Environmental protection is at the core of BINDER’S mission to make a significant technical contribution to improving the health and safety of mankind. We welcome the new F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573, as it underlines our continuous efforts to achieve our Net Zero Emission Targets by 2045, according to Scope 1, 2, and 3.
Information on the new F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573
The newly enacted F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573, effective as of March 11, 2024, introduced a new category for stationary refrigeration units, which is referred to as “self-contained refrigeration equipment”. According to the new F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573, equipment that falls under this category must utilize natural refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) lower than 150 as of 2025.
The F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573 also allows for exceptions. If required to meet safety requirements at the site of operation, self-contained refrigeration equipment with a GWP of 150 or more is allowed beyond 2025. Therefore, safety requirements, e.g. from DIN EN 378, may lead to the continued use of F-Gases with a GWP of 150 or more.
Implementation at BINDER
- Constant Climate Chambers / Cooling Incubators
As of the 1st of January 2025, BINDER will deliver all compressor-based Constant Climate Chambers and Cooling Incubators with natural refrigerants (R600a or R290) whose GWP = 3.
Peltier-based Constant Climate Chambers and Cooling Incubators are not affected by the F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573.
- Dynamic Climate Chambers
BINDER is already developing Dynamic Climate Chambers utilizing CO2 as a natural refrigerant (R744) with a GWP = 1. We will gradually introduce products with CO2 as a natural refrigerant to the market, except for the Dynamic Climate Chambers using a conventional cascade system with R23/R452a.
If there are safety requirements in accordance with DIN EN 378 for customer applications at the site of operation, BINDER will label the chambers accordingly and deliver them with synthetic refrigerants. The safety of users and facilities is BINDER's top priority.
Service Regulations in the new F-Gas Regulation
The operation, maintenance, and repair of all BINDER units remains permitted for an unlimited period of time. There will be a ban on refrigerants with a GWP value of over 750 starting on January 1, 2032, but chambers with a temperature below -50°C are excluded from this ban. Recycled refrigerants can be used without an end date.
A new requirement is an additional leak test, which must be carried out at the earliest 24 hours after repairs with the initial leak test, but no later than 30 days. For all devices with a leakage test requirement, this means that for repairs that require a leakage test, an additional service call must be planned to carry out a further leakage test.