F-gases are under threat from proposed new PFAS regulations

Proposals to restrict so-called ‘forever chemicals’ are good news for public health and the environment. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) raise serious concerns because they do not break down easily in the environment and can build up over time in people, animals and ecosystems.  

Many f-gases used as refrigerants contain PFAS chemicals, and these are likely to be affected by proposed new regulations. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is currently evaluating a universal restriction on PFAS, and a final decision is expected by the end of 2026. 

As a manufacturer with a long history of research and development in heat exchangers, Güntner is aware of its responsibilities towards sustainable solutions. We closely monitor the views of the scientific community regarding PFAS chemicals and will take action based on these views where we feel it is appropriate. We also take seriously the concerns of other manufacturers and market participants. 

At Güntner we are proud that every unit in our portfolio is available for use with natural, PFAS-free refrigerants. And we believe that these natural refrigerants can be used in place of f-gases in virtually all applications.  

We have supplied units using natural refrigerants in a wide variety of industries, including supermarkets, cold storage, food processing, HVAC, power plants, data centers, IT cooling and industrial heat collectors, in systems that have been shown to be energy-efficient and cost-competitive. 

For many years, we have focused on eco-friendly substances in our development processes. We have been heavily investing in our laboratory facilities to enable us to carry out a wide range of tests validating the performance of our products and find new solutions. Nevertheless, our sales figures confirm that we are on the right track with our development. Today, more than 50% of our customers buy units compatible with natural refrigerants. 

At Güntner, we strive for long-term customer relationships, and we remain committed to providing our customers with the best and most environmentally friendly solutions to their needs.