NanoFreeze
This Colombian startup has developed a bio-based coolant that helps to reduce cold chain energy consumption.
By Phil Gray
Summary:
Without refrigeration, most food would go to waste and the safety and effectiveness of vital medication would be compromised.However, it also requires vast amounts of energy - refrigeration (including air-conditioning) accounts for approximately 17% of global energy use.Colombian startup NanoFreeze has developed a bio-based coolant that freezes at higher temperatures and remains frozen for longer than regular ice.By getting cooler quicker and staying cooler for longer, NanoFreeze’s coolant makes cold chains more reliable, resilient and energy efficient.For businesses and industries that are looking to transition to more sustainable practices, solutions like NanoFreeze’s offer a practical way to lower energy use without compromising on safety and standards.
Refrigeration is essential. Without it, most food would go to waste and the safety and effectiveness of many medicines would be compromised. However, cold chains—systems of temperature-controlled storage and transportation—also present significant environmental, social, and economic challenges.
Cold chains depend on constant temperature control, which requires vast amounts of energy. Refrigeration (including air conditioning) accounts for around 17% of the world’s energy demand, much of which is sourced from fossil fuels. As a result, refrigeration contributes to nearly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
For more on the “air-conditioning-global-warming paradox”,see Phil Gray’s Mangrove Profile on CoolAnt
Beyond its energy use, refrigeration also relies heavily on synthetic cooling gases—hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). While HFCs are effective at cooling, their global warming potential is thousands of times greater than that of carbon dioxide.
Additionally, polystyrene coolers—commonly used for transporting temperature-sensitive goods—are made from non-biodegradable plastics and often fail to maintain stable temperatures over long distances. In the pharmaceutical industry, cold chain disruptions result in losses of approximately $33 billion annually. The food industry faces even higher losses, with an estimated $121 billion lost each year. These inefficiencies not only create financial strain but also contribute to food insecurity and public health risks in many parts of the world.
Colombian startup NanoFreeze has developed a bio-based coolant that freezes at higher temperatures and remains frozen for longer than regular ice. Their bio-nanotechnology helps bind ice crystals together more efficiently, allowing for superior temperature retention.
Whereas regular freezers generally operate between -18ºC and -14ºC, NanoFreeze freezes at just 2ºC. It also remains frozen at room temperature for twice as long as regular ice. Because it is bio-based, NanoFreeze is completely biodegradable and can even be disposed of as plant fertilizer!
To maximize its impact, the company has developed a range of products suited to different cold chain applications:
NanoFreeze Cold Coats: Thin, interconnected ice packs that wrap around perishable goods within their original packaging, ensuring stable temperatures during transit.
NanoFreeze Panels: Modular, interlocking panels that fit onto the walls of fridges, cold rooms, and containers, significantly improving energy efficiency.
The NanoFridge: A lightweight, portable medical fridge capable of holding up to 240 vaccines. Designed for extreme conditions, it can maintain required temperatures for up to 72 hours and can be fitted with backpack straps, making it ideal for delivering life-saving medication to remote areas or during natural disasters.
By significantly improving temperature retention, NanoFreeze technology helps reduce energy consumption across cold chains. For example, when NanoFreeze Panels are installed in a standard fridge, they can cut energy requirements by up to 50%. As industries transition to more sustainable practices, solutions like NanoFreeze offer a practical way to lower energy use while maintaining safety and efficiency.
More stable temperatures during transport and storage also help reduce spoilage, which is especially critical in regions with unreliable electricity or limited access to refrigeration infrastructure. Small-scale farmers can extend the shelf life of their produce, leading to greater market access and reduced losses, while pharmaceutical companies can ensure that vaccines and medicines reach patients without the risk of degradation.
Refrigeration is indispensable—but thanks to NanoFreeze, it no longer has to come at such a high environmental cost. By reducing energy use, preventing waste, and improving access to reliable cooling solutions, NanoFreeze represents a major step toward a more sustainable and efficient chain systems of the future.