New Zealand plans to begin its regulated product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants by May 2027, with four HVAC&R and automotive associations joining the board responsible for its development. The scheme will target refrigerant recovery, handling and destruction practices across the HVAC&R and automotive sectors.
The Trust for the Destruction of Synthetic Refrigerants will expand its board to include representatives from the Climate Control Companies Association of New Zealand, the Institute of Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers of New Zealand, the Heat Pump Suppliers Association New Zealand, and the Motor Trade Association. All four organisations helped co-design the scheme’s framework.
The associations will represent HVAC&R contractors and companies, engineers, heat pump manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and automotive businesses during implementation. The Motor Trade Association represents more than 4,000 automotive businesses, while the other organisations cover companies and professionals working across refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump applications.
The scheme is intended to improve refrigerant servicing and recovery practices while raising technical capability across the affected trades. Automotive participation is significant because synthetic refrigerants are used in the air conditioning systems of almost every vehicle operating on New Zealand roads.
Regulations are continuing to progress ahead of the expected May 2027 start date. “It is important that the scheme is practical, cost-effective and designed in a way that supports businesses to participate and succeed, with minimal complexity or compliance costs,” said Gary Reily, Chair of CCCANZ.
