EFCTC COMMENT ON THE INCREASING USE OF HFOs AND HCFOs

The EEA Report on Fluorinated greenhouse gases in 2018 shows that the use of very low GWP HFOs and HCFOs has significantly increased over the 3 years to the end of 2017. These substances were developed and are now produced and supplied by EFCTC member companies. Their increased use is helping to deliver the objectives of the F-Gas Regulation through lower GWP non-flammable HFC/HFO blends and a range of refrigerants, propellants and foam blowing agents with GWPs less than 150.

The good balance of safety and technical properties for the HFOs and HCFOs is complemented by their environmental properties of very low GWPs (<10) and short atmospheric lifetimes measured in days. Some HFOs and HCFOs breakdown in the atmosphere to produce some TFA (trifluoro-acetic acid). The Environmental Effects Assessment Panel to the Montreal Protocol have confirmed in 2018 that “Our previous assessments reported that future concentrations of TFA due to the expected use of ODS replacements do not pose a significant threat to human health or the environment. That assessment remains unchanged.” EFCTC welcomes this statement, which we believe supports the responsible use of HFOs and HCFOs to contribute to the phase-down of HFCs and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.