01As CTO of Rittal, what’s your take on the global increase in regulatory measures?

Philipp Guth: There’s no doubt that we’ve observed a sharp increase in recent years, and I believe there are two reasons for that. First, we’re seeing a break-up of the global economy into large blocks – and these blocks are trying to cut themselves off from each other by introducing regulations of their own. This often involves technical specifications, which have a knock-on effect on our products. The second reason is that increasing importance is being attached to environmental and climate protection. When this factor is combined with the high product safety standards that have always applied, the result is much higher requirements in relation to our products than in the past – including aspects that are specific to particular regions and countries. As a consequence, we need to adapt to these policy requirements, not only when developing products, but also when it comes to product updates and the service we provide throughout a product’s life cycle – in other words, for existing products. This takes more time and has higher cost implications, because the approval processes are also more complex.

02Let’s take the example of the EU regulation on refrigerants. What new rules of play are cooling unit manufacturers such as Rittal facing?

Guth: The focus is on refrigerants that the industry has been using for a long time now and that are found in a whole host of everyday applications, such as fridges, ice machines and air-conditioning units. We also use these refrigerants in our cooling units and recooling systems for enclosures, machinery and data centres. The substance group and gases of this refrigerant are extremely efficient and non-combustible – in other words, their properties are practical and safe for use in the industry. However, more and more concerns are now being raised about these substances – which are also known as “forever chemicals” – because they do not break down in the environment. Another factor is that these substances are harmful to the climate – and the impact of this can be huge in the very rare event of a leak. For us at Rittal, this means we consistently gear our business activities towards environmental and climate protection. In the future, we will also be using alternative refrigerants such as propane. This will mean increased safety requirements, but that’s a downside of the substance we just need to deal with.

03What impact will this have for Rittal customers? What questions are they asking? And what answers is Rittal providing?

Guth: Needless to say, the topic is causing disquiet on the market – and our customers’ main concern relates to safety. It is now generally agreed that propane offers one of the best alternatives to conventional refrigerants. We all know how to handle propane, whether our experience comes from camping or using a barbecue, for example. Even so, a combustible substance causes concern in an industry where it’s vital to minimise potential risks in the machine environment. That’s why we’re working really hard to allay these concerns through the safety concepts and technical solutions we offer. We’re not only developing safe technology, but also directly advising customers about the engineering of enclosures, machinery and similar applications. This extends right through to the installation of the system, with due consideration of the prescribed on-site risk assessment. What’s more, in cases where the use of propane is not advisable, there are alternative solutions, such as using recoolers at a distance from the system and in conjunction with air/water heat exchangers. In a nutshell, we are ensuring maximum safety for our customers.

04What impact are different regulations worldwide having on the development of Rittal products?

Guth: Our aim is – and will always be – to produce global products. After we sell our products, they pass from one location to another, so we can’t generally predict where the ultimate destination will be. It’s therefore vital that our equipment can work anywhere in the world. This is why dealing with so many varying regional requirements, which often differ from one another completely, poses a challenge for us. It is conceivable, for example, that the worst-case scenario would involve us having to use alternative refrigerants in Europe that have not yet been approved in the USA. Equipment that works in both regions alike would then, in effect, be ruled out. We would need to produce our equipment in two locations and our customers would only be able to use it in specific regions. We are campaigning to prevent this situation from arising.

05Generally speaking, as a global company, how does Rittal deal with regulatory changes?

Guth: We are very closely following what’s happening worldwide in terms of regulations. What’s more, we are constantly expanding our network so that we can be as close to developments as possible and play a part in the legislative process as an affected stakeholder. Although this means a lot of work, we don’t regard this as a burden. After all, political guidelines generally reflect the will of society, and this has always brought about change. As a company well aware of its responsibilities, we are part of this society and gear our actions towards it – especially when it’s a case of protecting people and our environment. It is with this principle in mind that we at Rittal work day in, day out to offer the very best products and solutions possible, so both we and our customers can move forwards into a successful future.

Thank you very much for talking to us!