Phasing Out F-Gases: A Path to Elimination by the 2050s
Author: Kravtsova Elizaveta
The European Union (EU) is phasing out F-gases, commonly known as fluorinated gases, with a complete ban by 2050 under its revised F-gas Regulation, which began its rollout in January 2025. F-gases have long been used in refrigeration, air conditioning, insulation foams, and industrial applications. While they make up a relatively small share of total greenhouse gas emissions, their global warming potential (GWP) is thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide. Because of this, international policymakers and industries are working toward a complete phase-out of F-gases by the mid-21st century.
F-gases include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆). Although they do not directly harm the ozone layer like older chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), they are among the most potent climate-warming chemicals in existence. For example, SF₆ is over 23,000 times more potent than CO₂ over a 100-year period. Their persistence in the atmosphere means that even small leaks can have long-lasting effects on global warming.
The existing EU legislation from 2014 has already limited the use of these gases and substances significantly. However, the new revised rules will further reduce their emissions into the atmosphere and contribute to limiting global temperature rise, in line with the Paris Agreement.
The revised F-gas regulation introduces a full ban on placing products and equipment containing HFCs on the market for several categories for which it has been assessed to be technologically and economically feasible to switch to F-gas alternatives. This applies to certain domestic refrigerators, chillers, foams and aerosols. It also sets specific dates for the complete phase-out of the use of F-gases in air conditioning, heat pumps and switchgears:
F-gases include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆). Although they do not directly harm the ozone layer like older chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), they are among the most potent climate-warming chemicals in existence. For example, SF₆ is over 23,000 times more potent than CO₂ over a 100-year period. Their persistence in the atmosphere means that even small leaks can have long-lasting effects on global warming.
The existing EU legislation from 2014 has already limited the use of these gases and substances significantly. However, the new revised rules will further reduce their emissions into the atmosphere and contribute to limiting global temperature rise, in line with the Paris Agreement.
The revised F-gas regulation introduces a full ban on placing products and equipment containing HFCs on the market for several categories for which it has been assessed to be technologically and economically feasible to switch to F-gas alternatives. This applies to certain domestic refrigerators, chillers, foams and aerosols. It also sets specific dates for the complete phase-out of the use of F-gases in air conditioning, heat pumps and switchgears:
Staggered Phase-out
The ban on fluorinated gases (F-gases) will not be immediate. Instead, governments and industries are pursuing a gradual phase-down, recognizing that many sectors - from refrigeration and air conditioning to power grids, still rely heavily on these substances.
2020s – Early Reductions
- Gradual restrictions on high-GWP refrigerants in new products.
- Incentives for low-carbon alternatives, such as natural refrigerants (CO₂, ammonia, hydrocarbons) and new synthetic refrigerants with lower GWP.
- Development of leak detection and recovery systems to minimize emissions.
- Most new air conditioning and refrigeration systems expected to shift to climate-friendly refrigerants.
- Power grids, heavy industry, and electronics will begin phasing out SF₆ in favor of new insulating gases and vacuum-based technologies.
- Circular economy approaches—recycling and reclaiming old refrigerants—will prevent legacy F-gases from re-entering the market.
- Remaining applications in niche industries (e.g., medical, defense, and aerospace) will adopt specialized low-GWP substitutes.
- Regulatory bans will expand to cover servicing of older systems, forcing complete transition.
- Large-scale destruction programs for old stockpiles will ensure no residual emissions.
- By mid-century, the use of high-GWP F-gases is expected to be eliminated worldwide.
- Advanced refrigerants and insulation technologies will dominate the market.
- Monitoring and enforcement frameworks will ensure compliance, preventing illegal trade or use.
How this affects the cryotherapy equipment industry?
The F-gas ban is set to reshape the cryotherapy equipment industry, forcing many manufacturers to redesign their systems and adapt to stricter regulations. However, Cryo Reborn is already ahead of the curve. Our cryo chillers, made by our partners, Mirai INTEX, operate with zero-GWP technology, eliminating the need for F-gases entirely. This positions us not only as a compliant manufacturer but as an industry leader, setting the benchmark for sustainable, future-proof cryotherapy solutions. As competitors face costly transitions, Cryo Reborn stands ready to deliver innovation without compromise.
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