Europe’s Crackdown on PFAS: What It Means for the Future of HVAC Refrigerants

・The EU is considering strict regulations on PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” due to health and environmental concerns.

・The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published proposals to restrict PFAS-forming substances.

・Key refrigerants like HFC125, HFC134a, and several HFOs could be banned, while R32 might remain unaffected.

・Regulatory alignment is complex: ECHA focuses on health, while F-gas rules target climate impact (GWP).

・A final decision is expected by 2025, with implementation likely starting in 2026–2027.

ENew PFAS restrictions could reshape the HVACR landscape by targeting commonly used refrigerants across Europe.

The European Union is taking bold steps to address environmental and health threats posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of synthetic chemicals that resist degradation and accumulate in nature. Known for their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, PFAS are widely referred to as “forever chemicals.”

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has released a proposal to restrict substances that contribute to PFAS formation, highlighting concerns over their persistence and potential health risks for both humans and animals. These chemicals have been increasingly detected in natural environments, prompting calls for decisive action.

Five European countries are driving the proposal under ECHA’s supervision, seeking to curb PFAS use across various industries, including HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration). This could have a significant impact on widely used refrigerants such as HFC125, HFC134a, HFC143a, and newer HFOs like 1234yf and 1234ze(E). Interestingly, R32 — another popular refrigerant — may escape the ban due to its chemical structure.

The European Parliament has proposed incorporating PFAS into the updated F-gas regulation. However, merging ECHA’s health-centric perspective with the F-gas regulation’s GWP-based approach presents regulatory challenges.

The roadmap is already underway:

• Public consultation began in March 2023
• Scientific committee reviews are expected throughout 2024
• Final decisions are anticipated by 2025
• Full regulation implementation could begin as early as 2026 or 2027

For the HVACR industry, adapting to this potential shift means exploring new refrigerants and technologies that align with both environmental and health standards. The clock is ticking — and the future of cooling in Europe may soon be PFAS-free.

関連記事