World Refrigeration Day, yes, that's a real thing!

Updated June 26, 2025, 9:24 a.m. | By Stacey & J Sbu

World Refrigeration Day is celebrated on 26 June to raise awareness of the importance of refrigeration and its impact on our daily lives.

World Refrigeration Day has a rich history dating back to 2019 when it was founded by Stephen Gill, a past President of the Institute of Refrigeration. The day was chosen to coincide with the birthday of Lord Kelvin, a Scotsman who invented an international system of measuring absolute temperature, vital for refrigeration.

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Since its inception, World Refrigeration Day has gained global recognition, with industry trade associations and professional membership bodies coming together to promote awareness of the importance of refrigeration.

Refrigeration plays a crucial role in our daily lives, from preserving food to providing thermal comfort through air conditioning. It's hard to imagine life without refrigeration, but it's a technology that has revolutionised the way we live and work. Whether it's keeping our food fresh or keeping us cool on a hot summer day, refrigeration is an essential part of modern life.

How can you celebrate World Refrigeration Day?

Here are a few ideas:

Show some love to your fridge by cleaning it out and appreciating the convenience it brings to your life.
Thank a refrigeration engineer for their hard work in keeping our food safe and our drinks cold.
Celebrate with a cool refrigeration theme, and consider a career in the refrigeration industry if you're interested in designing, building or repairing refrigeration systems.

By promoting awareness and education, we can work towards a future where refrigeration continues to improve our lives while minimising its impact on the planet.

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