In a significant environmental achievement, India has effectively phased out the use of Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-141b. As reported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the import license for HCFC-141b was prohibited from January 1, 2020, under the Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Amendment Rules, 2019. These rules were issued under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986, with India leading the way as one of the first developing countries to take such an initiative on this scale.
The Environmental Impact of HCFC-141b
HCFC-141b is known to be one of the most potent ozone-depleting substances after Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). It’s primarily used as a blasting agent in various foam manufacturing industries. However, it’s essential to note that HCFC-141b is not produced domestically in India; instead, all requirements were met through imports.
The Foam Industry in India
The Indian foam industry consists of a mix of large, medium, and small enterprises with a variety of capacities. A significant part of this sector comprises Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These businesses have been the primary consumers of HCFC-141b, utilizing the substance as a blowing agent in their manufacturing process.
The Role of The Ministry in Transitioning Away From ODS
The Indian Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has been instrumental in providing both technical and financial support to these enterprises, aiding their transition to technologies that do not deplete the ozone layer and those that have a low Global Warming Potential (GWP).
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Import Prohibition Date | 1st January 2020 |
| Regulation for Prohibition | Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Amendment Rules, 2019 |
| Primary Industrial Use of HCFC-141b | Foam Manufacturing Industries |
| Main Consumers of HCFC-141b | Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) |
India’s Role as a Pioneer in Ozone Preservation Efforts
India emerges as one of the few countries to pioneer the use of non-ozone depleting technologies with low Global Warming Potential (GWP). The structured approach adopted by the Ministry also shows the country’s commitment to implementing the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) effectively. This step forward indicates India’s dedication to environmental protection and paves the way for other developing nations under Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol to follow suit.