---
title: SMC - Take Action                                on Refrigerant Phase Down
description: SMC leads the refrigerant phase down by investing in CO₂ (R744) chiller technology, offering a future-proof, low-GWP alternative to HFC refrigerants ahead of 2027 and 2030 regulations.
---

<https://process-cooling.co.uk/process-cooling-limited-blog>

# [SMC - Take Action                                on Refrigerant Phase Down](https://process-cooling.co.uk/process-cooling-limited-blog/blog-post-title)

 Written by [Shaun Lancaster](https://process-cooling.co.uk/process-cooling-limited-blog/author/shaun-lancaster) | Feb 12, 2026 12:13:22 PM

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.

[View full post](https://process-cooling.co.uk/process-cooling-limited-blog/blog-post-title)

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