Key takeaway
What This Development Means
The EU’s briefing on MOP37 outlines vital steps toward enforcing the Kigali Amendment and strengthening refrigerant management. With new studies, monitoring efforts, and funding mechanisms underway, stakeholders in the chemical and manufacturing sectors must prepare for evolving compliance and reporting obligations.
What is the Kigali Amendment, and how does it affect the chemicals industry?
The Kigali Amendment is an update to the Montreal Protocol targeting the phase-down of HFCs, potent greenhouse gases. It mandates reductions in production and consumption, directly impacting chemical manufacturers, HVAC producers, and related sectors.
What should manufacturers expect following MOP37?
Manufacturers should anticipate tighter controls on refrigerant use, reporting requirements, and increased scrutiny of trade practices. Opportunities exist in developing sustainable cooling solutions and enhancing end-of-life refrigerant management.
The Council of the European Union has released a briefing ahead of the Environment Council meeting on 16 December, summarising outcomes from the 37th Meeting of the Parties (MOP37) to the Montreal Protocol.
Held in Nairobi from 3 to 7 November, MOP37 focused on advancing global implementation of the Kigali Amendment and accelerating the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phase-down — a key policy development for the chemicals and manufacturing industries.
Kigali Amendment In
Focus: Data, Trade and Enforcement The Nairobi gathering, attended by 154 parties, included an informal preparatory meeting covering import and export licensing systems, illegal trade, and data collection.
These discussions highlighted challenges and shared experiences with early-stage implementation of the Kigali Amendment. A central theme was improving compliance mechanisms to reduce emissions of high-global-warming-potential (GWP) HFCs.
Among the implementation issues tackled were unexpected emissions of HFC-23, halon 1301 (still used in aviation), and gaps in global atmospheric monitoring.
Decisions were also made on managing refrigerants at end-of-life and enhancing data collection on refrigerant quantities.
Compliance And Monitoring Strengthened
Delegates adopted several compliance-related decisions, including recommendations from the
Protocol’s Implementation Committee.
A global study was commissioned to assess refrigerant inventories and improve end-of-life practices.
Another decision focused on identifying centres of excellence for sustainable cooling technologies, aligning with the Montreal Protocol’s evolving climate mandate.
Financial decisions at MOP37 included approving the secretariat’s budget and setting terms for a study on replenishing the Multilateral Fund for 2027–2029.
This fund plays a crucial role in supporting developing countries to meet their HFC reduction targets. A key development to watch in 2026 will be the outcome of the
US administration’s review of its funding contributions.
Regional Tensions Impact Governance
The meeting also highlighted geopolitical challenges.
A stalemate led by Russia prevented the Central and Eastern European region from nominating a representative to the Implementation Committee.
As a result, no candidates from any regional group were elected.
An extraordinary meeting will be convened during the 48th Open-Ended Working Group to resolve officer elections.
Kazakhstan’s nomination to the Executive
Committee was, however, approved unanimously.
What This Means For Industry Stakeholders
With increased global focus on refrigerant tracking, trade controls, and sustainable cooling, the outcomes of MOP37 underscore the need for chemical producers, HVAC system manufacturers, and end-users to invest in compliance infrastructure.
Enhanced monitoring and stricter enforcement may pose short-term burdens, but also open opportunities in sustainable technology development and circular economy solutions.
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