Danfoss has released an updated white paper presenting its perspective on global trends in refrigerants for air conditioning and refrigeration. The July 2025 report highlights the industry’s transition toward low-GWP refrigerants, driven by international regulation, safety standards, and sustainability goals.
The company supports the development of natural refrigerant solutions wherever feasible and is investing in products for low-GWP synthetic alternatives when natural options are impractical. Danfoss aims to help customers reduce climate impact without compromising energy efficiency.
The white paper emphasizes that vapor-compression systems will remain the primary cooling technology in the coming decades. Global refrigerant consumption is expected to rise significantly, particularly due to increased demand from emerging economies and the green energy transition. Danfoss projects that this growth will coincide with a decade of intensive product and system development.
International regulation remains a key driver. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol mandates a phasedown of HFCs globally, while the EU F-gas regulation introduces accelerated reductions and bans. In the U.S., the AIM Act and EPA SNAP program are shaping transitions with specific GWP limits and sectoral rules. China and Japan are pursuing similar goals through national standards and efficiency targets.
The report also details proposed EU restrictions on PFAS substances, including many F-gases, under the REACH framework. If implemented, the new rules could take effect by 2027–2028, with an 18-month transition period. Danfoss notes the complexity of managing overlapping PFAS and F-gas regulations.
Market adoption of mildly flammable A2L refrigerants is increasing, supported by updated ISO and IEC standards that allow higher charge sizes. Natural refrigerants such as CO₂ and ammonia continue to expand in industrial and commercial refrigeration. R290 and other hydrocarbons are being adopted for low-charge systems, chillers, and heat pumps, particularly for outdoor installations.
For future system design, Danfoss recommends evaluating refrigerants based on affordability, safety, and environmental performance. The report presents a sustainability triangle and a "Seven Forces" model to guide decision-making, highlighting factors such as risk perception, standards, and technical ability.
“The demand for low-GWP refrigerants will continue to challenge our current perception of which refrigerants can be used in certain applications, but will also drive innovations in system design,” the paper concludes.