Life cycle assessment

Another environmental benefit is the elimination of tap water consumption thanks to closed cooling circuits. The mobile units in the KÜHLMOBIL series, in particular, save up to 100% of cooling water—a clear contribution to resource conservation. The air-cooled systems require no external water supply, while the water-cooled units with system separators make efficient use of existing cooling infrastructure.

Thanks to microprocessor-controlled regulation technology, precise temperature stability is achieved while reducing power consumption. The combination of intelligent control, efficient heat exchange, and optimally matched pumps (e.g., in the LCS 80 series) ensures high energy efficiency in daily use.

Product Design and Lifespan: Durable and Easy to Maintain

The circulating chillers are made from sturdy, durable materials such as stainless steel and copper, and their modular design makes them easy to maintain. This durability not only reduces long-term operating costs but also minimizes the environmental impact associated with purchasing new equipment and disposal. All products are fully recyclable and designed for maximum energy efficiency—another key aspect of the company’s sustainability strategy.

Sustainable production at the Dörentrup site

However, the company’s commitment to the environment does not stop at its products. Its production facility in Dörentrup has also been comprehensively designed with sustainability in mind. This includes:

• Latest thermal insulation standards
• Complete warehouse roofing with photovoltaic systems
• Heat recovery of all energy generated during product testing
• Energy supply for the entire site via a biogas plant
• Consistent separation and recycling of waste materials

These measures demonstrate that Van der Heijden takes its responsibility toward the environment and the region seriously. That is why the company is also actively participating in the Lippe business community’s location campaign to highlight its commitment to sustainable business practices.

“This applies not only to the products themselves, which are all recyclable and optimized for energy efficiency. We have also made this a priority for our production facility.”

Conclusion: A milestone in sustainable laboratory technology

The combination of natural refrigerants, water conservation, energy-efficient control systems, durable construction, and eco-friendly manufacturing results in an impressively positive environmental footprint. With its recirculating chillers, Van der Heijden Labortechnik has not only set new technical standards but has also achieved another important milestone in environmental protection.

With Regulation (EU) 2024/573, the European Union aims to gradually restrict and ultimately phase out the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases. Particular focus is placed on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), whose use is being progressively reduced due to their high global warming potential (GWP). The complete phase-out of these substances is planned by 2050, although certain applications will be subject to restrictions or bans at earlier dates.

To achieve these objectives, the regulation combines quantitative limits on the production and import of HFCs with specific prohibitions on their use. The relevant provisions are set out in Annex IV and play a key role in the design, development, and installation of new refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump systems.