Dubai, UAE — Pearl Polyurethane Systems has announced a proactive transition plan to phase out HCFC-141b in its polyurethane foam systems, aligning with upcoming environmental regulations and the Montreal Protocol’s ozone protection goals. The company has also begun implementing price adjustments across its 141b-based formulations in response to the limited global supply and rising costs of the blowing agent, following production cuts from the remaining Chinese suppliers.
Under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the UAE is targeting a complete HCFC phase-out by 2030. China — a major producer of these materials — took a major step in July 2025, announcing its national HCFC phase-down plan, which mandates a 67.5% reduction in production and 73.2% reduction in consumption by the end of 2025, compared with baseline levels. The plan also enforces a 97.5% phase-out by 2030, and a total ban on HCFC-141b for controlled uses starting January 1, 2026.
China’s roadmap further includes a ban on household refrigerator and freezer production using HFCs from 2026 and prohibits refrigerants with a global warming potential (GWP) above 750 in new room air conditioners and small commercial systems from 2029 onward. These changes will reshape the Asia-Pacific polyurethane and refrigerant markets, prompting manufacturers to accelerate adoption of low-GWP and non-ozone-depleting alternatives.
In a recent statement, Pearl emphasized its readiness to support customers through this transition:
“Pearl is fully geared toward guiding its customers in selecting the most suitable blowing agent alternatives, ensuring superior product performance, cost efficiency, and long-term sustainability.”
With this move, Pearl reinforces its position as a leading supplier of eco-friendly polyurethane solutions, committed to advancing sustainable insulation materials and green building technologies in line with UAE’s environmental goals and global climate initiatives.