The European Union aims to become the first continent with zero climate impact by 2050, through stringent emissions reduction objectives.
This ambitious plan also involves the refrigeration and air conditioning sector, responsible for a significant share of greenhouse gases. Hence the decision to progressively abandon fluorinated gases with a high climate impact (F-gas) and to favor natural or low GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants. In other words, European politics tightens its grip on more polluting substances such as HFCs, favoring greener solutions.
What does the law say about fluorinated gases?
EU Regulation 2024/573 on fluorinated gases (which entered into force on 11 March 2024) is the new regulatory cornerstone of this transition.
It repeals the old Regulation 517/2014 and introduces more severe restrictions for the placing on the market and use of F-gas. In practice, the text aims to “progressively eliminate the use of fluorinated gases with a climate-altering impact” while at the same time encouraging the adoption of natural or low-impact refrigerants.
Already in the medium term (2025-2032) the quotas for emissions and placing of HFCs on EU markets will be significantly reduced.
Regulatory news and key deadlines
The new rules involve progressive bans and tight deadlines. For example, the two-year period 2024-2025 saw a drastic cut in the available quotas (it went from 45% in 2024 to 24% in 2025). From 1 January 2027, the ban on the placing on the market of monobloc systems <12 kW that use gas with GWP ≥ 150 will effectively come into force, except for specific exemptions linked to safety requirements. From 1 January 2032, the placing on the market of such equipment will also be prohibited if it contains any fluorinated gas, without prejudice to the exceptions provided for by the Regulation.
Similarly, for split systems (air-to-air and air-to-water air conditioners) the F-Gas Regulation introduces progressive restrictions on the use of fluorinated gases: for some categories, in particular split systems over 12 kW, refrigerants with GWP ≥ 750 will be banned from 2029, while from 1 January 2035, for split systems up to 12 kW, the placing on the market of appliances containing any gas will be prohibited fluorinated.
In essence, standards are becoming more restrictive to push the industry towards alternative solutions.
FIAMMARC solutions: refrigerants with low environmental impact
To accompany the sector in this transition, FIAMMARC offers itself as a reference partner in Emilia-Romagna.
The company offers a complete range of new refrigerant gases, regenerated or with low or zero GWP, aligned with the new European standards.
These “green” solutions are increasingly used to replace conventional high-impact HFCs.
FIAMMARC also offers HFO-based mixtures designed for retrofits and new installations, and natural refrigerant technologies, thus ensuring efficiency even in fixed commercial and industrial refrigeration systems.
The services made available are also practical and immediate: FIAMMARC is an authorized reseller of the major brands in the sector (including Wigam and ZEP) and offers technical assistance to calibrate the instruments required by the F-gas regulations.
It is thus possible to find in a single supplier both the cylinders of the new natural refrigerants and systems and instruments for air conditioning and refrigeration such as manometric unit reducers, nitrogen and Formingas (nitrogen-hydrogen mixture) for testing and leak detection. The company motto reiterates the commitment to “protecting the environment, increasing productivity and lowering operating costs” for customers: it is not just a matter of telling the truth, but of concretely showing cutting-edge and environmentally friendly solutions.
Concrete help in the Emilian territory
FIAMMARC also translates this mission into local support: it is present with headquarters in Reggio Emilia and branches in Novellara and Cavriago.
At each location it is possible to receive dedicated advice to choose the refrigerant best suited to your needs and the new regulations.
The ecological transition of air conditioners is now inevitable and full of challenges (and opportunities) for those who work in the plumbing and heating sector.
At the same time, FIAMMARC shows that clear solutions exist: from natural refrigerant gases to compliant measuring instruments, everything is designed to simplify the transition to low-impact technologies.
The transition really is as easy as it sounds. The new EU legislation is strict but aimed at the greater good, and professionals can convert it into a competitive advantage. With widespread local support and innovative products, even the most wary can face this environmental challenge with confidence and effectiveness thanks to a reliable partner like FIAMMARC.
