Environmental Concerns Emerge as Svensk Freonåtervinning Accused of Hazardous Heat Pump Recycling Practices

Svensk Freonåtervinning, a leading Swedish recycling company, faces intense scrutiny following revelations that it crushes heat pumps using excavators, potentially releasing harmful PFAS gases into the environment. Secretly recorded videos and testimonies from former employees allege that the company bypasses proper recycling protocols, especially during periods of high workload, to manage storage overflow by crushing refrigeration units, which contradicts their official claims of conducting responsible recycling.

The gas released during these practices is identified as R410A, a type of PFAS widely used as a refrigerant but banned from January 2025 due to its high climate impact. Björn Palm, professor of energy technology at KTH, expressed shock over the footage, emphasizing that R410A is a potent greenhouse gas with emissions equivalent to driving 15,000 kilometers by car. Experts from Norway and Sweden likewise condemned the crushing method as environmentally irresponsible and dangerous, highlighting PFAS’s long-term persistence in water sources and its association with health risks such as increased cancer rates.

Daniel Suilea, the Sweden manager at Svensk Freonåtervinning, contested the accusations, stating that excavators are only employed for sorting materials, not destruction, and reassured that the company follows strict gas handling procedures. However, he acknowledged that the video footage depicts improper practices and committed to investigating the matter further.

This controversy arises as the sector prepares to shift towards natural refrigerants like propane—a move planned by companies such as Mitsubishi Electric by spring 2025—to reduce environmental harm. The videos in question were recorded before this transition, underscoring the urgent need for improved recycling protocols amid Sweden's firm environmental commitments.

The case raises significant concerns about whether Svensk Freonåtervinning is fulfilling its environmental obligations and maintaining the integrity of Sweden’s recycling standards, highlighting the broader risks associated with improper disposal of synthetic refrigerants. Ongoing investigations will determine potential regulatory responses and reinforce the importance of strict adherence to safe, eco-friendly recycling practices.