News

The get-together on the evening before the event already reflected the special atmosphere: open discussions, new contacts, and constructive exchanges on current developments.

The Tech-Innovation-Day offered a platform to bring together different viewpoints, discuss challenges, and explore approaches that support future projects. The positive feedback from participants confirmed the high value of this knowledge transfer for daily practice.
 

Technical Presentations and Program Focus

The event provided a structured overview of current technological developments at HOF. The presentations covered three core topics: 

• Annex 1-Compliant Loading and Unloading Systems
• Sustainable Cooling Technologies / Processes
• Process Analytics for Freeze-Dryers

The speakers presented practical examples, technological updates, and concrete solution approaches for pharmaceutical production. The contributions were complemented by background information on efficient processes, operational safety, and current regulatory expectations.

Many participants also took the opportunity to join the guided site tours in Lohra and Mornshausen, gaining a direct insight into HOF’s manufacturing processes and working methods—and seeing how the expertise presented during the event is applied in practice.

Additional impressions are available in the video >

We sincerely thank you for your participation and look forward to welcoming you again at one of our upcoming events.

“Sharing knowledge, discussing new approaches, and developing solutions together—that is what makes the HOF Tech-Innovation-Day so valuable.”

Dr. Alexander Hof
(CEO)

• Annex 1 – Requirements and Implementation
• Use of Process Analytical Tools in Freeze Drying
• Sustainable Refrigeration Technologies and Processes

After highlighting the second focus area, we now turn to the third and final topic block, completing our series leading up to the HOF TECH-Innovation-Day 2025.
 

Sustainable Cooling Technologies and Processes

The demand for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling technologies continues to rise – especially in sensitive applications such as freeze drying and freeze-thaw processes.
At the HOF TECH-Innovation-Day, we will explore current developments, regulatory frameworks, and practical solutions for a sustainable future in cooling technology for pharmaceutical applications.
In three exciting sessions, you will gain a comprehensive overview of new regulations, technical innovations, and successful industrial best practices.
 

Session 1:
F-Gas Regulation –
Impacts and Opportunities

Insights into current and upcoming EU F-Gas Regulation and REACH legislation. Which refrigerants will remain approved in the future? What transition periods and obligations apply to operators? Learn more about the background of these regulations and how to avoid compliance risks.
 

Session 2:
Alternative Cooling Technologies

This session focuses on innovative and sustainable cooling concepts designed to make processes future-proof and independent of regulatory restrictions.
In addition to the technologies themselves, practical implementations will be presented – including examples from HOF freeze-drying systems and HOF freeze-thaw solutions.
 

Session 3:
Case Study – Sustainable Freeze Drying in Practice

Gain deep insights into the real-world implementation of sustainable cooling technologies in industrial freeze drying. An industry user will share the entire journey – from planning and selecting suitable systems to on-site commissioning. Challenges such as process stability, energy efficiency, investment costs, and maintenance will also be addressed.

Roche Diagnostics GmbH

Look forward to practical insights:

Experience the future of sustainable cooling technology – from regulatory frameworks and alternative systems to proven industry applications.

Discover how innovative technologies using natural refrigerants, energy-efficient processes, and intelligent system solutions form the foundation for a climate-friendly and economically viable production.
 

Tomorrow starts today

“Sustainable cooling technologies are not a trend, but the logical consequence of responsible plant engineering.”

Fabian Plaum
(Sales Management)

What to expect at the HOF TECH-Innovation-Day

Annex 1 – Requirements and Implementation

How can the new Annex 1 guidelines be effectively implemented in practice?

• Technical lecture on Annex 1-compliant loading and unloading systems – including an overview of regulatory requirements and their technical implementation at HOF
• Practical industry case study

Application of Process Analytical Tools in Freeze Drying

How modern process analytical tools are transforming freeze drying and enhancing process safety:

• Basics and theory of mass spectrometry
• Case Study: Mass Spectrometry

Factory Tour & Personal Exchange

Experience HOF live – with an exclusive guided tour through our facilities in Lohra and Mornshausen,
on November 11 and 12, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Be there when innovation and practice meet on November 12 in Marburg – at the HOF TECH-Innovation-Day 2025.

Find all details about the program, topics, and registration on our landing page:

More about the TECH-Innovation-Day >

Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Yout HOF Team

• Annex 1 – Requirements and Implementation
• Application of Process Analytical Tools in Freeze-Drying
• Sustainable Refrigeration Technologies and Processes

After highlighting the first focus topic Annex 1 –
Requirements and Implementation in our previous issue, today we turn the spotlight on the second main topic:

Application of Process Analytical Tools in Freeze-Drying – Transparency in the Process

How can product quality in pharmaceutical freeze-drying be monitored even more precisely in the future?

Mass spectrometry opens up new insights – directly into the process. But how can this technology be efficiently integrated into existing systems without fundamentally changing the production environment?

Especially in validated production lines, the challenge is to combine stability and innovation.
Modern analytics should not only measure – but understand.

At the HOF TECH-Innovation-Day 2025, we will demonstrate how inline-capable mass spectrometry makes the freeze-drying process more transparent, safer, and more efficient – from development scale to large-scale production.

Gain practical insights into the use of modern process analytical tools, discover real-world applications, and take away valuable impulses for further enhancing process reliability in freeze-drying.

Look forward to fascinating insights:
A presentation on the use of modern, inline-capable mass spectrometry – including an overview of the technological fundamentals, system integration, and a practice-oriented case study.

Tomorrow starts today.

“Modern process analytics brings clarity to the details – making freeze-drying more precise and traceable.”

Johannes Kuhl
Certified Engineer
Sales Management

What else to expect at the HOF TECH-Innovation-Day

Sustainable Cooling Technologies and Processes

Sustainability, energy efficiency, and regulatory requirements in focus: 

• Expert presentation on current regulatory requirements
• Technology overview of HOF cooling systems – techniques in comparison with advantages and disadvantages
• Practical example: Application of sustainable cooling technology at the HOF Pharma Blast Freezer and the FTU

Annex 1 – Requirements and Implementation

How can the new Annex 1 guidelines be effectively implemented in practice?

• Technical lecture on Annex 1-compliant loading and unloading systems – including an overview of regulatory requirements and their technical implementation at HOF.
• Practical industry case study

Factory Tour & Personal Exchange

Experience HOF on site – with an exclusive guided tour through our facilities in Lohra and Mornshausen.

On 11 and 12 November 2025, each from 15:00 to 17:00.

Stay tuned –
in the next editions we will present the further key topics.

More about the TECH-Innovation-Day >

With kind regards,
Yout HOF-Team

Now, we continue the event series and put the first focus topic in the spotlight:
 

Annex 1 – Requirements and Implementation

How can the new Annex 1 requirements be put into practice?

The new Annex 1 is already in force – but many questions remain:
How can existing production lines be upgraded to meet the new requirements without having to replace freeze dryers or filling machines?

Especially established systems are expected to further produce in a reliable way, while a complete reinvestment means enormous time and cost efforts. So, what are the solutions to remain compliant with Annex 1? That’s exactly what we will demonstrate at the
HOF TECH-Innovation-Day 2025.

And when planning new lines – whether small scale or large-scale production – the rule is: think of tomorrow today.

We will show the latest trends in loading and unloading systems, including robot-assisted loading and unloading of freeze dryers with HOF SIRIUS, and give you an exclusive preview of a new HOF product family that will set new standards.

You may also look forward to:
join us for a presentation on Annex 1 compliant loading and unloading systems – including an overview of the regulatory requirements and their technical implementation at HOF – as well as a practical case study.

Tomorrow starts today.

“Annex 1 brings clear requirements. Our task is to provide customers with future-proof loading and unloading systems that can be seamlessly integrated into both existing and new lines.”

Peter Schneider
(Sales Management)

Other topics await you at the HOF TECH-Innovation-Day, such as:

Sustainable Cooling Technologies and Processes

Sustainability, energy efficiency, and regulatory requirements in focus:

• Expert presentation on current regulatory requirements
• Technology overview of HOF cooling systems – techniques in comparison with advantages and disadvantages
• Practical example: Application of sustainable cooling technology at the HOF Pharma Blast Freezer and the FTU

Application of Process Analytical Tools in Freeze Drying

How modern process analytical tools transform freeze drying and increase process safety:

• Basics and theory of mass spectrometry
• Case Study: Mass Spectrometry

Factory Tour & Personal Exchange

Experience HOF on site – with an exclusive guided tour through our facilities in Lohra and Mornshausen.

On 11 and 12 November 2025, from 3 p.m to 5 p.m-

Stay tuned –
in the next editions we will present the further key topics.
 

More about the TECH-Innovation-Day >

With kind regards,
Your HOF-Team

A compact program designed to inform, inspire, and foster exchange –
including an exclusive factory tour and a networking get-together in Marburg.

Three key topic areas will be in focus:

Annex 1 – Requirements and Implementation

How can the new Annex 1 guidelines be effectively implemented in practice?

• Technical lecture on Annex 1-compliant loading and unloading systems – including an overview of regulatory requirements and their technical implementation at HOF.
• Practical industry case study

Sustainable Refrigeration Technologies and Processes

Focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and regulatory requirements:

• Expert technical lecture on current regulatory requirements
• Technology overview of HOF refrigeration systems – comparing techniques, advantages, and limitations
• Practical example: Implementation of sustainable refrigeration technology on the HOF Pharma Blast Freezer and FTU

Use of Process Analytical Tools (PAT) in Freeze-Drying

How modern process analytical tools are transforming freeze-drying and increasing process safety:

• Industry trends for newcomers and decision-makers
• Case study: Mass spectrometry – theoretical background and practical application as a PAT tool

Factory Tour & Networking

Experience HOF live –
with an exclusive guided tour of our facilities
in Lohra and Mornshausen.

On November 11 and 12, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Curious to learn more?

Soon, we’ll share more details about the full program and featured highlights.

More information will be available here >

Kind regards,
Your HOF-Team

Wide temperature range from +40 °C to –110 °C

Thanks to its broad control range, the HOF Pharma Blast Freezer is ideal for both controlled thawing and shock freezing of sensitive products. The temperature control is precise – ensuring consistently high product quality.
 

Flexible application – for product volumes up to 300 liters

Whether bottles, bags, or containers: the HOF Pharma Blast Freezer processes a wide range of packaging units – with volumes of up to 300 liters.
Thanks to this capacity, the system integrates seamlessly into existing production environments – offering a high level of investment security, scalability, and flexibility.
 

Hygienic, compact, and easy to integrate – also available as sterile version

Made of high-grade stainless steel, the system meets all hygienic requirements of the pharmaceutical industry. Its compact design allows for space-saving integration – both in non-classified areas and sterile environments.
 

Sustainable & future-proof with air as refrigerant

The HOF Pharma Blast Freezer uses natural air (R729) as refrigerant. It complies with the F-Gas regulation, is climate-neutral, and requires no additional safety measures – ideal for sustainable production strategies.
 

Proven solution – ready for testing

The system is already in practical use and has been successfully implemented in customer projects.
It is also available for joint test runs – see its performance for yourself.
 

Service⁺ included

As with all HOF systems, our project team supports the entire lifecycle: from planning and manufacturing to installation, commissioning, and training. Regular maintenance is also part of our Service⁺ offering.
 

Real-world testing – see for yourself

The HOF Pharma Blast Freezer has already proven itself in practical operation and is available for joint test runs. This makes it not just an innovative product, but a proven solution with clear investment security.
 

Benefits at a glance

• Flexible processing of bag & bottle systems
• Temperature range from +40 °C to –110 °C
• Compact, hygienic, and easy to operate
• Also suitable for use in sterile environments
• Sustainable cooling technology using air (R729)
• Energy-efficient & F-Gas compliant
• Comprehensive project support including after-sales service through HOF Service⁺

"For our customers, it's not just about the technology – but how versatile, safe, and sustainable a solution fits into their processes. That’s exactly what the HOF Pharma Blast Freezer was developed for."

Fabian Plaum (Sales Manager)
 

Want to learn more?

Let us advise you personally and find out how the HOF Pharma Blast Freezer can improve your processes.

Contact our team for more information or to arrange an individual consultation:

Fabian Plaum - fabian.plaum(at)hof-sonderanlagen.de
(Sales Manager)
 

Brochure & more information

For more technical details, visit our section on Freeze-Thaw Units>

The installation of a load storage unit represents the core component of the HOF CCU CryoBlizzard technology. Since 2019, several central refrigeration systems using this sustainable approach have already been successfully implemented – operated exclusively with air as a refrigerant.

The patent confirms HOF’s technological leadership and emphasizes the innovative strength of this energy-efficient and sustainable solution. As an innovative buffer tank technology, it provides our customers with a unique state-of-the-art system that has already been successfully installed multiple times and will greatly reduce operating costs in freeze drying.

The system incorporates air-cycle cooling machines developed by MIRAI Intex, which are an integral part of the technology. In order to supply multiple users via a centralized refrigeration system, the patented load storage unit is used – enabling the reliable, consistent and efficient supply of different temperature levels.

Greater efficiency for ambitious processes

The HOF CryoBlizzard technology stands out not only for its sustainability and long-term viability but also for its significantly improved energy efficiency.
The result: reduced operating costs, lower environmental impact – and maximum performance for demanding production environments.

This innovative, energy-efficient and sustainable technology provides our customers with a truly state-of-the-art solution that significantly reduces the operational costs of freeze-drying.

“The patent not only confirms the technological edge of our solution, but also its sustainable contribution to energy efficiency.”

Fabian Plaum (Sales Management)

This accolade our dedication to setting global standards. As a market leader, we stand for an eccellent combination of innovative strength, technological expertise and customized solutions. Our freeze-drying systems are renowned for their precision, efficiency, and sustainable technology, providing our clients with future-ready and dependable solutions.

This recognition is to be assigned to the entire HOF team, who work diligently every day to develop new solutions and drive the company forward. We remain steadfast in our commitment: delivering technological excellence for your applications—today and in the future.

For more details, please refer to the Pharma Tech Outlook article >


“The international recognition confirms that HOF is recognized worldwide as a leader in innovation and quality.”

Stefan Becker (CFO)

Look forward to insightful expert presentations, a compact overview of HOF’s proven refrigeration technologies, an in-depth look at the HOF Pharma Blast Freezer, and case studies on pharmaceutical systems with a focus on Annex 1 of the EU GMP guidelines.

The evening before, we invite you to a relaxed get-together – an opportunity for pleasant conversations in an informal gathering.
On the event day, there will also be time for expert exchange and the option to take part in a guided tour of the HOF facility.

More details here >

"Real innovation happens when technology meets dialogue –
that's what the TECH-Innovation-Day is all about."

Dr. Alexander Hof (CEO)

Fluorinated refrigerants (F-gases) are widely used in many everyday devices and in industrial process equipments, particularly in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

These gases have adverse effects on our climate and have a high global warming potential, often thousand times higher than carbon dioxide (CO2). Refrigerants are classified according to their Global Warming Potential (GWP), which is based on CO2. The new regulations aim to avoid around 500 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents by 2050, which corresponds to the total annual emissions of France and Belgium.

The changes will come into force on 11 March 2024.

Priorities of the new F-Gas Regulation:

Faster CO2 reduction and limited use of refrigerants

The successive reduction in CO2 equivalents is taking place faster than previously planned, with a complete phase-out by 2050. The aim is to achieve by 2030 a reduction to 5% of the originally defined value, compared to the previously planned 21 %. As of 2025, the maximum amount of refrigerant available will be limited to 23 % of the originally defined value, instead of the previous 31 %.

Regulation of HFO refrigerants

The revision of the F-Gas regulation now also regulates HFO refrigerants (e.g. R1234yf, R1234ze etc.), stating additional requirements such as leakage checks and various restrictions in the use. Mixtures (HFC/HFO) are also affected here.

Use of synthetic refrigerants

Although the latest version of the F-Gas Regulation does not yet provide for an abrupt end to high-GWP refrigerants, it clearly sets the course for alternative, natural solutions. Currently, the 2020 regulations continue to apply with a ban on refrigerants with a GWP > 2,500 and an exemption for product temperatures <-50 °C. Although the revised version of the F-Gas Regulation provides for further restrictions, these will not initially affect the possible applications of freeze-drying systems and freeze-thaw units (FTUs). A possible specification of the regulation could lead to further restrictions here.

HOF: innovative refrigeration technologies - alternatives and solutions

HOF has a long-standing commitment to the issues of environmental protection, climate protection and greenhouse gases.
In addition to our conventional refrigeration systems, we offer a wide range of technologies based on natural refrigerants. This alternative to conventional refrigeration technology enables us to offer reliable solutions for freeze-drying systems and freeze-thaw units.

Our systems use refrigerants such as hydrocarbons, liquid nitrogen and air instead of refrigerants with a high impact on the climate such as R404A/R507A. For example: our innovative HOF CryoBlizzard cold air machine.

On our website, you can get more information on our advanced solutions, under the topic“  Pioneering alternatives to conventional compression refrigeration '.

Read more here >