Cold with a Concept - Dry Ice, Technology and Future Energy

Since being founded by his father in 1991, Philipp ten Eicken, along with his father, has developed CLEANGAS from a draft system cleaning service to a specialist for ultrapure carbon dioxide and other gases. Initially, they supplied only the specialized trade, through pharmacies and beverage wholesalers, but new markets emerged with the carbonated water maker boom starting in 2003. When Sodastream fueled the trend in 2006 and the Federal Court opened the patent, CLEANGAS seized the opportunity to expand its dealer network. Today, the company produces not only 2-kg cylinders but also 425-g CO2 cartridges for the specialized trade, and since 2023, offers a patented alternative for the Sodastream's QuickConnect system – a clear unique selling point. In 2014, they launched the first online store for dry ice, and since 2018, the business has been running on a modern e-commerce platform. With its own-developed CryoBoxx and around 50 own facilities, serviced by a team, CLEANGAS secures its leading position. Major customers, especially from the automotive sector, are directly supplied with complete tank systems. Since 2016, the business field of refrigerants has expanded the portfolio – certified and aligned to the future natural refrigerant R744, i.e., CO2 in ultrapure form, now also available in Germany and Switzerland. However, all common refrigerants are also in use nationwide through express service. The philosophy 'innovative, sustainable, and cooperative' shapes all areas of the company: administration and sales have been completely automated for years, also in the refrigerant sector via its own e-commerce platform. In the future, CLEANGAS plans to strengthen its sites, expand the portfolio, and continue to grow with a facelift of the CryoBoxx and new projects. For the past three years, the Rhein-Ruhr branch has ensured shorter delivery times, and recently the acquisition of a Düsseldorf competitor has increased capacity.

Family Values as the Foundation for Growth

About 30 employees at four locations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Ruhr area form the backbone of the company. Despite its size, CLEANGAS remains a family business that thinks long-term and drives innovation purposefully. 'I am enthusiastic about technology, I like developments and innovation and never wanted to sit in a ready-made nest,' says Managing Director Philipp ten Eicken. 'I don’t have a yearly contract, but a lifetime one.' His focus is on reliability and cooperative action – towards employees, customers, and suppliers. With sustainable solutions, CLEANGAS actively contributes to the energy transition and remains a reliable partner in a dynamic market.