New Zealand’s regulated product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants is expected to begin by May 2027, with industry representatives to join the Trust for the Destruction of Synthetic Refrigerants Board once regulations are finalised.
The scheme is being progressed by the Government and has been co-designed with the sector. It will be run by the Trust for the Destruction of Synthetic Refrigerants and will focus on handling, recovery and destruction practices for synthetic refrigerants.
The Trust will add representatives from the Climate Control Companies Association of New Zealand, the Institute of Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers of New Zealand Inc, the Heat Pump Suppliers Association New Zealand and the Motor Trade Association to its Board.
The regulated scheme is intended to support the professionalism, capability and credibility of HVAC&R and automotive practitioners. The source also states that synthetic refrigerants are used in the air conditioning of almost every vehicle on New Zealand roads.
“Since 1933, IRHACE has served as the voice of New Zealand’s HVAC&R industry. We represent a sector employing more than 10,000 people and provide leadership on the issues that matter most to our members. We are pleased to have agreed to industry representation with The Trust for the Destruction of Synthetic Refrigerants going forward. Together with our members, we support a safer, more skilled and more sustainable industry for New Zealanders,” said Andrew Bradley, President, IRHACE.