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Illegal refrigerants
The risk of illegal refrigerants
Millions of tonnes of CO2 equivalent of illegal refrigerants are imported into the EU each year, putting lives and the environment at risk.
Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials is one of many European FluoroCarbons Technical Committee (EFCTC) member companies who are working collectively to fight against illegal HFC trade activity. The EFCTC is an European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) Sector Group that monitors legislation related to HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), and HFOs (hydrofluoro-olefins) in the EU and at a global level.
Find out more about the actions being taken by the EFCTC and its member companies to eradicate the HFC black market below.
Let’s put an end to it. Join us in the fight against illegal refrigerants by reporting illegal activity.
Illegal refrigerants – the issue
Large volumes of illegal refrigerants are imported into the EU and US each year, putting lives and the environment at risk. Because the composition and quality of these illicit substances are unknown, they may contain hazardous impurities and not meet required technical specifications. Moreover, these illegal imports bypass regulatory controls and are not counted under the phasedown mechanisms for fluorinated gases established under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, undermining both climate policy objectives and market integrity.
STOP ILLEGAL COOLING
Signs a product may be illegal
The risks of using illegal refrigerants include potential fines, prosecution, damaged equipment, potential injuries, loss of business and a lasting impact on company reputation. Below are some tell-tale signs of illegal products:
- Can’t return the cylinder
- Disposable cylinder/container
- Not from a reputable supplier
- Unknown product origin
- Sale is on the Internet
- Price is significantly lower than the average market price
- No quality certificate or safety data sheet
Have you spotted a product online that doesn’t seem genuine?
Join the pledge to #SayNoToIllegalHFCs
Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials is engaged in the fight against illegal imports of HFCs into the EU.
As a member of the EFCTC we support the pledge to #SayNoToIllegalHFCs, to help raise awareness of the issue and share best practices.
Technology centers
Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials operates Technology Centers within key regions to enable R&D excellence across its business units.
Within the Pharma Business Unit, our Cheshire (UK) technology center serves as the key technology hub, positioned as our core medical propellants applications lab. It’s home to R&D specialists and technical experts bringing the low-GWP transition to life.