Why the Kigali Amendment Matters

While HFC refrigerants do not deplete the ozone layer, they have an extremely high Global Warming Potential (GWP)—ranging from hundreds to thousands of times higher than CO₂
As demand for cooling systems continues to grow globally, HFC emissions have become a major contributor to climate change.

Under the Kigali Amendment, countries have agreed to:

• Reduce HFC production and consumption by 80–85% over the coming decades
• Significantly mitigate global warming
• Accelerate the transition to low-GWP and natural refrigerants

Impact on Global Markets and Businesses

The Kigali Amendment is driving a worldwide transition in the refrigeration and HVAC industry, affecting businesses across all regions.
Countries are implementing HFC phase-down schedules at different stages, but the direction is consistent globally. As regulatory frameworks tighten, companies face increasing pressure to comply with environmental standards.

This shift creates several key impacts:

• Equipment using HFC refrigerants faces growing regulatory risks and future restrictions
• Adoption of low-GWP refrigerants and natural refrigerants such as CO₂ is becoming a global requirement
• Businesses must accelerate the transition to sustainable, future-ready cooling solutions

For manufacturers, system integrators, and end users alike, adapting early is critical to maintaining competitiveness and regulatory compliance in global markets.

The Kigali Amendment Is a Turning Point in Refrigerant Selection

The Kigali Amendment represents more than just environmental regulation—it is a fundamental shift in how refrigerants and compressors are selected.

The global trend is clear:

• ➡ From HFC refrigerants
• ➡ To natural refrigerants such as CO₂ (R744)

This transition is rapidly accelerating across industries, including commercial refrigeration, heat pumps, and industrial cooling.

CO₂ Compressors: A Future-Proof Solution

CO₂ (R744) is a natural refrigerant with ultra-low GWP (GWP = 1) and no ozone depletion potential, making it one of the most sustainable options available today.

CO₂ compressors offer:

• Compliance with current and future regulations (Kigali Amendment, F-gas regulations)
• Long-term risk reduction for OEMs and end users
• High efficiency in modern refrigeration systems

Our CO₂ Compressor Solutions

Carrier Japan leverages Toshiba’s advanced technology and manufacturing expertise to deliver a range of high-performance CO₂ compressors for next-generation refrigeration systems.
If you are considering the transition to natural refrigerants or need technical support, please feel free to contact us.

* Toshiba Carrier Corporation was renamed Carrier Japan Corporation in 2023. We continue to offer rotary compressors under the Toshiba brand.