ATMOsphere Approves Natural Refrigerants Label for OLAB

The ATMO Approved label is a global gold standard highlighting best-in-class manufacturers and contractors of natural refrigerant systems and components.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, May 13, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- ATMOsphere, a global market accelerator of clean cooling and heating solutions and publisher of NaturalRefrigerants.com, has approved the ATMO Approved Natural Refrigerants Label for OLAB, an Italian manufacturer of components for CO2 (R744) refrigeration systems.

“What ATMOsphere advocates for globally, OLAB has already brought to life through a complete range of 100% PFAS [per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances]-free components specifically designed for CO2-based systems,” said Alberto Bottura, General Manager at OLAB.

The ATMO Approved label, launched in June 2022, was created to offer a global benchmark for identifying leading manufacturers of natural refrigerant systems and components. In 2024, the label’s scope expanded to include contractors and installers. In 2025, the model for the label was updated to quantify avoided TFA (trifluoroacetic acid) emissions thanks to an approved company’s use of natural refrigerants.

‘A satisfying partnership’

Some of the most well-known manufacturers of transcritical CO2 refrigeration systems use OLAB’s valves, including TEKO. Andreas Schmitt, Head of R&D at TEKO, said his company uses OLAB’s series revolution flanged ball valve in its CO2 systems and that “the specially designed valve saved more than two-thirds of the connections of the previous assembly.”

“All valves are tested 100% to meet the best reliability,” said Schmitt. “We are looking forward to a satisfying partnership.”

Pouya Yazdchi, Supply Chain Manager at Canadian CO2 heat pump and chiller manufacturer Vitalis, said the company’s valves have “consistently delivered the expected performance and efficiency.” Vitalis was acquired by the KKVB Group, the parent company of TEKO, in May 2024.

“They supported us with customized solutions that helped us meet our deadlines,” said Yazdchi. “We are very happy with the level of support and commitment they provided.”

Quantifying PFAS/TFA

A notable addition to the 2025 label criteria is the focus on eliminating PFAS, which includes TFA, a byproduct of the atmospheric degradation of many HFO and HFC refrigerants. Recent research has deemed TFA a “planetary boundary threat” due to its potential risks to human and environmental health.

“The label criteria around PFAS acknowledges what companies are doing to ensure they are PFAS-free,” said Marc Chasserot, CEO and Founder of ATMOsphere. “ATMO Approved companies have the vision and leadership required to navigate the market today and help [organizations] move away from PFAS and global-warming synthetic alternatives.”

While the majority of PFAS in heating and cooling equipment comes from the refrigerant, the gaskets, seals and O-rings used in components also contain PFAS. OLAB is taking steps to eliminate PFAS from its products, announcing in October 2024 at Chillventa that the “majority” of its CO2 components would use EPDM (ethylene propylene) O-rings to provide leak-proof sealings rather than gaskets made with fluorocarbons PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

“At OLAB, sustainability and innovation go hand in hand, and our journey is fully aligned with the movement toward a sustainable transition in the HVAC&R industry,” said Bottura.

Best-in-class certification

The ATMOsphere label is designed to help qualified manufacturers and contractors market products and services to new customers and regions in the natural refrigerants marketplace. Certified organizations can display the label on products, marketing materials, email signatures and trade show booths, boosting their visibility and helping end users identify best-in-class suppliers.

To qualify, companies must demonstrate excellence across four pillars:

● Company vision – a commitment to natural refrigerants as a core business.
● Customer satisfaction – positive end-user testimonials confirming reliability and performance.
● Measurable impact – mitigation of CO2 and TFA emissions.
● Proactive training – investment in employee and stakeholder education.

Additional information on the 2025 label and the registration form can be found on the ATMO Approved website.

OLAB is the ninth company to be approved for the ATMO Approved label in 2025, following Nihon Netsugen Systems, Equans Kältetechnik, Refra, GTS, Fenagy, ENNS Industrial Refrigeration, Zudek and SURE Solutions.

About OLAB

OLAB S.r.l., situated in the heart of Italy at Torbole Casaglia, stands out prominently in the industrial landscape. Established in 1988 by entrepreneur Cesare Bottura, the company has always been a family business, led with passion and dedication by Cesare and his sons Olindo and Alberto. Today, OLAB symbolizes innovation and the ability to make significant strides in the essential sector of sustainable CO₂ industrial, commercial, transport, and civil refrigeration. Every component is designed and produced entirely in-house with a sustainable process certified DEKRA 14001.

About ATMOsphere

For the past 20 years, market accelerator ATMOsphere (formerly shecco) has been active in helping bring climate-friendly technologies faster to market. ATMOsphere supports over 100 partners worldwide in the HVAC&R sector, where the focus is on sustainable refrigeration, heating and cooling technologies using natural refrigerants.

Marc Chasserot
ATMOsphere
marc.chasserot@shecco.com
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