PFAS: Towards a European crackdown on "forever chemicals" and their impact on refrigeration
EU considers PFAS restriction: potential impacts on refrigerants, regulation, and the HVAC/R supply chain.
The topic of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) has entered the European regulatory debate with force, opening up a scenario that could have significant consequences for the refrigeration and air conditioning sector. These substances, known as " forever chemicals " due to their high persistence in the environment, are now at the center of one of the most far-reaching restriction proposals ever addressed at the EU level.
For the HVAC/R world, this is a crucial step, destined to influence refrigerant availability, system design and industrial strategies in the coming years.
ECHA's position: towards a broad restriction but with derogations
The European Chemicals Agency has expressed clear support for the introduction of a Europe-wide restriction on PFAS , recognising the risks to human health and the environment associated with their spread.
According to assessments by the scientific committees RAC and SEAC, these extremely persistent substances can accumulate in ecosystems and have long-term effects, requiring more effective measures than those currently in place.
At the same time, the European approach is not geared towards an immediate and indiscriminate ban: work is underway on a model that provides for targeted exemptions for those sectors where alternatives are not yet technically or economically available.
The HVAC/R Node: PFAS and Fluorinated Refrigerants
For the refrigeration sector, this is a particularly sensitive issue. Many fluorinated refrigerants (F-gases) currently used fall into the PFAS category, creating a direct overlap between the proposed restriction and the technologies currently installed.
This opens a series of operational questions for the HVAC/R supply chain:
- future availability of refrigerants
- management and maintenance of existing systems
- realistic timeframes for transition to alternatives
Furthermore, the potential overlap between PFAS regulations and the F-Gas Regulation could generate further regulatory constraints, making industrial and project planning even more complex.
Technological transition and the role of the supply chain
The regulatory process is still evolving, with final decisions expected in the coming months. However, the signal is clear: the direction is toward a progressive reduction in the use of PFAS , with a direct impact on the entire HVAC/R sector.
For manufacturers, designers, and installers, this means anticipating change by investing in the development and adoption of alternative solutions, such as natural refrigerants or low-impact technologies.
At the same time, the public consultation phase represents a strategic moment for the sector, which is called upon to contribute technical and industrial data to ensure a balanced transition between environmental protection, safety, and operational feasibility.
Related Focus
FAQ
Potential European restrictions on PFAS directly impact commercial and industrial refrigeration and advanced air conditioning, where fluorinated refrigerants (including HFOs) are widely used. Applications such as large-scale retail trade, data centers, and industrial processes are particularly vulnerable, as they require operational continuity and high performance. During the design phase, it is therefore necessary to evaluate alternatives such as CO₂, ammonia, and hydrocarbons, considering safety, system compatibility, and regulatory requirements.
The main challenge is regulatory uncertainty regarding the timing, exemptions, and scope of PFAS restrictions, which complicates investment planning. From a technical standpoint, replacing the affected refrigerants often requires system redesign and the adoption of new technological solutions. Furthermore, the alternatives present specific challenges: high pressure (CO₂), toxicity (NH₃), and flammability (hydrocarbons), with consequent implications for safety and personnel training.
Designers must adopt a more prudent and flexible approach, oriented toward choosing refrigerants with greater long-term regulatory stability. It is becoming essential to design future-proof systems, prepared for potential conversions and based on LCC analyses. Furthermore, the importance of safety-oriented design, integration with advanced control systems, and technical training for installation and maintenance is growing, to ensure efficiency, compliance, and operational continuity.
