Sustainable cooling with R290
Refrigerant
Starting in 2025, our refrigerated incubators will feature the eco-friendly refrigerant R290, replacing the older R134a. This transition aligns with EU Regulation 517/2014 on fluorinated gases, which requires refrigerants to have a global warming potential (GWP) below 150. With a GWP of just 3, R290 propane gas is leading the way in sustainability!
Why choose R290?
Eco-Friendly
- Made form natural propane, R290 has a very low GWP of 3, reducing its impact on global warming.
- Supports compliance with current and future regulations.
Energy efficient
- Devices are about 10% more energy efficient with R290
- Reduces energy costs while maintaining high cooling performance
Future proof
- Simple recycling and long-term availability make R290 a sustainable choice.
- Helps minimize environmental impact over the equipment's lifecycle.
The R290 upgrade ensures your equipment is ready for the future while enhancing environmental and operational efficiency.
Key benefits for your business
- Operational savings: Reduced energy use means lower utility bills.
- Sustainability leadership: Demonstrate your commitment to environmental responsibility.
- Compliance & certification: Meets EU standards and international safety regulations.
What does GWP mean?
GWP, or Global Warming Potential, measures how much heat a gas traps in the atmosphere over time compared to carbon dioxide (CO2), which has a GWP of 1. The lower the GWP, the smaller the impact on global warming.
The propane gas R290, with its exceptionally low GWP of 3, has a minimal effect on the environment. This makes it an excellent choice for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially compared to older refrigerants like R134 A or R452 A, which have much higher GWPs. Choosing R290 means supporting both sustainability and compliance with modern regulations.
Why this upgrade matters
Switching to the natural propane gas isn’t just about meeting regulations; it’s a step toward a more sustainable and cost-effective future. Improved energy efficiency and a reduced carbon footprint make your operations greener and more responsible.
R290 for more efficient, eco-friendly, and future-ready cooling solutions.
But what about Hettich´s
Refrigerated Centrifuges?
According to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2729, Article 1, c), on fluorinated greenhouse gases, our centrifuges can be marketed and exported until 31.12.2028, as long as they are used exclusively as defined in the regulation. Specifically, this applies to “laboratory centrifuges that separate liquids of different densities or liquids from solids in a rapidly rotating container.”
We are actively working to incorporate alternative refrigerants, such as R290, wherever possible. However, in sensitive areas, we need additional development time to ensure we meet our high performance and safety standards. As a result, we view the EU Commission's decision as a significant step forward for both our industry and medical research. For our refrigerated centrifuges, the transition to the natural refrigerant (R290) will take place in stages.
The current development status is as follows:
- MIKRO 200 R
The MIKRO 200 R centrifuge contains a hermetically sealed refrigeration system with the refrigerant R134 A with a global warming potential (GWP) above 150.
- All other refrigerated Centrifuges
MIKRO 220 R, UNIVERSAL 320 R, ROTINA 380 R | RC Robotic, ROTINA 420 R, ROTANTA 460 R | RC | RF, ROTIXA 500 RS, ROTO SILENTA 630, ZentriMix 380 R: These centrifuges contain a hermetically sealed refrigeration system with the refrigerant R452 A with a global warming potential (GWP) above 150.