20 December 2011: The UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) has announced the launch of China’s Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) under the Montreal Protocol. The US$270 million HPMP aims cut consumption of HCFCs in China by January 2015.

HCFCs are used in the production of chemicals and foam, as well as in the industrial and commercial refrigeration, air conditioners, refrigeration servicing and solvent sectors. HCFCs have high-global warming potential, and are ozone depleting. China is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of HCFCs.

According to Lijun Zhang, Vice Minister of Environmental Protection of China, “as a responsible developing country, China will earnestly live up to her promises and meet her commitments.” According to UNEP, China’s HCFC phase-out will involve the conversion of hundreds of assembly lines. Under the HPMP, 45,000 metric tons of HCFCs will be eliminated, and replacement technologies will significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the country.

UNEP, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the World Bank and the Governments of Germany and Japan are assisting China in the development and implementation of its HPMP. [UNEP Press Release]