Information about refrigerant R134a
R134a is one of the most widely used synthetic HFC refrigerants in the world. It is a single-component refrigerant with safety classification A1 – non-flammable and non-toxic. Available from Eco Scandic as a reclaimed refrigerant.
Technical specifications
- Status
- Reclaimed
- GWP
- 1 430
- ODP
- 0
- Safety class
- A1
- UN-number
- UN 3159
- Package sizes
- 12,5 · 61 · 950 L
- Composition
- 100 % R134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroetaani)
Refrigerant R134a overview
R134a (chemical name: 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) is a synthetic HFC refrigerant developed in the 1990s to replace ozone-depleting R12. It is the most commonly used single-component refrigerant globally, particularly in automotive air conditioning, commercial refrigeration (such as beverage coolers and HoReCa equipment), as well as in industrial chillers and process cooling.
Although R134a does not deplete the ozone layer (ODP = 0), it has a significant global warming impact (GWP 1,430). For this reason, the EU F-gas Regulation is gradually restricting the use of virgin R134a. Reclaimed R134a – meaning refrigerant recovered in the Nordic countries and regenerated to virgin-like condition in Helsinki in accordance with AHRI-700 and ISO 11650 standards – remains available for servicing existing equipment until the end of 2031. Its production-related carbon footprint is more than 40 times lower than that of the equivalent virgin refrigerant.
In new equipment, R134a is typically replaced by R1234yf (automotive applications), R513A (commercial retrofit applications), or hydrocarbons such as R-600a (isobutane).
Additional information
2025–2029: Virgin refrigerants >2500 GWP are banned. Only reclaimed/recycled >2500 GWP allowed (new appliances). Reclaimed refrigerants with GWP <2500 can still be used for servicing and maintenance after 2032.
Differences in refrigerants
| Refrigerant | Status | GWP | ODP | Safety Class | UN Number | Composition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R134a | Reclaimed | 1430 | 0 | A1 | UN 3159 | 100 % R134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) |
| R32 | Reclaimed | 677 | 0 | A2L | UN 3252 | 100 % R32 (difluoromethane) |
| R404A | Reclaimed | 3922 | 0 | A1 | UN 3337 | R134a 4 %; R125 44 %; R143a 52 % |
| R407C | Reclaimed | 1774 | 0 | A1 | UN 3340 | R32 23 %; R125 44 %; R134a 52 % |
| R410A | Reclaimed | 2088 | 0 | A1 | UN 3163 | R32 50 %; R125 50 % |
| R449A | Virgin | 1397 | 0 | A1 | UN 1078 | R32 24.3 %; R125 24.7 %; R134a 25.7 %; R1234yf 25.3 % |
| R448A | Virgin | 1387 | 0 | A1 | UN 3163 | R32 26 %; R125 26 %; R134a 21 %; R1234yf 20 %; R1234ze 7 % |
| R1234yf | Virgin | 4 | 0 | A2L | UN 3161 | 100 % R1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene) |
| R1234ze | Virgin | 7 | 0 | A2L | UN 3161 | 100 % R1234ze (trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene) |
| R452A | Virgin | 2140 | 0 | A1 | UN 1078 | R32 11 %; R125 59 %; R1234yf 30 % |
| R513A | Virgin | 573 | 0 | A1 | UN 3163 | R134a 44 %; R1234yf 56 % |
| R454B | Virgin | 466 | 0 | A2L | UN 3161 | R32 68.9 %; R1234yf 31.1 % |
| R455A | Virgin | 146 | 0 | A2L | UN 3161 | R32 21.5 %; R1234yf 75.5 %; R744 (COâ‚‚) 3 % |
Explore these topics
Dive deeper into refrigerant circular economy, free waste management, and the upcoming F-gas regulation.
Our circular economy model
See how recovered refrigerant is returned to circulation in virgin-like condition, step by step.
Free waste management
Collection, transport, and proper handling at no cost. F-gases returned to circulation as reclaimed refrigerants.
F-gas regulation 2026
What the tightening EU F-gas regulation means for the use and procurement of refrigerants.
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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