The European refrigeration and HVAC&R Coalition for PFAS-Free Cooling & Heating said it is calling on all like-minded companies to “join us in demanding a healthier, more sustainable and competitive future for the European HVAC&R industry.”

The group posted on its website and distributed a petition urging the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to enact strict and comprehensive restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in HVAC&R applications.

The Coalition said that PFAS are harmful “forever chemicals” linked to serious health and environmental issues. “They are widely used refrigerants in HVAC&R equipment, however safe and effective natural refrigerant alternatives are readily available,” said the Coalition in a statement.

“By demonstrating the strength and breadth of the European ecosystem for natural refrigerant-based solutions, we aim to encourage informed decision-making by ECHA and pave the way for a PFAS-free future.”

The group urged members and visitors to join their effort by signing the petition, saying, “Let’s show ECHA that the industry is ready for a transition to PFAS-free refrigerants.”