PUBLISHER: Orion Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1877729
PUBLISHER: Orion Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1877729
Global HFO Refrigerant Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Refrigerant Type (R-1234Yf, R-1234Ze, R-1234Zd) by Application (Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning) By End-User (Domestic, Commercial, Transportation, Industrial, and Others) Forecast Period (2026-2035)
Industry Overview
HFO refrigerant market was valued at $6,267 million in 2025 and is projected to reach $33,080 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 18.2% during the forecast period (2026-2035). The growth of the HFO refrigerant market is driven by factors such as increasing regulatory support for environmentally friendly refrigerants, technological advancements in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, and the growing pharmaceutical industry. Introduction and adoption of environmental regulations to control global warming, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program, is increasing the demand for HFOs in North America, particularly in the US. Furthermore, the expansion of distribution networks by companies in the HFO refrigerant market is driving the growth of the market, making the product more accessible to a broader range of customers, including those in remote or underserved regions. For instance, Gas Servei has a large distribution network in Spain, Portugal, France, and partners in international markets.
Market Dynamics
Phase out of HFCs leads to growth in the HFO Refrigerants Market
HFO refrigerants are gaining popularity owing to the phase-out of HFC refrigerants and low GWP and ozone depletion potential (ODP), making them an option for companies seeking to comply with environmental regulations and reduce their carbon footprint. The AIM Act mandates the phasedown of HFCs by 85% from historic baseline levels by 2036 and authorizes EPA to address HFCs. Moreover, the EU-wide HFC phase-out is expected to result in large reductions in F-gas use and emissions. HFCs accounted for around 90% of F-gas emissions in 2022. These regulations encourage companies to manufacture HFO refrigerants for wide industry applications. For instance, Forane is the brand of Arkema, which manufactures refrigerants. These refrigerants are used in a wide range of applications, including air conditioning and refrigeration systems in commercial, industrial, and residential settings. The company provides reliable and sustainable refrigerant solutions while minimizing environmental impact. The company also developed low-global-warming-potential refrigerants that comply with regulations and standards such as the EPA's Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP). The company also offers technical support, training, and resources to help customers optimize the performance and efficiency of their systems.
Growing Demand for HFO Refrigerants in Pharmaceutical and Cold-Chain Sector
Refrigerant plays a critical role in pharmaceutical development, helping maintain material and process quality and preventing the growth of contaminants. In the highly regulated, capital-intensive world of drug, biologic, and vaccine innovation, precise and dependable temperature control is a must-have. For instance, Opteon offers hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants for efficient thermal management in a variety of pharmaceutical environments, from labs and production facilities to transport, storage, and clinical settings. Opteon products offer superior efficiency to alternative refrigerants and improved environmental profile versus legacy refrigerants, delivering safe and reliable performance that supports the building blocks of health progress. According to India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), India has the largest number of USFDA-compliant pharmaceutical plants outside the US and over 2,000 WHO-GMP approved facilities, serving demand from 150+ countries globally. These facilities require temperature control and consistent cooling for manufacturing, storage, and cold-chain logistics. This drives the growth in the market.
Market Segmentation
Refrigeration: A Key Segment in Market Growth
Based on the application, the market is sub-segmented into refrigeration and air conditioning. Among these, the refrigeration sub-segment is estimated to hold the largest share. The factors supporting the market growth include the high volume usage of refrigerants in refrigeration systems. A refrigeration system uses refrigerants to absorb and transmit heat from a low-temperature and high-pressure environment to a high-temperature and low-pressure environment. Such systems are extensively used in various industries, such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and other domestic purposes. Several refrigeration system manufacturers are also focusing on developing systems for domestic applications. For instance, in April 2023, ELANPRO launched a new series of energy-efficient freezers, coolers, and ice machines for the food service industry. The new product line summarizes the company's vision to create an ecosystem of various cooling products catering to food and beverage businesses of different sizes.
The Transportation Segment of the HFO Refrigerant Market is expanding at the Highest Rate
Growing vehicle production and strict national and sub-national regulations on refrigerants have boosted the adoption of HFO refrigerants in automotive AC applications. BMW has switched to 100% HFO refrigerants; similarly, GM, Genesis, Kia, Mini, Jaguar and Land Rover, Volkswagen, have been using AC systems with HFO-1234yf and are expected to switch to 100% HFO refrigerants in the upcoming years. Further, as per the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), vehicle production has grown and is estimated to grow at a significant rate owing to the commercialization of electric vehicles. This growth is creating enormous demand for HFO-1234yf refrigerants globally.
The global HFO refrigerant market is further divided by region, including North America (the US and Canada), Europe (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, ASEAN Countries, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).
Europe holds the largest market share owing to various factors such as growth in the automotive sector, government initiatives, an increase in chemical sales, launches of innovative solutions, and strict environmental regulations. The regulation on the phase-down of HFCs under the Montreal Protocol marks a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and protecting the ozone layer. The EU F-Gas Regulation entered into force in March 2024. It will further drastically reduce quotas. R-474A is an HFO mixture of R-1234yf and R-1132(E). With an ultra-low GWP <1, it helps to meet the EU's ambitious climate targets set by the EU Green Deal and can be considered as quota-free for equipment manufacturers. Honeywell's Solstice yf Refrigerant is a key element in achieving the EU's climate goals. With a GWP of only 4, it is 97% lower than the mandate of less than 150. It is also 99.7 percent better than the refrigerant currently in use, R-134a, which has a GWP of 1430. Solstice yf Refrigerant is safe and efficient in all climates globally.
The major companies operating in the global HFO refrigerant market include DuPont Inc., Honeywell International Ltd, Daikin Industries, Ltd, The Chemours Company, A-Gas, among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisition strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.
Recent Developments