About us
What we do
Cool-Safe is the Product Stewardship Organistion (PSO) that collects and destroys synthetic refrigerants (sometimes known as F-gases) across Aotearoa New Zealand. The scheme is managed by the Trust for the Destruction of Synthetic Refrigerants.
Our Mission
We are on a mission...
To increase the safe recovery and destruction of synthetic refrigerants and minimise harm to the environment.
The great news is that we can collectively take steps to reduce their impact today. We have the technology to move away from high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants to other solutions now - we don't have to wait!
SAFE RECOVERY AND DISPOSAL
Recovery and destruction of synthetic refrigerants
Recovery and destruction has been voluntary so far - and not straightforward. We're making it more worthwhile with an industry Buy-Back Programme, and also better for New Zealand with our own domestic destruction facility.
The Cool-Safe Buy-Back Programme for industry
Building New Zealand’s first Plasma Arc plant
IMPROVING INDUSTRY STANDARDS
Managing leaks and releases
All synthetic refrigerants must be contained and safely destroyed when equipment reaches end-of-life. Equally important is ensuring qualified professionals deliver the right process consistently - extending equipment lifespan while protecting people and planet. Cool-Safe provides the stamp of compliance to fill every gap.
Cool-Safe Recognition: Organisations handling synthetic refrigerants
Cool-Safe Recognition: Refrigerant Technicians
Creating Regulatory Compliance through Recognition
PROVIDING PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP
We're the industry's Product Stewardship Organisation (PSO)
Recovery and destruction of synthetic refrigerants has been voluntary under New Zealand's only refrigerant Product Stewardship Scheme. This limits enforcement of both incentives (like our Buy-Back programme) and penalties (substantial fines). That's changing now, with Cool-Safe leading the transformation.
From voluntary to legislative product stewardship
Establishing a Regulatory Framework
Minimising the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
INFORM AND EDUCATE
Inspiring NZ to do the right thing
We're admittedly nerdy about synthetic refrigerants at Cool-Safe, but most Kiwis don't know how refrigerants harm the environment. We won't change this overnight—but we have a dream.
Our dream? That every New Zealander will one day check their home air-conditioner is Cool-Safe compliant, their technician is Cool-Safe certified, and their workplace systems are maintained by a Cool-Safe accredited organisation. We're committed to sharing our knowledge and building that awareness nationwide.
