Frequently asked questions
The term reclamation may sound unfamiliar. In this context, reclamation means restoring used refrigerant to a condition equivalent to new product specifications. Globally, refrigerant reclamation is quite common. For example, in the United States reclamation activities have been practiced for decades. Recycling and reclamation of HFC refrigerants are an important part of the F-Gas Regulation.
Eco Scandic Oy is the only company in the Nordic region that holds the required permits for refrigerant reclamation, including licenses for handling hazardous chemicals, an environmental permit and approved End-of-Waste criteria.
Frequently asked questions
What does refrigerant reclamation mean?
Reclamation means restoring recovered refrigerant to a condition equivalent to new product specifications. A refrigerant can be classified as reclaimed when it has undergone a purification process using equipment compliant with AHRI-740 and ISO 11650 standards, followed by laboratory analysis confirming that the refrigerant meets the AHRI-700 quality standard.
Since the beginning of 2020, the use of F-gases with a GWP of 2500 or higher in the servicing and maintenance of refrigeration equipment has been restricted, with a few exceptions. Refrigerants with a GWP above 2500 include R404A, which is still one of the most widely used refrigerants in commercial refrigeration in Finland. Refrigerants affected by the 2030 restrictions may still be used in existing equipment if the refrigerant is reclaimed, meaning it has been purified and restored to meet new product specifications.
Do reclaimed and recycled mean the same thing?
Recycled refrigerant refers to recovered refrigerant that has been processed using equipment compliant with the ISO 11650 standard. In practice, recycling means that the refrigerant has been cleaned and processed but has not undergone laboratory analysis or received a quality certificate. In other words, it does not necessarily meet the AHRI-700 quality standard required for reclaimed refrigerant. A certified quality analysis ensures the safe use of the refrigerant. Unknown or contaminated refrigerant mixtures may pose a serious risk to refrigeration systems, technicians and the environment. If you purchase recycled refrigerant, make sure the supplier can provide documentation confirming that the refrigerant has been processed according to ISO 11650 standards.
How do I know if my reclaimed refrigerant is usable?
According to the SFS-EN 378-4 standard, recovered refrigerant must undergo at least acid and moisture analysis before being reused. Reuse is only permitted in the same system from which the refrigerant was originally recovered. Using refrigerant without proper laboratory analysis is risky, as the market may contain used, untreated refrigerants or illegally imported refrigerants that may include prohibited substances. Unknown refrigerant mixtures pose a serious risk to refrigeration systems, technicians and the environment.
Buying and selling refrigerants
Refrigerants containing F-gases may only be sold to refrigeration companies that are registered with Tukes. To ensure refrigerant quality, it is essential that the origin of new, recycled or reclaimed refrigerants is fully traceable. Always request a quality certificate from the refrigerant supplier or manufacturer verifying the origin and quality of the refrigerant. In Finland, the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) supervises refrigerant sales as the competent authority under EU Regulation No. 517/2014.
Make sure that your refrigerant supplier has committed not to purchase illegally imported refrigerants within the EU. https://stopillegalcooling.eu/pledge/
How can we help?
Eco Scandic is the first company in the Nordic region focused on refrigerant reclamation, restoring refrigerants to virgin-grade quality through advanced recycling.
Our mission is to provide sustainable circular economy solutions that help customers maximize the value of their resources by extending the lifecycle of refrigeration systems while reducing emissions.
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