Kigali Amendment Effective as of January 1, 2019
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol has been ratified by 71 countries. Here’s what it could mean for your business.
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer became effective January 1st of this year, following ratification by 71 countries in the accord. The Amendment was created to help reduce the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by more than 80 per cent over the next 30 years, which is projected to reduce global warming by up to 0.4°C this century.
Under the amendment, developed countries will reduce HFC consumption beginning in 2019. Most developing countries will freeze consumption in 2024, with a small number of developing countries with unique circumstances freezing consumption in 2028.
If you are a US manufacturer still using HFC-blown polyurethanes, you are no doubt aware that these changes will affect your company’s ability to export your products in the very near future. Plus, the United States could also ratify the agreement at any time, which would ultimately eliminate the use of HFCs here at home.
With the future of HFC blowing agents in serious doubt worldwide, one thing is certain: Ecomate® blowing agent technology is the proven effective alternative to HFCs that is available right now in both rigid and flexible polyurethane foam systems. Ecomate-based foam systems will meet or exceed the properties achieved with HFC-134a, HFC-245fa and other HFC blowing agents – including critical foam properties such as thermal efficiency, adhesion, dimensional stability, flotation and more.
While the US has yet to ratify the Kigali Amendment, both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, the US Chamber of Commerce and various trade organizations are strongly in favor of it. They say that the goals of the Kigali Amendment can be accomplished without an increase in costs to the U.S. consumer, and in some cases can generate savings, and also be a win for the environment and the U.S. economy.
To learn more about how the Kigali Amendment reduces climate change, watch this short animated video prepared by UN Environment, the leading global voice on the environment.
