Eco ice Kälte GmbH

What Eco ice Kälte GmbH does

Eco ice Kälte GmbH is a privately held German engineering company founded in 2013 and headquartered in Borna, Sachsen, that develops, manufactures, and sells absorption refrigeration systems and ancillary equipment for industrial and commercial cooling applications. Its core technology is the AKM (Absorptionskältemaschine) line, an ammonia-water absorption chiller (AKM 25 at 25 kW cooling capacity and AKM 50 prototype at 50 kW) that produces cooling at -6°C to -50°C from low-grade waste heat sources (80-98°C from CHP, solar thermal, district heating, or biogas) or from LNG regasification cold, without mechanical compression. The product portfolio also includes the AUTARK container solution, hybrid adiabatic recoolers, latent cold and heat storage, CO2 cascade deep-freezing modules, heat pumps, and CHP integration hardware.

The company's go-to-market is sales-led and project-based, with personalized consulting, customer-specific energy-savings calculations, and direct B2B field sales supported by a strong trade show presence (Anuga FoodTec, Hannover Messe, Drinktec, Gulfhost, LNG Solutions). It sells through its own sales force plus channel partners KKS (Saxony) and emutec GmbH (Germany-wide LNG co-marketing), and pursues international expansion via the GIZ develoPPP programme (Chile) and CE-certified distribution outside Germany. Target customers span food processing and distribution, commercial buildings and hospitality, beverage and liquid food, agriculture, LNG terminals, and marine and transport applications.

Eco ice monetizes almost entirely through hardware sales of project-engineered systems (LNG cold recovery was carved out to LNGcold solutions in November 2018), with engineering and project planning charges under German HOAI fees as an ancillary stream. Pricing is quote-based with no public list, payment terms are net 20 days, and the company has received non-dilutive EU Horizon 2020 SME Instrument funding (grant agreement No 808814, ~EUR 2.18M Phase 2) for the LNGCOLD project. It holds multiple patents and registered designs (DPMA and WIPO filings on LNG cold recovery, vehicle cold storage, and AKM industrial design), is exempt from the EU F-Gas Regulation via use of natural refrigerants, and operates from a 25,000 m² site in Borna that includes serial production, a testing station, and an R&D test stand.

Name

Eco ice Kälte GmbH

Legal name

Eco ice Kälte GmbH

Website

https://eco-ice.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Eco ice Kälte GmbH is a Borna, Germany-based engineering firm founded in 2013 that designs and manufactures ammonia-water absorption refrigeration systems (AKM 25 and AKM 50) plus LNG cold recovery and AUTARK container solutions, selling project-engineered cooling hardware to industrial and commercial customers in food processing, hospitality, agriculture, LNG, and marine sectors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Refrigeration Systems

NAICS

Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (333415)

SIC

Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585)

akta.pro primary industry

Commercial & Industrial Refrigeration Systems (IMAHAKAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Chillers & Cooling Plant Equipment (IMAHAKAE), Heat Exchangers & Thermal Transfer Equipment (IMAHAKAC), Cooling Systems & Thermal Management (CRAC/CRAH, Chillers, Liquid Cooling) (HDABAKAD)

Keywords

• Absorption refrigeration systems
• LNG cold recovery
• Industrial cooling technology
• Waste heat utilization
• Natural refrigerant chillers

Headquarters

HQ city

Borna

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Absorption Refrigeration Systems (AKM): Sale of proprietary absorption refrigeration machines (AKM 25, AKM 50) with natural refrigerants. Systems are produced in own series production and offered as complete solutions including peripheral equipment (coolers, storage, accessories). B2B project sales with pricing based on custom configuration and scope.
2. LNG Cold Recovery Systems: Sale of regasification cold recovery systems for LNG applications, ranging from modular units (100 kW) to large-scale port terminal installations (1 MW+). Includes engineering, project-specific design, and commissioning.
3. Container Solutions (AUTARK): Customised mobile container systems integrating power generation, heating, cooling, and water treatment. Sold as complete turnkey solutions tailored to customer requirements.
4. Engineering and Project Planning: Planning services for trigeneration systems involving CHP, absorption cooling, and LNG cold recovery. The AGB state that planning services per HOAI (German fee structure for architects and engineers) may be charged separately.
5. Accessories and Peripheral Equipment: Sale of accessories including hybrid recooling systems, brine pumps, ice/latent cold storage, hot water tanks, solar absorbers, and CO2 cascade units as add-on or standalone products.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Eco ice Kälte GmbH designs, manufactures, and sells absorption refrigeration machines (AKM series) that produce commercial cooling from waste heat or LNG regasification cold without mechanical compressors. The portfolio includes absorption chillers, LNG cold recovery systems, modular peripheral equipment (coolers, storage tanks, heat pumps), and turnkey AUTARK container solutions that integrate power, heating, cooling, and water treatment for off-grid and remote deployments.

Product overview

Eco ice Kälte GmbH is an industrial/commercial cooling technology company based in Borna, Germany, founded in 2013. The product portfolio centres on two core systems: (1) the AKM (Absorptionskältemaschine) series — absorption refrigerators that produce cold from waste heat — including the AKM 25 (25 kW) and the AKM 50 (50 kW, under development), which use ammonia/water thermodynamics and can deliver cooling below 0°C and for air conditioning applications; and (2) the patented LNG Regasifizierungskälte system that recovers cold energy released during LNG regasification for commercial use at temperatures down to -50°C. These core products are complemented by a range of modular add-ons including Hybrid Adiabatic Coolers, Latent Cold Storage (LSR-800), Heat Storage (WSR-800), Ice Storage, Deep Freeze CO2 Cascade, Mini Refrigeration Systems (KKA), CO2 Heat Pumps, Solar Absorbers, and CHP units. The AUTARK container solution packages these technologies into turnkey autonomous systems for off-grid applications. Products are managed via internet remote access for monitoring and control but no public API is offered. The LNG cold recovery business unit was transferred to LNGcold solutions (lngcold.energy) in 2018.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AKM (Absorptionskältemaschine): Absorption refrigerator product line that produces cold from unused heat at temperatures of -6°C/-3°C, using ammonia as natural refrigerant and water as solvent.
• AUTARK
• LNGcold solutions

Products and services

• AKM 25 Absorption Refrigerator Absorption refrigerator producing cold at -6°C/-3°C using waste heat (80-98°C) as drive energy. Uses ammonia (NH3, R717) as natural refrigerant and water as solvent. Compact unit (800x1200x2000 mm) with heating water volume flow of 5.9 m³/h. Targets industrial and commercial customers needing sub-zero cooling and air conditioning from waste heat sources.
• AKM 50 Absorption Refrigerator Further development of AKM 25 with 50 kW cooling capacity at the same temperature level. Designed for industrial and commercial customers needing higher-capacity absorption cooling from waste heat.
• LNG Cold Recovery System (Regasifizierungskälte) Patent-protected system that recovers cold energy released during LNG regasification (at -162°C when LNG becomes gas) and transfers cold via brine circuit to multiple consumers at different temperature levels. Suitable for applications down to -38°C to -50°C, from modular 100 kW units to port-scale installations of 1,000+ kW per module.
• AUTARK Container Solutions Mobile, self-sufficient container solutions for deployment in poorly electrified areas. Combines power generation, heating, cooling, water purification, and wastewater treatment with ice storage for peak cooling demand. Delivered as turnkey systems requiring only water and gas/LNG/heating oil supply.
• Hybrid Adiabatic Cooler Recooling unit with low noise emission (50 dB(A) at 10 metres), available in wall-mounted or free-standing versions from 85 kW. Operates in dry mode up to 20°C ambient and wet mode above 20°C.
• Latent Cold Storage LSR-800 Latent cold storage with 800 litre capacity and PCM solidification range of -3°C to -5°C, providing 65 kWh storage capacity. Modularly expandable for peak load coverage and uninterrupted cooling.
• Heat Storage WSR-800 Heat storage with 800 litre capacity storing hot water at 3 bar operating pressure and temperatures near 95°C. Modularly expandable for combined heat and cooling applications.
• CHP/BHKW Cogeneration Unit Cogeneration unit providing 50 kW electrical and 81 kW thermal energy from 145 kW fuel input. Powers the AKM 25 while simultaneously generating electricity, enabling trigeneration (electricity + heat + cooling).

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 80% electricity cost savings compared to conventional compression refrigeration
• +5 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• emutec GmbHcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 April 2018Engineering company from Norderstedt near Hamburg with over 120 certified specialists and 8 locations across Germany. Partnership for joint marketing of Eco ice's patented LNG cold recovery technology. Also developing tailored solutions for LNG import terminals, industrial applications, and ships with LNG propulsion under the emutec GROUP umbrella.
• Kälte-Klima-Sachsen GmbH (KKS)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 24 November 2017KKS, based in Wermsdorf and founded in 1990, designs, manufactures, and installs high-quality refrigeration and air conditioning systems for industrial and commercial applications. Represents Eco ice products in Saxony through a long-standing partnership, including joint representation at industry events and a cooperation agreement covering both companies for industrial refrigeration solutions.
• CchRyC (Cámara Chilena del Refrigeración y Climatización)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 November 2017The most important organisation for Chilean refrigeration and air conditioning technology, active across South America, Spain, and Portugal. Cooperation agreement signed November 2017 with KKS/Eco ice for training and professional development in refrigeration technology as part of the GIZ develoPPP 'Sustainable Industrial Refrigeration' project.
• USACH (Universidad de Santiago de Chile)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2017University of Santiago de Chile. First agreement signed August 2017 as part of GIZ develoPPP programme. Focus on developing teaching curricula and training programmes in sustainable industrial refrigeration technology for Chile and Latin America.
• KKS Fahrzeugkälte GmbHminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpecialised in vehicle-powered transport refrigeration systems including CO2 cooling systems (Green Power Units) for small vehicles, semi-trailers, and trailers, air conditioners for buses, and temperature monitoring. Listed as an Eco ice partner link.
• DEKRAcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDEKRA certification partner for the AKM absorption refrigeration machine. Successfully completed CE certification of the AKM, enabling official start of international distribution of Eco ice's absorption refrigeration machines.
• GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGIZ assists with financing and on-the-ground implementation of the develoPPP programme 'Sustainable Industrial Refrigeration Engineering' in Chile. Supports KKS/Eco ice in marketing, sales, and training of local users to ensure sustainable market development in developing countries.
• WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization)minorOthersWIPO's International Bureau transmitted the preliminary international report on patentability for Eco ice's LNG cold recovery technology patent application.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Broad Air Conditioning: One of the largest global manufacturers of absorption chillers (lithium-bromide and ammonia-water cycles) for commercial and industrial HVAC. Directly comparable to Eco ice's AKM product line in core technology, target customers, and application range.
• EAW Energieanlagenbau GmbH: German manufacturer of absorption refrigeration and heat pump systems using natural refrigerants. Closest geographical and technological peer to Eco ice, with comparable focus on ammonia-water absorption chillers and trigeneration integration.
• Kaltra Innovativtechnik: European manufacturer of absorption chillers and heat pumps targeting commercial and industrial customers. Comparable product line, customer segments, and focus on energy-efficient cooling from waste heat sources.
• Robur Group: Italian manufacturer of absorption chillers, heat pumps, and gas-fired cooling systems using ammonia-water technology. Direct competitor in the European absorption chiller market with similar focus on natural refrigerants and waste-heat-driven cooling.
• Star Refrigeration: UK-based industrial refrigeration specialist offering ammonia refrigeration systems, heat pumps, and bespoke cooling plants. Comparable focus on natural refrigerants and complex industrial cooling applications.

Broad incumbents

• Trane Technologies: Global HVAC and refrigeration incumbent offering commercial chillers, heat pumps, and industrial cooling systems across a broad portfolio. Competes with Eco ice in commercial cooling end-markets but does not specialize in absorption technology.
• Johnson Controls (York): Major global HVAC and refrigeration manufacturer including the York brand chillers. Broad incumbent competing in industrial and commercial cooling where Eco ice targets absorption-based differentiation.
• Carrier Global: Global leader in HVAC, refrigeration, and cold chain solutions. Broad incumbent providing chillers and refrigeration systems across commercial and industrial segments where Eco ice competes with absorption technology.
• GEA Group: Global industrial equipment supplier with a substantial refrigeration and cold-chain division serving food processing, dairy, and beverage customers. Broad incumbent overlapping with Eco ice in food-industry cooling applications.

Emerging players

• Chart Industries: Specialist in cryogenic heat exchangers and LNG regasification equipment, including cold recovery and liquefaction systems. Comparable to Eco ice's LNGcold-derived technology in the LNG cold-recovery application area.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Eco ice Kälte GmbH