Why move to Natural Refrigerants

In the 1970s, scientists discovered the dangerous impact Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have in the Earth's atmosphere. CFCs were used as foam blowing agents, refrigerants and solvents. It was found that they destroy the ozone layer, so that aggressive UV-B radiation can reach directly the Earth's surface causing genetic damage in the cells of people, plants and animals.

Therefore, in 1987, an international treaty was concluded at Montreal, Canada (the so called Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer), to prevent the ozone layer from further destruction and begin the phase-out of the use of CFCs and other Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) like Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are fluorinated gases (F-gases) and are widely used in many commercial refrigeration applications, such as beverage coolers, vending machines, ice cream freezers, open deck coolers and freezers used in supermarkets. HCFCs are ozone depleters and will be phased out under the Montreal Protocol.

In the refrigerant sector, two ozone-friendly replacement technologies are available: climate harmful fluorinated refrigerants (HFCs) and climate-friendly natural refrigerants. If HFCs will replace HCFCs, the climate benefits of the Montreal Protocol will be lost in a short period of time.

Therefore, Refrigerants, Naturally! members have decided to support climate-friendly technology and go for natural refrigerants.

	ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential)	GWP (Global Warming Potential)
CFC	High	Very High
HCFC	Very Low	Very High
HFC	Zero	High
HC	Zero	Negligible
CO2	Zero	Negligible
Helium used in Sterling Coolers	Zero	Zero