A-Gas at ARBS 2026: Driving Conversations on Refrigerant Recovery and the Circular Economy
Last week, the A-Gas team was proud to exhibit at ARBS 2026, Australia’s leading event for the HVAC-R and building services industry.
The event brought together manufacturers, contractors, wholesalers, and industry leaders to explore the latest innovations shaping the future of cooling, heating, and ventilation.
For A-Gas, it was an important opportunity to engage directly with the industry on one of its most critical challenges: improving refrigerant recovery and advancing a more circular approach to refrigerant management.
Key themes from ARBS 2026
Across the event, several clear themes emerged in industry conversations:
- Accelerating the refrigerant transition
The HVAC-R industry continues to evolve in response to regulatory change and global sustainability goals. There is growing focus on how businesses can transition to lower global warming potential refrigerants while maintaining efficiency, safety, and reliability. - Increasing focus on lifecycle refrigerant management Beyond selection of refrigerants, there is a stronger emphasis on what happens throughout the entire lifecycle — from installation and servicing through to recovery, reclamation, and reuse.
- Refrigerant recovery gaining momentum
One of the most consistent themes was the increasing recognition of refrigerant recovery as a practical and immediate way to reduce emissions and improve environmental outcomes. However, industry stakeholders also highlighted the need for better incentives and systems to support higher recovery rates. - Collaboration across the value chain
From contractors through to wholesalers and manufacturers, collaboration remains essential. ARBS highlighted the importance of aligning all parts of the supply chain to deliver meaningful environmental progress.
Launching Reclaim Rewards
A key focus for A-Gas at ARBS 2026 was the official launch of Reclaim Rewards program, designed to recognise and encourage responsible refrigerant recovery practices.
In collaboration with its wholesale partners Airfrig Australia and Actrol, the program supports HVAC-R businesses in returning recovered refrigerants through approved wholesale partners, helping ensure gases are either safely reclaimed for reuse or destroyed in line with local regulations.
The strong engagement at the A-Gas stand reinforced the industry’s willingness to embrace initiatives that reward positive environmental action while supporting practical business outcomes.
Eligible HVAC-R businesses can register at reclaimregards.agas.com
Looking ahead
ARBS 2026 reinforced that the HVAC-R industry is at a pivotal moment. As regulatory expectations tighten and sustainability becomes central to business operations, the role of responsible refrigerant management will only continue to grow.
A-Gas remains committed to supporting this transition by providing practical solutions that enable recovery, reclamation, and reuse — helping the industry move toward a more sustainable and circular future.
We would like to thank everyone who visited the A-Gas team during the event and contributed to the valuable discussions.
We look forward to continuing the conversation.
