1. Home
  2. Sustainable Chemicals Strategy
  3. How are HFEs better for the environment?

How are HFEs better for the environment?

Hydrofluoroethers (HFEs) don’t cause ozone depletion, have an extremely low potential for global warming and do not have a long atmospheric lifetime. Other chemicals that perform the same function emit greenhouse gases and contribute to global warming. Read on to find out just how beneficial to the environment switching to HFEs can be!

HFEs

HFEs Key Environmental Factors  

  1. Zero Ozone Depletion 
  2. Nonvolatile Organic Chemical 
  3. Short Atmospheric Lifetime 
  4. Low Global Warming 
  5. Low Solubility in Water 

HFEs are an environmentally smart substitute. Compared to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), HFEs have almost no effect on the environment. With zero ozone depletion, a short atmospheric lifetime, and low global warming potential, HFEs have a simplified product waste stream, reducing operational and regulatory concerns. 

Why are CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs so bad? 

84% of ozone depletion is caused by humans from sources such as CFCs and HCFCs. A decreased ozone concentration allows for harmful UV rays to reach the earth’s surface. Some side effects of a decrease in the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere are: 

  • Increase in cases of skin cancer 
  • Increase ground-level smog 
  • Damage to terrestrial and aquatic plant life 

Global warming can be attributed to the three chemicals trapping heat in the lower atmosphere causing the earth to warm.  

By replacing CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs with HFEs in industrial and commercial processes, fewer CFCs and HFCs are emitted into the atmosphere causing environmental harm.  

Affected Industries 

By substituting greenhouse gas-emitting chemicals from processes, companies can prevent contributing to the destruction of the environment. Industries that would benefit from switching to HFEs include: 

  • Refrigeration 
  • Aerospace 
  • Analytical Equipment 

As industries make the switch to a cleaner substance, there is less stress to staying within EPA emission regulations since there are little to no emissions when using HFEs as opposed to CFCs, HCFCs, or HFCs.  

Looking for products with HFEs?

Ecolink wants to help you maintain the quality of your products and services while substituting HFEs for other chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Contact us for any questions or concerns on how we can help you switch to more environmentally friendly chemicals. To learn more about sustainable chemicals strategy, click here.

Search here

Don’t forget to share this post!

Suggested Blog Posts

View all News
By Ecolink Team
Industrial White Oil
Apr 25 2025

Industrial White Oil: Applications and Benefits in Different Sectors

White oil, also known as mineral oil is a colorless mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. Manufacturers from multiple industries use liquid petroleum in many...
By Ecolink Team
White Oil Lubricant
Apr 23 2025

White Oil Lubricant: Discover Smooth Operations in Machinery

Machinery plays an enormous role in manufacturing. Without machines, many industries would struggle to meet production demands and would shut down. Businesses ensure...
By Ecolink Team
What Does the Military Use to Clean Weapons?
Apr 21 2025

What Does the Military Use to Clean Weapons? 3 Common Solutions

Just like with machines, it’s important that weapons are cleaned and well-maintained to prevent accidents from occurring.   In this blog post, we’re going to take a...
By Ecolink Team
PFAS MEANING DEFINITIONS
Apr 18 2025

PFAS Meaning & Definition: What You Need to Know About ‘Forever Chemicals’

What are PFAS chemicals? And why are they called “forever chemicals?”  If you find yourself asking these questions, you’re not alone. Research shows that 97% of...
By Ecolink Team
EPA PFAS NEWS
Apr 16 2025

Current State of PFAS Regulations: Chemical Alternatives with Ecolink

As more dangers of PFAS come to light, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to implement new strategies to minimize these toxic chemicals from...
By Ecolink Team
PFAS Regulations
Apr 14 2025

PFAS Regulations & Safer Alternatives: How Ecolink Helps You Make the Switch

Thinking about making the switch to greener chemicals?   You’ve come to the right place.  With new PFAS regulations being implemented to protect people and the...
By Ecolink Team
Hydrofluoroether solvent
Apr 12 2025

Discover the Power of Ecolink 4005: Your Ultimate Hydrofluoroether Cleaner

In today's world, finding effective and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions is more important than ever. At Ecolink, we are committed to providing innovative...
By Ecolink Team
Household Aerosols
Apr 11 2025

What Are Household Aerosols? Discover Their Uses, Risks, and Safer Alternatives

Not sure what household aerosols are? Should you avoid them all together?  In this blog post, we’re going to do a deep dive into aerosols, providing you definitions,...
By Ecolink Team
Electrical Contact Cleaner Spray
Apr 09 2025

Where to Buy Electrical Contact Cleaner Spray: Convenient & Efficient Cleaning

Electrically powered machinery plays a vital role in businesses and product production. For this machinery to operate, electrical contacts are needed. Electrical...
By Ecolink Team
US Tariffs on Chemical Imports
Apr 07 2025

Navigating US Tariffs: Ecolink’s Strategy for Mitigating Cost in Chemical Supply

Dear Ecolink community, We want to keep you informed about the evolving tariffs situation and its potential impact on our industry. As you may be aware, recent tariff...
View all News