Isobutane (R600a, i‑C₄H₁₀) — Natural Refrigerant Market to Reach USD 3.05 Billion by 2031, Green Gas Substitution Accelerates

The global hydrocArbon refrigerants market—dominated byisobutane (R600a, i‑C₄H₁₀), propane (R290), and propylene (R1270)—is experiencing accelerated growth in 2026 as end users rush to secure HFC quotas ahead of the baseline period deadline under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. According to 6Wresearch, the global hydrocarbon refrigerants market was valued at USD 2.1 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3.05 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.60% during the forecast period (2025–2031).

Isobutane R600a remains the preferred natural refrigerant for domestic refrigeration appliances, commercial display cases, and small‑scale refrigeration systems due to its zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and very low global warming potential (GWP 3). By comparison, the HFC refrigerants they replace—such as R134a and R404A—have GWPs of 1,430 and 3,922, respectively. As the final year of the HFC baseline period, 2026 has seen intensified pre‑emptive procurement to secure quotas for future production, as post‑baseline production volumes will be capped based on 2026 levels. According to industry analysis from ZL Energy, hydrocarbon products such as isobutane, propane, ethylene, and propylene will maintain a tight supply‑demand balance in 2026.

The natural refrigerant market is further benefiting from increasingly stringent environmental regulations worldwide. China has implemented HFC quota controls under the Kigali Amendment, Japan and Korea have accelerated the phase‑down of high‑GWP refrigerants through regulatory measures, and Europe continues to tighten F‑gas regulations under the revised F‑Gas Regulation. Meanwhile, the US American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act is driving a rapid transition away from high‑GWP HFCs. R600a isobutane prices have stabilized in the 12,000–15,000 RMB per ton range, offering a significant cost advantage compared to HFC counterparts trading at 55,000–66,000 RMB per ton.

Additionally, isobutane serves as a key component in certain calibration gas mixtures for environmental monitoring and petrochemical applications, where its stable hydrocarbon properties make it a preferred background gas. The Asia‑Pacific region dominates the refrigerants market, with China accounting for approximately 52% market share. Key players include Dongyue Group, Daikin, Honeywell, Chemours, and Arkema. For industrial gas producers, the “isobutane R600a refrigerant supply” market represents a steady, growing volume segment.

Sources: 6Wresearch Hydrocarbon Refrigerants Report, 2026; ZL Energy Refrigerant Price Analysis, February 2026; MarketsandMarkets Asia Pacific Refrigerants Report, 2026