Amman: In the heart of Jordans industrial sector, a quiet revolution has been taking place—one that is transforming how businesses operate, protecting the planet, and creating a new path for sustainable manufacturing. Thanks to close collaboration with the private sector, the country reduced its national consumption of ozone-depleting substances by 87%.
According to World Bank, for years, Jordans foam, refrigeration, and air conditioning manufacturers—employing thousands of people—relied on hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) to produce their goods. These chemicals emit powerful greenhouse gases fueling climate change and damage the ozone layer; the most used HCFC is nearly 2,000 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Between 2006 and 2010, Jordans HCFC consumption surged to 1,405 metric tons, nearly doubling in just four years, driven in part by a severe summer heat wave and growing demand for air conditioning.
With support from the World Bank, Jordan transformed this environmental threat into an opportunity for green innovation. The Jordan Ozone Depleting Substances HCFC Phase-Out Project (ODS3), implemented from 2013 to 2024, marked a decisive step in the countrys commitment under the Montreal Protocol—an international treaty designed to protect the Earths ozone layer by phasing out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances.
Out of the 48 enterprises that received support from the project, 40 were small and medium-sized businesses. Many operated in tight spaces, relied on just-in-time production, and had little room for error—let alone for experimenting with new substances. Yet with careful planning, technical support, and grant financing, they were able to replace ODS with substances that do not harm the Earths ozone layer. While doing so, most businesses experienced additional benefits.
The private sector demonstrated strong ownership and confidence in the green shift: over $1.76 million in private capital was mobilized from eight large companies to co-finance their transition. This underscored their willingness to invest in cleaner, safer technologies and take part in the countrys commitment to the global environment.
The success of ODS3 was made possible through deep collaboration between the World Bank, Jordans Ministry of Environment, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the private sector. Jordans National Ozone Unit was strengthened and now plays a leading role in enforcing ODS policies and monitoring industrial compliance. A nationwide ban was passed on the two most pervasive HCFCs—ensuring that the phase-out will endure and that gains are locked in for future generations.
The projects impact on participating companies was beyond its intended outcomes: businesses reported improved safety, higher productivity, and reduced waste after converting to non-ODS substances. Several were also able to access new export markets where products manufactured with HCFCs are banned.
Jordans journey is not just a success story in environmental protection—its a model for how countries can align sustainability with private sector development and industrial competitiveness, said Maria Sarraf, Environment Program Manager for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan at the World Bank.
Jordans ODS3 project is a testament to the power of environmental stewardship—showing that with the right partnerships and policies, countries can protect the planet while strengthening their economies.