By Werner Terblanche, business development manager, A-Gas South Africa
As the global focus intensifies on climate change and environmental responsibility, the HVAC&R industry finds itself at a critical point.
Werner Terblanche, business
development manager, A-Gas
South Africa. Supplied by A-Gas South Africa
Driven by international frameworks like the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment, the refrigerants sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation – one that is no longer optional, but imperative.
At a recent SAIRACTechTalk, I had the opportunity to speak on behalf of A-Gas South Africa about our journey and our vision for a lower-carbon future. This article builds on that discussion, providing a deeper dive into the challenges, opportunities and necesssary actions surrounding refrigerants in South Africa and beyond.
Refrigerants have come a long way in the last few decades. From ozone-depleting CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) and HCFCs (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons) to high global warming HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons), and now to lower-GWP (global warming potential) alternatives such as HFOs (Hydrofluoroolefins) and natural refrigerants, the chemical evolution of cooling has been dramatic.
South Africa, as an Article 5 country under the Montreal Protocol, is among the last to fully phase out HCFCs like R22. By January 2026, we will only be allowed to import 2.5% of our original HCFC quota. Similarly, HFCs such as R134a, R404A and R507 are now under strict import caps, with a 10% phasedown scheduled to begin in 2029 and an 80% reduction expected by 2045.
Yet, even as new refrigerants emerge, the legacy of past gases remains. If not properly managed, the environmental damage of these substances will continue long after their use is officially ended.
LRM is the crucial missing link
Adopting new refrigerants is only half the battle. The other half is managing existing ones responsibly.
This is where Life Cycle Refrigerant Management (LRM) comes into play. At A-Gas, we view LRM as an actionable framework that goes beyond policy, encompassing recovery, reclamation, reuse and safe disposal of refrigerants at every stage of their use.
There are six pillars of LRM that guide this approach:
- Enhanced product stewardship: Everyone – from manufacturers to contractors – must take responsibility for refrigerants through their full life cycle
- Increased recovery and reclamation: Reusing what we already have is a cornerstone of circular economy thinking – this reduces both emissions and costs
- Leak reduction: Regular maintenance and leak prevention have a direct and immediate effect on emissions reduction
- Reporting and enforcement: Industry self-regulation must be coupled with accountability mechanisms to ensure compliance
- Workforce development: Ongoing training and certification are essential, particularly as we transition to flammable and higher-pressure refrigerants
- Proper installation and servicing: A system’s entire life cycle begins at installation. Poor practices at this stage can undermine all downstream efforts
It is estimated that one kilogram of R404A released into the atmosphere is equivalent to four metric tons of CO₂. Multiply that by thousands of systems and millions of kilograms, and the magnitude of our challenge becomes evident.
Building a recovery ecosystem in SA
In response, A-Gas has established a national refrigerant recovery network backed by a team of qualified technicians and a fleet of returnable cylinders. Our Rapid Recovery service supports contractors and end-users by offering fast, compliant and certified refrigerant recovery directly on-site.
Returnable cylinders are central to this model. Unlike disposable cylinders – still widely used in South Africa – returnable cylinders reduce the risk of emissions, eliminate landfill waste and are fully trackable through the recovery process. Where disposable cylinders are still in use, A-Gas offers an end-of-life service that ensures any residual gas is recovered, the cylinder vacuumed, and the steel responsibly recycled.
The long-term goal is clear: move toward refrigerants with no ozone depletion potential and minimal GWP. However, this transition must be economically and technically viable. The next 10–15 years will be defined by a gradual move from HFCs to blends like R448A, R449A, R452A and R513A, many of which offer similar performance with lower GWP and can be retrofitted into existing systems.
Natural refrigerants – such as CO₂ (R744), propane (R290) and ammonia (R717) – will play a growing role, particularly in new- build applications. However, challenges such as flammability, toxicity and system pressure mean they are not suitable for all applications today. As equipment becomes more widely available and regulations evolve, we can expect broader adoption across commercial and industrial sectors.
Meanwhile, R32 is gaining traction in air conditioning, replacing R410A in new units. Though mildly flammable, its GWP of 675 makes it a viable interim solution under current European and South African import caps.
The refrigerants landscape is increasingly shaped by global trends. European manufacturers are already phasing out R410A in favour of R32 and R290. As global equipment specs shift, local markets like South Africa must adapt. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity: stay ahead of the curve or risk falling behind on compliance and sustainability targets.
At A-Gas, we are committed to reducing our carbon emissions by 50% by 2028, with a net-zero goal by 2035. But we can’t do this alone.
Refrigerants, while invisible to the naked eye, are among the most potent greenhouse gases known. Our industry has both the tools and the responsibility to act. Whether you’re a contractor, system designer, facilities manager or OEM, your role in responsible refrigerant management is now mission-critical.
Final thought
No kilogram of refrigerant should ever be released into the atmosphere. Every leak avoided, every cylinder properly returned, every kilogram recovered, matters.
The transition is already underway. Now, it’s about accelerating momentum.
