Circularity. Some may call it a “hot topic.” But in reality, the concept and practice of circularity is here to stay, indefinitely, for the simple reason that the sustainability of our planet depends on it.
Whatever type of product you sell, “widget” you manufacture, or service you provide, achieving circularity, that is, putting practices in place so that materials remain in circulation and never become waste is finding its way onto the priority list of every business.
Maximizing resource efficiency
For many industries, including HVACR, circularity has become more than a demonstration of responsibility to our planet.
Maximizing resource efficiency is essential for the strength of our industry and the businesses that support it. It drives everything from lower energy consumption and better budget strategies to supply chain resilience and consumer preference.
F-gas refrigerants
Global efforts to reduce the use of HFC refrigerants, replacing them with lower-GWP HFOs
Unlike industrial gases such as hydrocarbons or carbon dioxide, new-generation F-gas refrigerants represent a significant opportunity to advance circularity initiatives, since they can be recovered, recycled, and reclaimed.
Moreover, many of these practices, what I call the “Three Rs” of refrigerant management are underway. This is due largely to global efforts to reduce the use of Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, replacing them with lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs).
refrigerant management program
Although HFC production and consumption phasedowns are happening at different stages worldwide, they’re creating a gap between supply and what is needed to operate and service existing equipment.
This, coupled with the elevated focus on circularity, makes it increasingly critical for companies at every level of the HVACR industry to employ a strong refrigerant management program.
Understanding the Three Rs
Recovered refrigerant that is not recycled should go to a certified reclaimer to be reprocessed and reintroduced
The Three Rs of refrigerant management each contribute differently to your business and sustainability goals. First, we have recovery, which means taking refrigerant out of a system and moving it into a separate container. Next is recycling, achieved by putting refrigerant back into the system after it is recovered, often after some minor “clean up” or filtering to reduce contamination.
Perhaps the most important step of the three is reclamation. Recovered refrigerant that is not recycled should go to a certified reclaimer to be reprocessed and reintroduced into the supply stream as a refrigerant that meets all virgin purity specifications.
unprecedented demand for HFCs
As phasedowns continue, it will become even more important for contractors to regain every possible pound of refrigerant during equipment maintenance and at the end of life.
We’re nearing a critical point because phasedowns are causing unprecedented demand for HFCs.
reclaimed product
Stepping up reuse and reclamation efforts to ensure an adequate supply of certified products
For the first time, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are depending on reclaimed products to meet some regional regulatory criteria.
Plus, the reclaimed product is needed for service applications. In addition, stepping up reuse and reclamation efforts to ensure an adequate supply of certified products can help deter illegal refrigerant trading, which can lead to a whole host of other economic and safety issues.
Be sure you’re ready for recovery
Given the increase in recovery and reclamation efforts, it’s advisable to refresh your contractor and technician training and make sure proper recovery machines are in place.
This applies to HFCs as well as new-generation, mildly flammable A2L refrigerants, which are finding greater use as lower-GWP replacements. Best practices and training resources are available from Chemours at opteon.com, for example.
contractor and technician training
Training should cover topics including:
- Properties, use, safety, and proper handling during recovery and reclamation
- A2L flammability
- Ensuring you have properly rated recovery machines
- Retrofits
- Regulatory updates
optimal equipment performance and safety
Ensuring your teams are properly trained and have the correct equipment to practice the Three Rs is imperative
Ensuring your teams are properly trained and have the correct equipment to practice the Three Rs is imperative for maintaining the integrity of the product and preventing it from leaking into the environment.
Moreover, this will support optimal equipment performance and safety for technicians and end users.
Collaboration-the bigger picture of circularity
As critical as proper and consistent refrigerant management programs are, they comprise just one component of achieving circularity. Collaboration must occur all along the value chain.
Chemours is seeing increased use of our Opteon™ HFO/HFO-blend refrigerants, due to their criticality in the industry’s transition to significantly lower-GWP solutions.
resource efficiency
We create sustainable pathways to circularity and support proper reclamation, recycling, and reuse of all our refrigerants
Consequently, HFOs have tremendous value in the opportunity they offer to advance circularity through optimal resource efficiency. Responsible manufacturing that works to reduce our carbon emissions, waste, and use of resources such as water and energy is paramount to Chemours.
As a refrigerant innovator and manufacturer, we create sustainable pathways to circularity and support proper reclamation, recycling, and reuse of all our refrigerants.
a healthier, wholly sustainable planet
Without question, every individual and business in the HVACR industry, from major OEMs to “mom-and-pop” service contractors and everyone in between has the ability and responsibility to positively impact the environment.
In addition to supporting a healthier, wholly sustainable planet for generations to come, fulfilling these responsibilities will also support the well-being and growth of your business. Select responsibly manufactured products. Strategize for greater circularity. And consistently and properly employ the Three Rs of refrigerant management.
