Gases for refrigerant, propellant and foam-blowing applications with zero ODP and medium to high GWP

HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) are the third generation of fluorine-based gases. These products are categorised as having zero ODP (Ozone Depleting Potential) and medium to high GWP (Global Warming Potential) and so offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to CFCs and HCFCs. 

HFCs are used in a wide range of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment specifically designed for them, and as "drop-in" retrofit gases for older CFC or HCFC equipment. HFCs are also used in selective propellant and foam-blowing applications.  

BOC offers several lower GWP HFC solutions, such as using R407A or R442A instead of R404A. We also supply a wide range of HFC alternatives for new equipment purchases. These include HFO and natural refrigerants, providing a viable, lower GWP alternative to HFCs.

Buy refrigerants online

Efficient refrigerant solutions that are kinder to the environment 

Natural refrigerants are chemicals that occur in nature's bio-chemical processes. They do not deplete the ozone layer and make a negligible contribution to global warming or zero in the case of R717 (ammonia). The high efficiency of natural refrigerants also means that they make a lower indirect contribution to global warming.

These products were used as refrigerants prior to the 1950s when fluorocarbon refrigerants became commonplace. They are now being used more extensively due to their low environmental impact. 

BOC has a wealth of experience and expertise in environmentally friendly refrigerants. We offer a wide selection of products to the refrigeration and air conditioning industry including R717 (ammonia); R744 (carbon dioxide); a wide range of hydrocarbon refrigerants, such as R600a (isobutane), and R290 (propane).

Buy refrigerants online

CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), such as R11, R12, R113, R114 and R115, are categorised as having high ODP (Ozone Depleting Potential) and high GWP (Global Warming Potential). Consequently, the use of these products is subject to legislation. This includes a sales ban in Article 2 (developed) countries from 1996, and Article 5 (developing) countries from 2010, in accordance with the Montreal Protocol.

We support and adhere to all such legislation and can help you choose suitable replacement products, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and natural refrigerants, that have less impact on the environment whilst still providing effective chilling and cooling capacity.

HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) are the second generation of fluorine-based gases, the original replacements for CFCs. These products, which include R22, R123, R401A, R401B, R402A, R402B, R408A, and R409A, are categorised as having medium ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) and medium to high GWP (Global Warming Potential). 

As HCFCs contribute both to ozone depletion and global warming, the use of HCFCs has been phased out as part of global legislation, such as the Montreal Protocol. In the EU, the use of virgin HCFCs was phased out in January 2010. The use of reclaimed or recycled HCFCs was phased out in January 2015.

We sell a wide range of HCFC retrofit products in a variety of packages, including cylinders, drum tanks, and bulk supplies. We also support the transition away from the use of ozone-depleting products and can offer advice on alternative products, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and natural refrigerants, which have a lower impact on the environment.

On 1st January 2015, the F-Gas Regulation came into effect which affects all manufacturers, suppliers and users of fluorinated gases. Here is what we require from our customers:

What we require from our customers:

You will need to send us your company F-Gas certificate. This applies to all refrigerant contractors and sole traders.

The acceptable UK F – Gas certificates are from Refcom, Bureau Veritas or Quidos. Refrigerant contractors or sole traders must be registered as a BOC customer. This is required at the point of first supply. Submit your F-Gas Certificate

What we require from our customers:

You will need to send us a completed Letter of Assurance (LoA) – BOC requires a completed Letter of Assurance from any customer who will be using our refrigerant gas in production, trucks and other specialist equipment (if Mobile Air-Conditioning (MAC) in cars only – see Section 3). Please download the Letter of Assurance template below, complete the details required and submit your LoA online.

Download Letter of Assurance template
Submit your Letter of Assurance

What we require from our customers:

You will need to send us confirmation that the refrigerant gas that you require is being used for Mobile Air-Conditioning (MAC) in cars only. Submit confirmation of MAC usage

Find out more about the F-Gas Regulation and other Global Warming Directives.