Use of ozone-depleting chemical phased out

NEW DELHI: India has completely phased out the use of Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-141B, a chemical used by foam manufacturing industries and one of the most potent ozone depleting chemicals, the Union environment ministry announced on Wednesday. The ministry had issued a notification on December 31 saying the issuance of import licenses for HCFC-141B will be prohibited from January 1 under Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Amendment Rules, 2019, issued under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

The chemical is used mainly as a blowing agent in the production of rigid polyurethane (PU) foams.

HCFC-141B was not produced in India and all domestic requirements were met through imports. With this notification, the import has been prohibited.

The use of HCFC-141B by foam manufacturing industry ended on January 1. The polyurethane is used in a variety of sectors including construction, cold storages and cold chain infrastructure, automobiles, commercial refrigeration, domestic appliances such as refrigerators, water geysers, thermo ware, office and domestic furniture. “HCFC 141b is a potent ozone depleting substance. It is also a potent global warming refrigerant. By phasing out HCFC 141b as per schedule, India has met it’s commitments under the Montreal Protocol. But most importantly, by doing this India has affirmed its support for multilateralism in global environmental governance. Also, the Indian foam industry has replaced HCFC 141b with an ecofriendly substitute... This is a significant achievement from all angles,” said Chandra Bhushan, climate policy researcher and CEO, IFOREST.