The vast majority of gases used in industrial refrigeration systems have a strong impact on the deterioration of our ozone layer when released into the atmosphere. Aware of the environmental emergency, the international community signed in 1987 (Montreal Protocol) and in 1997 (Kyoto Protocol), the progressive ban on gases with a strong impact on the ozone layer. The protocol has been in effect since 2005, and CFC (ChloroFluoroCarbure) and HFC (HydroFluoroCarbure) gases are being phased out.
In order to achieve the objectives set out in the protocol, the EU is implementing in 2006 the European Regulation No. 842/2006 on greenhouse gases known as the F-Gas Regulation.
This is completely replaced by EU Regulation 517/2014, also known as F-Gas II regulation, which has been in effect since 1 January 2015.