Europe has adopted significant new environmental protections that are reshaping the future of mobile HVAC. While the refrigerant R-1234yf was widely adopted as a low-GWP alternative, it too is under increasing regulatory scrutiny and may face future restrictions.

For MCC, this moment feels familiar. We have always been early adopters of new technology, from leading with the switch to R-1234yf to preparing for natural refrigerants, and that mindset won’t change. Because environmental stewardship is one of MCC’s core strategic goals, we continually monitor emerging research and regulations to ensure our solutions align with the most sustainable practices and support a cleaner future. As science advances and we understand more about how different refrigerants affect the planet, we continue to adapt with the same goal in mind: delivering innovative, efficient climate control systems designed for the next generation of refrigerants.

The Regulatory Landscape

Two initiatives in Europe are setting the new direction for refrigerants. They are:

1. F-Gas Regulation: Phases out HFCs by 2050 with strict quotas and bans.
2. PFAS Restriction: Proposes EU-wide ban on PFAS refrigerants by 2028.

Together, these measures will eliminate most synthetic refrigerants and push the industry toward natural alternatives. U.S. regulations remain less aggressive for now, which means OEMs and suppliers like MCC must design systems that meet very different regional requirements at the same time.

F-Gas Regulation

Updated in March 2024, this law phases out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) entirely by 2050. It sets quotas, bans, and deadlines depending on the application. For example, from 2025, new commercial refrigeration units must use refrigerants with a GWP below 150, and by 2030, most new air conditioning and heat pump systems must also meet this threshold.

PFAS Restriction under REACH and Its Impact on R-1234yf

The Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) framework is the EU’s key policy for managing chemical safety. A new proposal under review by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) aims to restrict the manufacture and use of PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances)—a broad group that includes many fluorinated refrigerants used in HVAC systems.

If approved, this restriction could begin taking effect around 2028, with phase-outs and exemptions extending into the 2030s. However, it remains under scientific and economic evaluation, and many industries are voicing concerns about feasibility and cost. Automotive, aerospace, and HVAC manufacturers argue that alternatives are not yet ready for all use cases, and that PFAS-based refrigerants like R-1234yf play an important transitional role in meeting current emissions targets.

When R-1234yf was introduced, it offered a dramatic improvement over older refrigerants such as R-134a and R-404A, with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than 4. It helped the automotive industry meet tough climate targets and remains the standard refrigerant in most new vehicles today. But under REACH, R-1234yf is being re-evaluated because it breaks down into trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)—a stable PFAS compound that accumulates in water and soil.

The likely outcome is not an immediate ban, but a managed transition: continued short-term use of PFAS-based refrigerants where no safe alternative exists, paired with increasing pressure to develop PFAS-free options such as CO₂ (R744) and propane (R290).

For MCC, this reinforces the importance of flexibility. We continue to monitor policy developments, collaborate with global standard-setting organizations, and design systems that can adapt as regulations evolve—balancing real-world performance, safety, and environmental progress.

Exploring Alternative Refrigerants

So what’s left? The spotlight is shifting to natural refrigerants, mainly CO2 (R744) and propane (R290).

• CO2 (R744): Energy-efficient and PFAS-free, but HVAC systems need to be built for much higher operating pressures.
• Propane (R290): Excellent thermal properties and efficiency, but it’s flammable, which means HVAC systems need more specialized safety features and careful design.
  
  

CO2 Refrigerant

Climate control systems that use CO2 as a refrigerant operate at far higher pressures than R-1234yf. This means HVAC systems that use CO2 refrigerant need stronger piping, reinforced compressors, and advanced controls to manage transcritical operation (where CO2 doesn’t fully condense).

While CO2 offers a PFAS-free, non-flammable solution with excellent heat transfer properties, its efficiency can drop in very high ambient temperatures. This limits its practicality for certain regions. 

Propane Refrigerant

Propane (R-290) delivers strong thermal performance with operating pressures slightly higher than R-134a, requiring only modest system adjustments for compatibility. As a natural hydrocarbon, it produces no PFAS and maintains high efficiency across both hot and cold climates, making it a promising candidate for future HVAC systems.

Because propane is flammable, systems must include spark-proof components, leak detection sensors, and ventilation safeguards. These requirements often call for more compartmentalized layouts and added safety controls, but they are well within reach. Industries such as rail have already adopted propane successfully, proving what’s possible when engineered for safety and performance.

Are Natural Refrigerants Better Than R-1234yf?

Natural refrigerants such as CO2 and propane offer stronger long-term sustainability, but they also bring higher upfront costs and unique engineering challenges. MCC is investing in advanced system design to help OEMs transition to these alternatives while maintaining safety, efficiency, and performance.

Mobile Climate Control for a Global Market

For OEMs, navigating the refrigerant transition requires a truly global mindset. In both Europe and the U.S., HFC-134a is being phased out, while HFO-1234yf has become the interim standard for mobile HVAC systems. However, with Europe now reviewing HFO-1234yf under its PFAS restriction proposal, additional phase-outs are expected there first, potentially followed by similar moves in North America.

MCC works closely with partners, dealers, and HVAC experts worldwide to design systems that meet each region’s evolving requirements without compromising efficiency, safety, or cost-effectiveness. Backed by the strength of the VBG Group, we’re investing heavily in R&D to stay ahead of these regulatory shifts and help OEMs deliver compliant, reliable systems in every market they serve.

Safer Refrigerants for a Healthy World

Europe’s refrigerant and PFAS rules are shaping the direction the U.S. and other regions will eventually take. For OEMs, the future may look uncertain, but MCC has a track record of leading through change. From early adoption of R-1234yf to preparing systems for CO₂ and propane, we continue to move the industry forward.

If you’re an OEM or service team exploring climate control solutions with natural refrigerants, get in touch. Our HVAC specialists can help you design and deliver systems that meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s regulations in every corner of the world.