While R22 remains legal for use in existing systems, ongoing quota reductions are tightening availability and driving sustained cost
increases. As a result, the key question
for South African businesses is no longer
whether R22 can still be used, but how
to plan the most commercially sensible
transition.
UNDERSTANDING THE PHASE DOWN
The R22 phase down is driven by
international commitments under
the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali
Amendment. These measures do not
prohibit the continued use of R22, but they
do restrict the volume permitted to enter
the market via a quota system.
As quotas reduce year-on-year, R22
is becoming increasingly scarce. This
constrained supply is creating structural
price escalation rather than short-term
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come under increasing volume pressure.
This will inevitably result in rising costs
and reduced availability, making them a
poor medium- to long-term option.
This future reality is already shaping
decision-making. Many businesses are
choosing to bypass R404A and R507
altogether, opting instead for next
generation alternatives such as R448A
and R449A, which deliver comparable
performance at roughly one third of the
GWP, significantly reducing long-term
exposure.
A SMARTER TRANSITION STRATEGY
For many operators, the most strategic
approach is to:
• Maintain existing R22 systems for as
long as they remain technically and
economically viable.
• Avoid interim conversions to high-GWP
refrigerants.
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• When conversion is required, transition
directly from R22 to lower GWP
refrigerants such as R448A or R449A in
a single step.
This‘ one transition’ strategy avoids multiple
conversion costs, limits future regulatory
pressure, and aligns refrigerant decisions
with long-term sustainability goals.
SUPPORTING TODAY, PLANNING FOR TOMORROW
R22 remains legal to use, and A-Gas
Africa continues to support customers
who rely on it by supplying R22 where
required. Through its established recovery
and reclamation services, A-Gas has
strengthened its R22 bank, enabling
continued supply to the market for
businesses that may be transitioning at a
slower pace for operational or commercial
reasons. This ensures continuity for
existing systems while allowing time for
informed planning.
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At the same time, A-Gas Africa enables
customers to transition confidently to
proven, lower GWP refrigerants that
align with upcoming HFC reduction
requirements under the Kigali
Amendment.
By maintaining supply today and guiding
the right transition for tomorrow, A-Gas
Africa helps customers manage cost,
continuity and sustainability – making one
strategic move, done right, in a rapidly
evolving refrigerant landscape.
CLA
This‘ one transition’ strategy avoids multiple conversion costs, limits future regulatory pressure, and aligns refrigerant decisions with longterm sustainability goals.
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market volatility, |
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fundamentally changing |
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the economics of |
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maintaining legacy |
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equipment over time. |
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THE BIGGER SHIFT: AWAY FROM HIGH-GWP REFRIGERANTS |
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The ultimate regulatory |
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objective is clear – move |
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the industry toward |
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low-GWP solutions. |
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Importantly, not all |
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alternatives to R22 are |
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future-proof. |
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Refrigerants such |
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as R404A and R507 |
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carry extremely high |
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GWP values( higher |
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than R22). With HFC |
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( hydrofluorocarbon) |
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reductions accelerating |
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under the Kigali |
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Amendment from 2029, |
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these refrigerants will |