Companies with interests in the refrigerant industry in Germany have formed a new association, the New Federal Association of Refrigerant Manufacturers (Bundesverband Kältemittel Wirtschaft (BVKMW) ). This new association serves as a focal point for communication and political support regarding the use of refrigerants. Established by leading chemical and gas companies, including A-Gas, Daikin Chemical, Chemours, Climalife, Honeywell, Tega, Tyczka Air Gases, and Westfalen, the association was officially formed on November 18, 2024, to address significant regulatory challenges in the country's refrigeration sector.
Leading the BVKMW will be Norbert Klostermann, head of Business Management for Refrigerants at Westfalen Group. Markus Rosenthal, from nuances public affairs, has been appointed as the managing director to oversee daily operations. Rosenthal brings vast experience in advocating for carbon-neutral and emission-free technologies, supported by a well-established network in energy and climate policy.
Unlocking Potential for Climate Action
The association sees the establishment of suitable conditions for the application, use, and reuse of refrigerants as a crucial opportunity for climate protection and sustainability in Germany's thermal management sector. A central mission of the BVKMW will be to communicate and politically support the handling of refrigerants concerning decarbonization and climate and economic policy issues. Overcoming regulatory barriers that conflict with overarching climate goals will be a critical focus for the association.
Industry Leaders in Germany's Refrigerant Supply Chain
Member companies represent a wide spectrum of market leaders in the refrigerant supply chain within Germany. They aim to contribute their collective expertise to essential political and regulatory initiatives through the association. "Germany is only beginning to decarbonize the thermal sector and harness the circular economy's potential in refrigerants. We see areas for optimization here," stated Markus Rosenthal, Managing Director of BVKMW.
The revision of the EU F-Gas Regulation, its implementation mandates in Germany, and efforts toward closed-loop systems under the National Circular Economy Strategy have been key drivers in establishing the association. The BVKMW will strive to ensure that the treatment of refrigerants aligns with both decarbonization and broader climate and economic policy goals through effective communication and political engagement.
