SMC - Take Action                                on Refrigerant Phase Down

Refrigerant phase down is no longer something on the horizon — it is happening now.

HFC (Hydrofluorocarbon) refrigerants have long been used in cooling and refrigeration equipment, but if they escape from a closed system, they are extremely damaging to the environment due to their high Global Warming Potential (GWP). This has been recognised worldwide, and governments are taking decisive action.

From January 2027, refrigeration units under 12.5kW will only be permitted to be manufactured using refrigerants with a GWP of 150 or lower. Many manufacturers are considering R454C (GWP 145) as a compliant solution.

But at SMC, the question was simple:

Why stop at 145 GWP when the long-term goal is to eliminate harmful HFC gases altogether?

🚀 Looking Beyond Compliance

The 2030 target aims to significantly reduce — and ultimately remove — high-GWP HFC refrigerants from new equipment. Rather than taking a short-term step, SMC Corporation has chosen to go further.

SMC has invested heavily in research and development of CO₂ (R744) refrigerant technology.

Unlike HFC gases, CO₂:

• Is not an HFC
• Has a GWP of 1
• Occurs naturally
• Does not contribute to long-term environmental damage in the same way as synthetic refrigerants

This positions CO₂ as a genuine future-proof solution.

🇬🇧 UK-Based Innovation

SMC’s European R&D and testing facility is based in Milton Keynes, right here in the UK.

For over a year, SMC engineers have been designing, testing, and refining CO₂ chiller technology. The result? A proven solution that is already gaining strong traction with customers who are serious about sustainability and regulatory compliance.

🔧 Engineering Differences with CO₂

CO₂ operates at significantly higher pressures than traditional HFC refrigerants. As a result:

• System components must be rated for higher pressures
• Pipework, valves, and compressors differ in specification
• Safety and design considerations are enhanced
• Initial capital costs are typically higher

However, this investment reflects a commitment to long-term environmental responsibility.

SMC is successfully providing customers with a genuine alternative — one that aligns not just with current legislation, but with the direction governments and industries are moving toward.

🌱 The Bigger Picture

Refrigerant phase down is not just about meeting the next compliance milestone. It is about taking meaningful steps to protect our environment.

By choosing CO₂ technology now, businesses can:

• Future-proof their cooling systems
• Reduce environmental impact
• Align with 2030 targets
• Demonstrate sustainability leadership

SMC’s decision shows that innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.