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15.12.2025
Cool Up Webinar: PFAS, Refrigerant Choices, and Environmental Policy in Jordan
On 15 December 2025, the Cool Up programme brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and scientific experts for a high-level webinar addressing the issue of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) (“forever chemicals”) and sustainable refrigerant choices in Jordan. The session highlighted how refrigerant selection is not only a technical decision but a strategic one, shaping the region’s energy future, climate resilience, and public health.
As countries implement the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the shift away from high-Global Warming Potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) is accelerating. While refrigerants such as hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and HFC-HFO blends are often promoted for their low global warming potential and zero ozone depletion potential, scientific evidence shows that these substances can degrade into trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)—a persistent and mobile short-chain PFAS. TFA accumulates in water resources and the environment, raising significant concerns for human health and ecosystems. Regulatory bodies, especially in the European Union, are actively considering restrictions that could ban many current refrigerants due to their PFAS-related risks.
Natural refrigerants—including hydrocarbons, ammonia, and CO₂—offer a sustainable pathway forward. These substances are energy efficient, have low GWP, and do not produce harmful degradation products. The Cool Up programme is committed to accelerating the adoption of natural refrigerants and supporting early implementation of international climate agreements in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Türkiye.
During the webinar, experts presented a holistic overview of refrigerant choices, highlighting the climate impact, safety considerations, and environmental risks associated with PFAS and TFA formation. The session showcased Jordan’s progress in promoting natural refrigerants, with practical examples such as R290 split system and package unit and CO₂ systems that have delivered significant energy savings, reduced CO₂ emissions, and eliminated water consumption. These projects demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of PFAS-free cooling technologies, even in high-ambient environments.
The event also featured an update on the evolving regulatory landscape in the European Union, including the REACH regulation and the F-gas Regulation, both of which are moving towards stricter controls on PFAS and fluorinated refrigerants. These legislative developments underscore the urgency for industry and policymakers to transition to natural refrigerants and to anticipate future compliance requirements.
The Jordan PFAS Webinar reinforced the importance of science-based decision-making and international collaboration in advancing sustainable cooling solutions. By prioritizing natural refrigerants and supporting robust regulatory frameworks, stakeholders can protect environmental and public health, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster sustainable economic growth.