2025 Volume 29 Issue 2 Pages 127-132
To establish a circular economy for refrigerants used in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, a digital management platform, “RefNEXT (Refrigerant + NEXT),” has been developed and implemented. RefNEXT integrates six key processes: recovery, collection, processing, reclamation or destruction, reuse and refilling. Through its implementation in Japan and its presentation to policymakers and industry stakeholders in Southeast Asia, three key values of RefNEXT have been identified. First, RefNEXT enhances traceability. By integrating data from all stakeholders—including equipment manufacturers, contractors and equipment owners—it enables real-time visibility of refrigerant inventory and distribution pathways. This is particularly beneficial in countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam, where such measures are increasingly being mandated. Second, RefNEXT facilitates leak-rate monitoring. By identifying discrepancies in multiple data entry processes, RefNEXT detects refrigerant leakage, thereby supporting compliance with logbook regulations mandated in Japan and Europe. It also has the potential to contribute to similar regulatory frameworks in Southeast Asia. Third, RefNEXT influences refrigerant policies. While destruction has traditionally been the primary method for handling used refrigerants, increasing traceability and verification capabilities have led to policy developments toward supporting refrigerant reclamation. Additionally, carbon credit methodologies are evolving to include not only destruction but also reclamation as a viable option. This study examines how RefNEXT contributes to advancing a circular economy for refrigerants and supports the development of sustainable refrigerant management policies. Future implementation efforts will focus on adapting RefNEXT to regional regulatory frameworks.
