The Ministry of Ecology and Environment in China drafted the Announcement on Prohibiting the Production of Polyurethane Products Using 1,1-Dichloro-1-Fluoroethane (HCFC-141b) as a Blowing Agent (Draft for Comments) on July 2, 2025, in accordance with the Regulations on the Management of Ozone-Depleting Substances and China’s Polyurethane Foam Industry Phase-out Management Plan. This was done to implement the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

Policy Background

The polyurethane foam industry, one of China’s largest consumers of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), has long produced insulating products using HCFC-141b, which has an ozone depletion potential (ODP) value of up to 0.11. Of all the HCFCs, it has the largest capacity to deplete the ozone layer. The national phase-out plan states that by 2026, the use of this material in industry will be completely prohibited.

Key Content: Phased Implementation of Production Ban

· As of January 1, 2026, it will be illegal to use HCFC-141b as a blowing agent in the production of premixed polyether and polyurethane products (except from spray-applied polyurethane foam products). The Announcement on Prohibiting the Production of Refrigerators, Freezers, Refrigerated Containers, and Electric Water Heaters Using 1,1-Dichloro-1-Fluoroethane (HCFC-141b) as a Blowing Agent (Ministry of Ecology and Environment Announcement No. 49, 2018) must be followed in order to manufacture refrigerators, freezers, refrigerated containers, and electric water heaters. Announcement on Prohibiting the Production of Insulation Pipes and Solar Water Heaters Using 1,1-Dichloro-1-Fluoroethane (HCFC-141b) as a Blowing Agent (Ministry of Ecology and Environment Announcement No. 28, 2023) must be followed to produce insulation pipes and solar water heaters.

· As of July 1, 2026, it will be illegal to use HCFC-141b as a blowing agent in the manufacture of spray-applied polyurethane foam products, which relate to materials used on-site for waterproofing and thermal insulation.

All levels of ecological and environmental authorities are responsible for monitoring businesses’ strict adherence to the regulations. Violations will result in legal penalties.

Drafting Process: Scientific Assessment and Industry Collaboration

Industry associations were hired by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment in July 2024 to carry out feasibility studies evaluating the socioeconomic effects and level of maturity of alternative technologies. The report was finished in early 2025, and to integrate industry feedback, several rounds of enterprise seminars were held in April with the Plastics Processing Industry Association, the Foreign Economic Cooperation Office, and other units. The document was then made available for comments.

Feasibility Analysis: Mature Alternatives, Diverse Economic Options

Technically, the industry already uses a lot of hydrocarbons (such cyclopentane), water, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) as alternative blowing agents, and their technologies are completely functional.

Economically, blowing agents based on water and hydrocarbons are less expensive than HFCs and HFOs. Businesses may make their own decisions based on their cost tolerance and product requirements.

Solicitation of Comments

Stakeholders can send written feedback or ideas to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (Contact: Ma Peiling; Tel: 010-65645594; Fax: 010-65645555) by email at ods@mee.gov.cn until July 18, 2025. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the China Plastics Processing Industry Association, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the ecological and environmental departments of the provinces are among the organizations contacted.

This action accelerates green industrial improvements, advances the polyurethane industry’s shift to low-carbon technology, and supports China’s efforts to safeguard the ozone layer globally. It also represents a significant step in China’s fulfilment of the Montreal Protocol.

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