Foam blowing
Polyurethane (PU) foam
Only few PU foam products are still manufactured with blowing agents based on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The vast majority rely on hydrocarbons, such as pentane or cyclo-pentane, without loss in energy efficiency. HFCs are mainly limited to on-site application of PU spray foam. Climate-friendly alternative such as hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) are already commercially available for this and other specific applications.
Extruded polystyrene (XPS)
Major manufacturers of XPS insulation boards have already converted their production facilities to organic solvents or HFOs. The remaining users of HFCs are currently switching to unsaturated HFOs, such as R-1234ze(E). The energy efficiency of HFOs is considered to be higher compared to saturated HFCs.
One-component foam (OCF)
In the past, about 10% of the OCF foams sold in the EU contained HFCs (especially HFC-134a). Currently, hydrocarbons represent the main propellant type in OCF foams (>99%).
Aerosols
Technical aerosols
In the past, the use of HFC-134a as a propellant was common for specialised applications. Bans contained in the former version of F-gas Regulation led to reformulations of certain aerosol products. Certain applications still contain small shares of HFC-134a, but their overall global warming potential (GWP) is below 150. Moreover, low-GWP alternatives such as HFO-1234ze(E) and the HFC-152a have now entered the market.
Metered dose inhalers (MDIs)
HFC-134a and HFC-227ea have high GWPs and are still used in inhalers for drug application, such as those used to treat asthma. The introduction of new low-GWP propellants using either HFC-152a or HFO-1234ze(E) to the EU market is foreseen for 2025, according to the public announcements of several manufacturers. Other alternatives avoiding the use of F-gases are also available, such as dry powder inhalers or soft mist inhalers.
Solvents
The use of HFCs in solvents has become rather uncommon. However, HFC-based solvents maintain a small portion of the market, with HFC-4310mee being the main HFC-based product. Alternatives such as HCFO-1233zd(E), HFC-1336mzz(Z), and HFE-7200 are widely used for solvent applications.
Fire protection
In the fire protection sector, F-gases have mostly been replaced by non-fluorinated alternatives already decades ago.
Remaining applications of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), HFCs and halons can be found in the military, aviation and oil and gas sectors. This is because they require substances with superior extinguishing capacities and most of the alternatives available on the market do not fulfil these requirements. The current alternatives for the use of HFC-236fa, HFC-227ea, and HFC-125 available on the market are:
- FK-5-1-12 (CF₃CF₂C(=O)CF(CF₃)₂): Novec 1230 : a fluoroketone (chemical formula: CF3CF2C(=O) CF(CF3)2) used to replace HFC-227ea. Since it has a very good fire suppression performance, it can be used in new buildings applications, such as museums, libraries, server rooms, etc.
- 2-BTP (CH₂=CBrCF₃):: a brominated fluoroolefine (bromofluoroolefine; CH2=CBrCF3). After deployment, it does not leave any residues that could pose harm to workers. Given its approval for use on passenger aircraft, 2-BTP has the potential to replace HFCs and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in sectors such as aviation, marine, commercial, industrial, or military environments.
- CH₃I (FIC-1311): It is a very effective extinguishing agent even at low concentrations. Nevertheless, it is toxic to human beings, which is why it is recommended to be used in non-occupied spaces.
- Inert gases and mixtures: Inert gases function by diluting oxygen, which slows down the combustion process until the fire cannot sustain itself. However, due to their method of action, inert gases require relatively high concentrations (40-60%) to effectively protect a given space. Consequently, systems utilizing inert gases are heavier and occupy more space. For this reason, they cannot be used in aviation, whereas use in the naval sector and buildings is possible. They offer several advantages, including non-toxicity, non-conductivity, and absence of residues, making them suitable replacements for halons, HFCs, and PFCs in areas frequently occupied by humans, such as libraries, museums, computer rooms, or military command centres.fulfill