Sustainable and future-proof temperature control solutions

On 11 March 2024, the European Union published the new Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases. The aim of the new regulation is to reduce the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) in order to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and thus contribute to the fight against climate change.

1. Phase-down: The total amount of fluorinated greenhouse gases that can be placed on the EU market will be gradually reduced. The aim is to achieve a complete phase-out by 2050.
2. Placing on the market bans: The use of certain refrigerants will be banned depending on their application and global warming potential (GWP). The regulation provides for different categories for products with refrigeration systems. Depending on the category, different dates apply from which only appliances with a GWP of less than 150 may be placed on the market.

• Category 5: Introduction on 01.01.2030
• Category 7: Introduction on 01.01.2027
• Category 4: Introduction on 01.01.2025

Most of the refrigeration products manufactured by Peter Huber Kältemaschinenbau SE are classified in category 7. This means that from 1 January 2027, Huber will only be allowed to sell chillers with a GWP value of less than 150. On the other hand, it will still be possible to offer and sell appliances with synthetic refrigerants until the above-mentioned date.

Specifically, Huber's appliances are categorised by the authority as follows:

Category 7 with restriction from 01.01.2027

All refrigeration appliances in which the heat transfer takes place by means of a circulated temperature control fluid are classified as coolers by EU regulation and are categorised as category 7. This definition applies to almost the entire product range, as both circulation chillers and classic refrigerated circulators with an open bath and our Unistats/Unimotives as well as "immersion chillers", which are used in a bath for counter-cooling, are included in this group.

Category 4 with restriction from 01.01.2025

Immersion coolers used for contact cooling fall into category 4, as they do not cool with a circulating temperature control fluid. These models must not be placed on the market with synthetic refrigerants from 1 January 2025.

As a leading supplier of high-precision temperature control systems, Huber has already responded proactively to these regulatory changes. Peter Huber Kältemaschinenbau SE is already prepared for the earliest phase-out on 1 January 2025. As of today, the company is the only supplier in the field of liquid temperature control to offer 100% future-proof, climate-friendly and sustainable temperature control solutions in all performance classes. Most Huber circulators and coolers have been equipped with natural refrigerants as standard for years, which, with GWP values of less than 10, are far below the specified limit of 150. As a result, Huber appliances are not only compliant with current and future legal requirements, but are also a sustainable choice for customers.

Peter Huber Kältemaschinenbau SE launched the first products with natural refrigerants back in 1976. Accordingly, many Huber products have been equipped with natural refrigerants as standard for decades. These appliances include the popular Ministat, Minichiller, KISS/CC, Petite Fleur, Tango and many other model series. The specific GWP value can be found in the respective appliance data sheet at any time.

At a time of growing environmental responsibility, Peter Huber Kältemaschinenbau SE is focusing on technology that is geared towards the standards of tomorrow. The temperature control solutions with natural refrigerants are designed to offer long-term investment security - regardless of which environmental regulations and legal restrictions will follow in the coming years.

The new EU regulation provides for a transitional period until 1 January 2027, during which appliances with synthetic refrigerants can still be sold. Of course, Peter Huber Kältemaschinenbau SE wants to offer the greatest possible flexibility, which is why these models are still available. However, it is advisable to switch to climate-friendly alternatives today. This will not only provide you with a sustainable solution, but also with long-term benefits, for example in future maintenance and repairs, where you can benefit from the good availability of natural refrigerants.

With the latest adjustment of the product range, models with natural refrigerants will be even more in the spotlight. From now on, these models will be the standard on the Huber website and in the sales documentation, i.e. appliances with synthetic refrigerants will only be included on a transitional basis. To view these appliances, please activate the "synthetic refrigerant" filter or ask for the order number.
 

Your advantages with natural refrigerants:

• 100% future-proof investment
• Planning security with regard to legal requirements
• Guaranteed long-term maintenance and repair
• Environmentally friendly with minimal GWP
• Modern refrigeration technology with optimum efficiency
• Reduced energy consumption

Many models are now also available as "Green Line" versions with CO2 refrigerant (R-744). The refrigeration circuit of these appliances has no ozone depletion potential (ODP = 0), a negligible global warming potential (GWP = 1) and the refrigerant is non-flammable.

Huber's sustainable temperature control solutions prepare you for future challenges and ensure your systems meet the highest environmental and efficiency standards. Learn more about Huber's green solutions and discover the full product range:
 

Discover sustainable temperature control technology