Private markets may offer unique opportunities to drive potential long-term returns, while addressing some of the biggest challenges facing the planet. A better world is possible, but we believe the scale of investment needed is vast. By investing in private assets, pension schemes can provide members access to a broad spectrum of innovative companies operating across sectors such as artificial intelligence, cloud software, and climate technology. Indeed, schemes could play a key role in shaping the future, supplying the necessary capital to help businesses grow, and potentially enriching the lives of members in their retirement years.
A-Gas is one of M&G Investments’ UK-based investee companies that is seeking to make a positive impact by reducing greenhouse gases in refrigeration while promoting a circular economy across industrial and domestic processes. Fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) play a fundamental role in processes such as air-conditioning and refrigeration – but they are also potent contributors to climate change1. They form part of the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) family of gases – synthetic chemicals that were designed to be more eco-friendly replacements for harmful chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs. However, despite initial intentions, research has shown these ubiquitous substances may also be harmful to the ozone layer when released into the atmosphere.
The UK-based private company A-Gas is working hard to change this and prevent further damage to the ozone by offering innovative solutions for the recovery, reclamation and recycling of refrigerant gases, as well as the management of hazardous waste.
“A-Gas is an active promoter of the circular economy, taking on a systemic approach to improve sustainability in business by keeping products in the system for as long as possible.”
A-Gas uses 700,000 cannisters and 130 trucks to collect used full cannisters of F-gases and deliver empty ones to and from their customers’ sites. The collected gas is then cleaned and separated at their separation towers. Nearly 100% of gases that cannot be reclaimed are safely destroyed at specially designed facilities.
Supported by investment
Investment helps support this key solutions provider for F-gases used in industrial and domestic refrigerant systems. Founded in 1993, A-Gas has grown significantly over the years and now operates in over 40 countries worldwide. The company’s headquarters are located in the UK and it has regional offices and facilities in Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia.
The Bristol-headquartered firm plays a crucial role in helping businesses and industries comply with environmental regulations and reduce their carbon footprint by promoting the responsible management of refrigerants.
A-Gas also specialises in the management of other unique gases and chemicals. The company offers a wide range of products, including industrial gases, fire protection agents, blowing agents, and propellants. In recent years, A-Gas has expanded its services to include the management of hazardous waste. The company offers safe and compliant disposal solutions for a wide range of waste materials, including chemicals, solvents, oils, and contaminated packaging, while ensuring that waste is handled and disposed of in accordance with local and international regulations, protecting the environment and public health.
An active promoter of the circular economy, A-Gas follows a systemic approach to improve sustainability in business by keeping products in the system for as long as possible. By recovering and reclaiming gases and chemicals, the company extends their lifespan thus reducing the need for new production. This helps minimise waste, conserve resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions – all necessary steps on the road to creating a better world.
The value of investments will fluctuate, which will cause prices to fall as well as rise and investors may not get back the original amount they invested. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. The views expressed in this document should not be taken as a recommendation, advice or forecast.