The New Economy Born from the “Heat”: These 5 Cooling Sectors are Booming
Solving the Puzzle: New Opportunities behind the High-Temperature Economy
In recent years, the trend of global warming has intensified, and extreme high-temperature weather has occurred frequently. This not only causes troubles to people’s lives but also gives rise to a series of new economic sectors related to “cooling.” These sectors are not the traditional “cooling” industries in the strict sense. Instead, they focus on the pain points of demand in high-temperature environments and provide consumers with a more comfortable and healthy lifestyle through technological innovation and business model transformation.
The core question behind the high-temperature economy is: How to meet people’s needs for cooling, heat avoidance, and health in extreme weather? Entrepreneurs need to think from the following perspectives:
1. Demand scenarios: In high-temperature weather, which scenarios see an increase in demand? (Such as at home, in the office, during travel, and in outdoor activities.)
2. Technology-driven: How to solve the cooling problem through new materials, new technologies, or intelligent means?
3. Sustainability: How to balance environmental protection and energy efficiency while cooling?
Next, we will delve into 5 booming cooling sectors and analyze the business logic and entrepreneurial opportunities behind them.
Sector 1: Smart Cooling Home Appliances
Background of demand
In high-temperature weather, the comfort of the home environment becomes a necessity. Although traditional air conditioners have a high penetration rate, they have problems such as high energy consumption, dry air, and the tendency to cause “air-conditioning diseases.” Smart cooling home appliances provide a healthier and more energy-efficient solution through technological upgrades.
Entrepreneurial opportunities
- Smart air conditioners and fresh air systems: Combine AI algorithms to automatically adjust according to indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity, and introduce fresh air systems to improve air quality.
- Cooling building materials: Such as reflective heat-insulating coatings and phase-change material (PCM) walls, which achieve passive cooling through the building itself.
- Smart curtains and shading systems: Automatically adjust the shading angle through sensors to reduce indoor heat accumulation.
Case: Xiaomi’s smart home ecosystem
Xiaomi has built a complete smart cooling home appliance ecosystem by laying out products such as smart air conditioners, air purifiers, and smart curtains. Its air conditioner products support remote control, voice interaction, and intelligent scene linkage, greatly enhancing the user experience.
Sector 2: Portable Cooling Devices
Background of demand
In high-temperature weather, the demand for portable cooling devices among outdoor workers, sports enthusiasts, commuters, etc., has increased sharply. Such devices need to be lightweight, efficient, and have strong battery life.
Entrepreneurial opportunities
- Portable air-conditioned clothing: Realize body surface cooling through a micro-fan or water-cooling system.
- Cooling sprays and ice towels: Use the principle of evaporation and heat absorption to cool down quickly.
- Wearable cooling devices: Such as cooling bracelets and necklaces, which combine semiconductor technology to achieve local cooling.
Case: Coolify portable air-conditioned clothing
Coolify is a wearable portable air-conditioned clothing with a built-in micro-fan and water-cooling system, which can continuously cool the body. This product is very popular among outdoor workers and sports enthusiasts and has become a summer hit.
Sector 3: Refreshing Drinks and Healthy Foods
Background of demand
In high-temperature weather, people’s demand for refreshing drinks and healthy foods has increased significantly. The traditional cold drink market is saturated, but there is still huge room for healthy and functional products.
Entrepreneurial opportunities
- Functional drinks: Such as electrolyte water, low-sugar tea drinks, and probiotic drinks, which meet the needs of hydration and health.
- Plant-based ice products: Such as ice cream and popsicles based on plant protein, which cater to the trends of vegetarianism and low fat.
- Instant cooling foods: Such as cold noodles and cold-brewed tea, which are convenient and fast.
Case: Yuanqi Forest electrolyte water
The electrolyte water launched by Yuanqi Forest, featuring “0 sugar and 0 fat” and rapid hydration function, has become a summer hit. Its success lies in seizing the consumers’ demand for healthy drinks.
Sector 4: Summer Resort Tourism and Indoor Entertainment
Background of demand
In high-temperature weather, summer resort tourism and indoor entertainment have become popular choices. Traditional tourist attractions are overcrowded in summer, while emerging summer resort destinations and indoor entertainment projects offer a differentiated experience.
Entrepreneurial opportunities
- Mountain summer resort camps: Combine outdoor activities such as camping and hiking to provide a cool summer resort experience.
- Indoor theme parks: Such as ice and snow parks and VR experience halls, which meet the family entertainment needs.
- Night economy: Develop night markets, outdoor movies, etc., to avoid the high temperature during the day.
Case: Chimelong Water Park
Chimelong Water Park has become a popular summer destination by building large-scale water amusement facilities and night shows. Its success lies in the perfect combination of entertainment and cooling needs.
Sector 5: Pet Cooling Services
Background of demand
High-temperature weather not only affects humans but also poses a threat to pet health. Pet cooling services have become an emerging sector in the pet economy.
Entrepreneurial opportunities
- Pet cooling products: Such as ice pads, cooling vests, and pet-specific air conditioners.
- Pet SPA and care: Provide services such as cool baths and haircuts.
- Pet boarding and summer resort hotels: Provide a cool temporary living environment for pets.
Case: PetCool pet cooling vest
The pet cooling vest launched by PetCool, using breathable materials and ice pack design, helps pets stay comfortable in high temperatures. This product has quickly become popular among pet owners.
Summary and Suggestions
The 5 cooling sectors in the high-temperature economy essentially revolve around the three core needs of “comfort, health, and sustainability.” Entrepreneurs can enter from the following perspectives:
1. Technological innovation: Use new materials and intelligent technologies to enhance the product experience.
2. Scenario segmentation: Provide customized solutions for different groups (such as outdoor workers and pet owners).
3. Environmental protection concept: Combine green energy and sustainable materials to reduce the environmental impact of products.
Although high-temperature weather is a challenge, it also breeds huge business opportunities. If entrepreneurs can seize these demand pain points, they have the opportunity to share a piece of the pie in the new economy born from the “heat.”
