Cryogenics and liquefied gases Thermodynamics, equipment and systems Biology and food technology Storage and transport The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) (also known, in French, as the Institut International du Froid (IIF)), is an independent intergovernmental science and technology-based organization that promotes knowledge of refrigeration and associated technologies and applications on a global scale that improve quality of life in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable manner, including: Its scientific and technical activities are coordinated by ten commissions which are divided into five distinct sections.

The early 19th century witnessed a sharp increase in the demand for natural ice during the summer months, particularly among breweries producing lager.

This absorption machine was later replaced by a much simpler vapour-compression refrigerator, invented by French engineer Charles Tellier in 1885, that is still used today.

Working alongside governments, today the IIR remains committed to promoting knowledge on refrigeration for sustainable development, and continues to provide key services to disseminate information on associated technologies to all stakeholders (companies, universities, professionals...).

The Science and Technology Council includes: The scientific activities of the IIR are organised into five Sections, each of which is divided into two Commissions; there are thus 10 Commissions: Section A on Cryogenics and Liquefied Gases focuses on refrigeration science and technology at low temperatures: the cryogenic domain spans the lower part of the temperature scale, from absolute zero to 120 K, thus encompassing the normal boiling points of air gases as well as of liquid natural gas (LNG).

Commission A1 deals with research, development and industrial activities at the lowest temperatures, including low-temperature physics, applications of superconductivity and helium cryogenics.

Commission A2 essentially covers the liquefied gas industry, including air separation and LNG technology, two mature domains with high economic stakes and ongoing developments addressing important societal issues such as energy efficiency and carbon sequestration.

Commission A1 on Cryophysics and Cryoengineering deals with research, development and industrial activities at the lowest temperatures, including low-temperature physics, applications of superconductivity and helium cryogenics.

Section B on Thermodynamics, Equipment and Systems of the IIR focuses on the technological and scientific fundamentals of classical refrigeration, excluding cryogenic temperatures.

A number of Working Groups, where emerging topics in refrigeration are discussed by IIR experts with the aim of publishing results in handbooks or other forms publications, are organised within the scope of Section B.

The commission is involved in various IIR Working Groups and innovative projects linked to the development of the food chain across the globe.

Section D thus covers the issues of storage, transportation by land, air or water, packaging, distribution and delivery of these products to the consumer, and the traceability of the cold chain.

Industrial, commercial and residential storage are also taken into account so that, in cooperation with Commission D2 Refrigerated Transport, the entire cold chain is treated, from raw materials to the final product at our home.

As a result, the Commission faces important issues in order to promote widespread, energy efficient and environmentally friendly storage systems.

This group subsequently advises the United Nations working party on transport of perishable foodstuffs[1] held each year in Geneva.

Commission D2 is currently addressing the “Cold Chain for Pharmaceutical Products” and will add this to regular transport discussion and advisory topics.

The role of the IIR is well recognized, and in particular, the expertise of the members of Commission D2 makes an important contribution to refrigerated transport issues: reducing food wastage and minimizing emissions.

The core activities and interests of both Commissions are strongly connected resulting in tight collaborate and jointly organised conferences.

No other technology can provide net primary energy savings, economic benefits to users and reduced climate impact at the same time.

The IIR produces an electronic monthly newsletter that features news and updates on the refrigeration sector: regulation, events, economic data, monitoring, technological progress, etc.

Covering all fields of refrigeration, the Congress, which takes place every four years, reunites key international stakeholders and provides perspectives on the future of the industry in line with sustainable development.

Funded by the European Commission- Horizon 2020 and European Green Deal Duration: 4 years (October 2021-September 2025) Objective: The main scope of the project is to support the EU farm to fork sustainable strategy by providing technical, financial, and political tools and solutions to reduce GHG emissions (by 2030) and achieve carbon neutrality (by 2050) in the food industry.

Funded by the European Commission- Horizon 2020 and European Green Deal Duration: 4 years (October 2021-September 2025) Objective: SophiA enables African countries to pursue sustainable pathways of development through a low-carbon, climate resilient and green growth trajectory, leapfrogging fossil fuels and high global warming potential refrigerant technologies.

Private members include individuals such as researchers, scientists, industrial practitioners, journalists or professors with extensive expertise, passion or active in fields related to the refrigeration sector.