Do MicroCare Cleaners Meet the F-Gas Rules in Europe?

The EU has introduced new regulations which limit or ban the use of fluorinated liquids and gases (generally termed, 'F gases'). The regulation is aimed at removing products from the market that contribute to global warming. High on the list of targeted materials are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). The primary focus of the ruling is on refrigeration and air conditioning, but the rule applies widely to any use of these materials.

HCFCs are banned in the EU, but older refrigeration or air conditioning equipment may contain HCFCs. In the past MicroCare has produced cleaning products containing HCFC fluids but those have been discontinued for years now. Today MicroCare markets aerosol cleaners contain HFC propellants, specifically HFC-134a. As of Jan 1, 2018 HFC propellants in aerosol products will be prohibited as well. The new cleaning choices are generally based around HFO fluids.

MicroCare has been a leader in introducing the next generation of cleaning fluids and propellants. MicroCare rolled out the first deployment of HFO-based propellants in 2008, and the first HFO solvents in November 2015. These products have GWP ratings of about 1, far far lower than the older HFCs they replaced. All of these products are available in the EU.

In addition, MicroCare continued major R&D efforts to find new formulations and chemistries that will offer customers all the features and benefits of older products with new, more environmentally progressive cleaning choices. For more details and up-to-date progress reports, contact MicroCare.