Sterling Will Debut Low-GWP Chillers at Chicago Expo
Manufacturers upgrading thermal control systems will see new options for regulatory compliance and connectivity.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Consumer Goods
Live Poll
Do you believe companies should prioritize sustainability when upgrading their industrial processing equipment?
Sterling will showcase its new line of low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) chillers and temperature controllers at PACK EXPO in Chicago on October 18-21, 2026. These systems are designed to assist facility operators in meeting evolving environmental regulations while maintaining process consistency.
Why it matters
As regulatory standards for refrigerants tighten, these new systems provide manufacturers with a pathway to replace older units while improving digital integration. These upgrades are intended to help operations maintain tight thermal stability during production cycles.
The new GPL05A chiller offers 5-ton capacity, while the TC130 series supports heater capacities ranging from 9 to 48 kW. These units operate within a temperature band of 32°F to 250°F to serve varied industrial heat-exchange needs.
The players
Sterling
An industrial equipment manufacturer specializing in temperature control and thermal processing solutions for production facilities.
The details
The upcoming chiller lineup utilizes R-410A or R-454B refrigerants to align with modern GWP standards, while the PSL line incorporates R-513A. Operational efficiency is managed through color touchscreens and EtherNet/IP connectivity, which allows for deeper integration with factory monitoring systems. The TC130 units focus on reliability by maintaining precise temperature setpoints within a 32°F to 250°F range.
Timeline
October 18-21, 2026: Sterling displays new technologies at PACK EXPO in Chicago.
2027: Planned official market launch of the PSL series chillers.
Market Landscape
This product rollout follows the broader trend of industrial equipment manufacturers shifting their hardware designs to comply with legislative refrigerant transition mandates. Companies are increasingly prioritizing low-GWP designs to help operators avoid the compliance costs associated with legacy refrigerant phase-outs.
Facility managers should evaluate their current chiller fleet against 2027 regulatory timelines to determine if equipment replacement is required. Operators should track these technical specifications at PACK EXPO to identify which units best integrate with their existing EtherNet/IP networks.
The takeaway
The move toward GWP-compliant cooling hardware signals a shift in operational compliance expectations for the coming year. Review your cooling equipment's refrigerant type and anticipated service life to avoid supply chain bottlenecks when the PSL series hits the market in 2027.
Further reading
For more on industry equipment trends, visit the Consumer Goods section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Packaging World.
Live Poll
Do you believe companies should prioritize sustainability when upgrading their industrial processing equipment?
