Phasing out greenhouse gases

Acting early to substitute high global warming potential materials takes the heat out of cooling.

Electrolux in Australia is moving ahead of legislation to provide alternatives to high global-warming-potential (GWP) substances in its refrigeration and insulation material.

Ahead of legislation

Ozone-depleting substances – controlled by the Montreal Protocol – are used in refrigeration and air conditioning, foam blowing, and solvent applications. The Parties to the Protocol have accelerated the phase-out of these chemicals. For developed countries that means a 90% reduction by 2015 and a total phase-out by 2020, while in developing countries there is a more gradual phase-out.

Electrolux has committed to phasing out high GWP Gases globally by 2020. In Australia as well as the US, the process will be completed ahead of legislation. Electrolux has also been phasing these out in new markets such as China and Brazil.

Although small amounts are still used in Brazil, efforts are ongoing to eliminate them completely. Replacing high GWP Gases will reduce the Group’s carbon footprint by 13% in 2020 compared to 2005.

The government of Australia committed to a total phase-out by 2016, and Electrolux Australia, seeing an opportunity to spur innovation and demonstrate leadership, moved to phase out greenhouse gases in refrigerators by end of 2012.

Electrolux has committed to phasing out high GWP Gases globally by 2020.

Leading in Australia

Electrolux actively supported government incentives in Australia to move away from them, collaborating with the government on energy and safety standards. The payoff for this proactive engagement not only offers a competitive advantage – the Electrolux green range of fridges leads the industry in Australia – it also spurs product innovation in the race to keep ahead of new emerging standards that favor the most energy-efficient and environmentally sound products.