As a result of the publication of the above regulation, from 2016 there has been reductions in the quantity of HFC’s that are allowed into the European Union. Please click on F Gas Regulation 517-2014 attached.
FM200 is just one of the many HFC’s in use the UK and EU as well as throughout the rest of the world. It was the main alternative to Halon and has been used for 20 to 30 years as a fire suppressant.
What does this actually mean for FM200?
The initial reductions from the baseline in 2015 had no effect on our prices, but with the increase to a 37% reduction for 2018 in supplies by the EU Regulation has resulted in the manufacturers raising their prices by a minimum of 180% per Kg of FM200.
Furthermore, without any prior warning, last week we have received an announcement that once again the FM 200 has further gone up in price.
Although an increase in price of FM200 was expected, a nearly 3x increase was not and has meant that apart from refills this could mean the end to FM200 as this has made it the most expensive of the three (FM200, Novec 1230 and Argonite). FM200 was not perfect and has the worst Global Warming Potential (GWP) of the three but had meant that many companies have been able to protect their businesses at a relatively low cost in comparison to other alternatives.
What does this mean for you or your clients?
A 180% increase in FM200 per Kg means that even a small system containing 36Kg of FM200 has doubled the price of the suppression system, making it the most expensive system between FM200, Novec 1230 and Inert Gas.
What do these regulations mean to users of fire suppression systems?
For example, in the event of an FM-200 system discharge, facility owners will face the uncertainty and risk of the future supply and costs of FM-200 to continue to protect their valued assets.
What does this mean for Alberta?
From 1st May 2019 we will stop supplying new FM200 systems. For all new systems, Argonite and Novec 1230 will be the products on offer.
Should you require any clarifications, please do not hesitate to contact us.
