. China and India lead, driven by rapid urbanization, expanding e-commerce platforms, and growing cold chain logistics. Southeast Asia follows, with increasing demand for temporary refrigeration in food festivals and trade fairs. The region’s pharmaceutical industry also relies on rental refrigerants for vaccine storage and distribution. Portable units with high-capacity cooling systems are widely used in this region to address diverse industrial needs. As the demand for cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions rises, rental providers are expanding their presence in Asia-Pacific markets.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa represent emerging markets in the commercial refrigerant rental industry. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are key contributors, driven by growing investments in retail and infrastructure projects. Africa’s demand is rising, particularly in the healthcare sector for vaccine storage and cold chain logistics. Temporary refrigeration is widely used during outdoor events and festivals in the region. The emphasis on sustainable development and energy-efficient solutions is gradually gaining traction, encouraging rental providers to introduce advanced units. As infrastructure and healthcare investments increase, the Middle East & Africa are expected to become significant contributors to the market.

LIST OF KEY Commercial Refrigerant Rental Market COMPANIES PROFILED

• Fridge Freezer Direct Ltd

• Cool Rentals

• Lowe Rental Ltd

• L’entrepôt du Frigo

• LJ Stuart and Co Pty Ltd

• Cold Display Solutions

• Petit Forestier

• Hire Innovation

• Edge Food Equipment

• Ian Boer Refrigeration

• Mission Restaurant Supply

• Fridg-Bi Ltd

Lowe Rental Ltd: Holds approximately 20% of the global market share, renowned for its extensive portfolio and global reach.

Petit Forestier: Accounts for about 18% of the market, specializing in eco-friendly and energy-efficient rental solutions.

Recent Developments by Manufacturers in Commercial Refrigerant Rental Market

In 2023, Lowe Rental Ltd launched energy-efficient refrigerant units equipped with IoT-enabled temperature monitoring, catering to retail and event industries. Petit Forestier expanded its eco-friendly portfolio with the introduction of low-GWP refrigerant units designed for temporary commercial use. In 2024, Fridge Freezer Direct Ltd introduced a compact refrigeration unit specifically designed for small-scale events and pop-up stores. Additionally, Cool Rentals announced a partnership with e-commerce platforms to offer short-term rentals during peak seasons. These developments highlight the industry’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and addressing evolving customer needs across diverse applications.

NEW PRODUCTS Development

The commercial refrigerant rental market has witnessed significant product innovation, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and technological integration. In 2023, Lowe Rental Ltd introduced a hybrid refrigerant unit powered by solar energy, reducing carbon emissions by 25%. This product caters to eco-conscious clients in retail and logistics industries. Petit Forestier followed with a new line of low-GWP refrigerant units designed for long-term rental, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental regulations in Europe and North America.

Cool Rentals unveiled portable units with modular designs, allowing users to customize cooling capacity based on their requirements. These units, equipped with IoT-based temperature controls, provide real-time monitoring, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime. Fridge Freezer Direct Ltd launched a compact refrigeration solution specifically designed for mobile kitchens and temporary setups, addressing the growing demand in the food and beverage sector.

Energy-efficient units featuring advanced insulation technologies are gaining traction, reducing energy consumption by up to 30%. Rental providers are also incorporating remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance in their products, minimizing service interruptions. As the market emphasizes sustainability and efficiency, these innovations cater to the diverse needs of industries requiring temporary refrigeration, ensuring continuous market growth.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the commercial refrigerant rental market are accelerating as industries prioritize flexible, cost-effective, and sustainable cooling solutions. In 2023, global investments in rental infrastructure and advanced refrigerant technologies surpassed $1 billion, with Asia-Pacific accounting for 40% of the total. Key players like Lowe Rental Ltd and Petit Forestier are expanding their fleets to meet increasing demand from retail, logistics, and event management sectors.

Europe and North America continue to lead in sustainable development, with significant investments in low-GWP refrigerants and energy-efficient systems. Governments in these regions are implementing subsidies and incentives for adopting green technologies, encouraging rental providers to innovate. Emerging markets, including Southeast Asia and Africa, are attracting investments to enhance cold chain logistics and healthcare infrastructure.

Opportunities abound in integrating IoT and AI technologies into rental units. These features enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and optimized energy consumption, reducing operational costs and enhancing customer satisfaction. The growing popularity of temporary refrigeration for pop-up stores and mobile kitchens further expands the market’s potential. As industries adopt eco-friendly and flexible refrigeration solutions, the market presents robust growth opportunities for stakeholders aiming to capitalize on evolving trends.

REPORT COVERAGE of Commercial Refrigerant Rental Market

The commercial refrigerant rental market report provides a detailed analysis of key market dynamics, including drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges. It covers segmentation by type (short-term rentals within one month and long-term rentals exceeding one month) and application (retail, exhibitions, events, commercial kitchens, temporary kitchens, and others). The report examines demand patterns across these segments, highlighting usage trends and preferences.

Regional analysis encompasses North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, providing insights into each region’s market dynamics. North America focuses on technological advancements, while Europe emphasizes sustainability. Asia-Pacific’s rapid industrialization and growing cold chain logistics drive demand, and the Middle East & Africa show potential in emerging markets.

The report profiles leading companies such as Lowe Rental Ltd and Petit Forestier, analyzing their product portfolios, strategies, and recent developments. It also explores investment trends, including funding for advanced refrigerants and sustainable technologies.

Emerging trends, such as IoT integration and energy-efficient systems, are thoroughly analyzed, showcasing their impact on market growth. The report offers actionable insights for stakeholders, enabling them to make informed decisions and capitalize on opportunities in this dynamic and evolving market.