Back in 1976 environmental considerations still played a minor role in industry. Peter Huber Kältemaschinenbau SE decided to pursue a pioneering path: Huber was one of the first companies worldwide that launched temperature control units operating with natural refrigerants. This was a milestone in the company's history and an expression of its early understanding of sustainable business practices.
While environmental issues are now an integral part of public and political debate, Huber's decision in the 1970s was based on a long-term technological and entrepreneurial perspective. Sustainability was not seen as a short-term response to trends, but as an integral part of the company's strategy.
Standard since 2024: serial equipment with natural refrigerants
In 2024, Huber took a further step towards sustainable temperature control technology. From then on, the entire product range was equipped with natural refrigerants as standard. This marked the completion of the switch from synthetic to natural refrigerants – at no extra cost to customers and without any restrictions on unit performance.
This switch marks far more than a technical advancement – it is an expression of a values-based approach that harmonises economic efficiency, innovative strength and ecological responsibility. Introducing natural refrigerants as standard in the product range is the logical consequence of a path that has been trodden by Huber for decades.
Natural refrigerants in focus
With the introduction and enforcement of the F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573, the European Union has created a mandatory framework: The maximum permissible GWP (global warming potential) value is 150. Huber responded to this development early on and has been equipping all temperature control units with natural refrigerants such as propane (R-290) and carbon dioxide (CO₂, R-744) as standard since 2024.
These natural refrigerants are characterised by extremely low GWP values – below 10, and in the case of CO₂ only 1 – as well as zero ozone depletion potential (ODP). They are neither persistent nor toxic and contain no synthetic fluorine components. Synthetic refrigerants are currently only available on a transitional basis – the complete conversion of series production has already been completed.
Advantages at a glance:
- Investment security for long-term use
- Compliance with current and future legislation
- Ease of servicing over many years
- Climate compatibility thanks to minimal GWP
- High energy efficiency thanks to modern refrigeration technology
- Resource-saving operation thanks to reduced energy consumption
Temperature control technology with a long-term vision
Huber technology is used in a wide range of applications, from precise research applications in the laboratory to complex industrial processes. The Unistat series plays a particularly important role in this context. These units stand for performance, precision, reproducibility and responsiveness – a decisive advantage in the dynamic temperature control of a processes.
Thanks to a wide operating temperature range, the units can be operated in a flexible manner without changing fluids. The ‘Pilot ONE’ controller offers a user-friendly interface with a touchscreen and 13 selectable languages for intuitive control. Huber also focuses on durability in the mechanical area: a seal-free circulation pump with magnetic coupling allows reliable process control, even with a highly viscous HTF. Modular interfaces such as USB, Ethernet and RS232 allow the systems to be seamlessly integrated into existing automation and remote control environments.
Green Line: Carbon dioxide as the refrigerant of the future
With its Green Line, Huber presents a particularly sustainable product line. The main refrigerant used here is CO₂ (R-744) – a colourless, non-flammable, non-toxic and chemically inert gas with an excellent environmental balance. It has no ozone depletion potential (ODP = 0) and, with a GWP of 1, has a negligible global warming potential.
This model series was specially designed for applications with the highest requirements for environmental compatibility and energy efficiency. It combines the usual control accuracy with a minimal ecological footprint, thus not only meeting legal requirements but also setting new standards in research, development and industrial practice.
A key product feature: future-proofing
The complete switch to natural refrigerants is not only a response to legal requirements, but also an expression of a long-term product strategy. For users this means:
- A 100% future-proof investment – no retrofitting required in the event of future legislative changes
- Long-term planning reliability thanks to early compliance with regulatory requirements
- Long-term maintenance and repair capability thanks to stable product lines
- Reduced energy consumption thanks to modern, high-efficiency refrigeration technology
These advantages speak for themselves – especially for companies who take sustainable process reliability and ecological action seriously.
Technological excellence deserves trust: 4-year warranty extension
Huber offers a comprehensive warranty extension for all electronic, electrical, refrigeration and mechanical components of its products, with numerous advantages. The warranty extension is offered at no additional cost. The end customer's address must be registered within 3 months of the delivery date.
From 1 January 2024, Huber increased the warranty extension from 3 to 4 years. For users, this means maximum planning security, reduced operating costs. This extension underscores the reliability and build quality of Huber units. Whether in research, in sensitive production processes or in continuous use under demanding conditions – Huber temperature control technology stands for continuous performance and sustainable value stability.
The 4-year warranty fits seamlessly into the overall concept of environmental awareness, innovative strength and customer focus – and makes it clear that sustainability does not end with delivery, but accompanies every device for years to come.
Sustainability is not a trend – it is standard
At Huber, sustainability is not a marketing-driven end in itself, but rather the living expression of corporate responsibility. While many are still debating, Huber has already taken decisive action – with foresight and a clear set of values. The complete switch to natural refrigerants is symbolic of this attitude.
After all: When green was still just a colour, Huber made it its mission. Today, it is their standard.
