Pascual López: “At C&R 2025, Friogas set the standard for the circular economy in the refrigeration sector”

What approach does Friogas take in the air conditioning and refrigeration sector?

At Friogas, we help to drive forward the air-conditioning and refrigeration sector through a comprehensive approach that combines innovation, sustainability and specialist technical support. When it comes to personalised technical advice, we offer bespoke solutions for each client, analysing their specific needs and proposing the most efficient alternatives, from both a technical and economic perspective. This includes the selection of refrigerants, lubricants and heat transfer fluids that optimise the performance of your systems, reducing operating costs and improving energy efficiency.

As part of the transition to sustainable refrigerants, we help our clients understand the various regulations affecting the sector (RSIF, F-Gas, RITE and IGFEI), advising them on the switch to low-GWP refrigerants that not only comply with the law but also offer long-term savings in energy consumption and maintenance.

What strategy are they developing to promote the circular economy and quality?

As authorised waste management operators, we not only recycle gases, but also advise our clients on how to minimise waste and make the most of existing resources, thereby reaping the benefits of waste management and reducing its environmental impact.

Furthermore, our in-house laboratory ensures that all our solutions meet the most stringent standards, offering customers the peace of mind that comes from working with materials of the highest quality and performance; it also enables us to analyse coolants, glycols and lubricants.

How do they promote training?

When it comes to training and ongoing support, we deliver and take part in talks, courses and workshops, ensuring that the sector has the knowledge required to implement best practice in energy efficiency, and the best products to ensure regulatory compliance.

What challenges and opportunities for the sector does Friogas identify?

Firstly, the transition to sustainable refrigerants. The ban on gases with a high GWP is forcing operators to switch to alternatives such as A2Ls, CO₂ or propane. This requires investment in equipment, training and an understanding of the regulatory framework; we facilitate this process by providing advice and supplies.

Regarding regulatory compliance, the F-Gas Regulation requires strict monitoring of quotas. Greater controls are needed on the smuggling of refrigerants, which is causing serious difficulties for the sector.

With regard to waste management, many contaminated gases cannot be recycled locally and end up being destroyed, at both an environmental and economic cost. Our plant in France offers a solution for maximising the reuse of this waste.

How important was participation in C&R 2025, and how has it helped you grow your business and expand your knowledge of the sector?

At C&R 2025, Friogas consolidated its position as a leader in the circular economy for the refrigeration sector. The trade fair enabled us to connect with customers and prospective clients, present our comprehensive 360° solution (distribution, waste management and regeneration) to them, and highlight the technical and economic opportunities offered by our sustainable approach, particularly in a market undergoing a transition towards low-GWP refrigerants and efficient waste management.

Friogas’ products and services:

Friogas, S.A.U. offers a comprehensive 360° solution for the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector:

• Refrigerant gases:
  • Fluorinated gases
  • Synthetic alternatives: CO₂ (R-744), propane (R-290), isobutane (R-600a).
  • Quality-certified reclaimed gases.
• Heat carriers:
  • A base comprising propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and Greenway Neo N, which is plant-derived. Concentrated and diluted products ready for use in various sectors such as air conditioning, refrigeration, hot glycol defrosting, renewable energy (solar thermal, geothermal, etc.) and data centres.
• A wide range of lubricants from leading brands to cater for a variety of applications.
• Cleaning and maintenance products:
  • Cleaners for cooling circuits, heat transfer fluids, and maintenance kits.
• Waste management:
  • Collection, transport, regeneration or destruction of used or contaminated refrigerant gases.
• Laboratory analysis:
  • Quality control of gases (purity, moisture content, acidity, etc.).
  • Certification of regenerated gases in accordance with regulations.
  • Analysis of glycols (determination of concentration, pH, freezing point, etc.)
  • Lubricant analysis (determination of viscosity, water content, contaminants, etc.)
• Technical Consulting:
  • Selection of the optimum refrigerant for each application.
  • Compliance with regulations (RSIF, F-Gas, etc.).
  • Training in best practice for installers and maintenance technicians.
• Logistics and distribution:
  • 5 distribution centres on the Iberian Peninsula: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville and Valladolid.
  • On-demand supply with strategic stock in Spain and Europe.
  • Management of F-gas quotas for clients, ensuring compliance with the phased reductions.