Panasonic Unveils iCORE and iCOOL Refrigeration Ranges, Step Toward Sustainable Cooling Solutions

Panasonic Heating & Cooling is proud to announce the upcoming launch of its most extensive and versatile commercial refrigeration range to date. This milestone reflects a significant strategic evolution, marking Panasonic’s focus and investment in refrigeration following the acquisition of Area Cooling Solutions (December 2024 and excluding compressor business) and the establishment of Panasonic Cold Chain Poland (PCCPL).

Reaffirming its strong commitment to European manufacturing and innovation, Panasonic has added its fourth facility in the region with the launch of the PCCPL factory. Equipped with a dedicated in-house R&D team focussed on advancing refrigeration technologies, the site will also house its training hub and a state-of-the-art refrigeration laboratory, set to open in early 2026. With localised production and a streamlined supply chain, the factory will enable significantly shorter delivery lead times across Europe.

The range introduces two distinct product portfolios, designed to provide commercial refrigeration to a wide range of applications including retail stores, supermarkets, HoReCa sector, gas stations and cold storage applications:

·       iCORE: Panasonic’s flagship line of CO₂ condensing units, representing the core of future-proof, natural refrigerant technology. The iCORE range offers a broad selection of cooling capacities, starting with up to 29 kW for medium temperature applications, and up to 15 kW for low temperature requirements.

·       iCOOL: a comprehensive range of inverter HFC and A2L-ready solutions, designed to meet today’s market needs while supporting the transition to lower-GWP refrigerants. The iCOOL range covers a wide spectrum of cooling capacities – up to 42 kW for medium temperature applications, and up to 14 kW for low temperature needs.

A2L refrigerants are a class of low global warming potential (GWP) gases that serve as alternatives to traditional HFCs, offering mild flammability and low toxicity.

These brands reflect Panasonic’s dual commitment: first, to lead the transition to sustainable refrigerants; and second, to deliver long-term energy savings and lower electricity bills through advanced inverter technology, benefiting both today's systems and those ready for the future.

In response to Europe's evolving regulatory landscape, Panasonic’s refrigeration range, iCORE & iCOOL, delivers sustainable, compliant solutions that align with both current demands and future environmental goals. The Ecodesign framework ensures year-round energy efficiency, while the F-Gas Regulation mandates a GWP below 150 for new stationary refrigeration systems by 2030. With the EU’s quota system tightening HFC supply, refrigerant availability and system flexibility have never been more important.

Recognising that HFC/HFO systems still represent the majority of demand in the European refrigeration market, the new line-up is designed to support current needs while also enabling a smooth transition for those seeking more environmentally friendly alternatives. The iCOOL range addresses this directly, supporting continued use of HFCs and introducing A2L-ready feature, offering customers a flexible, future-proof solution that bridges today’s realities with tomorrow’s requirements. The iCORE range is optimised for R744 (CO₂), delivering high energy efficiency and compliance for operators already embracing systems with natural refrigerants.

“Our investment in Area Cooling and the creation of PCCPL were driven by a clear vision to become the European leader in refrigeration,” said Enrique Vilamitjana, Panasonic HVAC Managing Director. “This range is the first major step in realising that vision, combining innovation, sustainability and market responsiveness.”