About
At RefDestruct, we’re passionate about reducing emissions and making refrigerant management easier for our customers. We help businesses with large-scale commercial refrigeration systems cut costs, stay compliant, and transition to more sustainable alternatives.
From refrigerant buyback and destruction to recovery bottle supply and compliant disposal, we provide end-to-end solutions that take the hassle out of managing refrigerants.
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As a trusted partner for Sustainability Professionals, Farmers & Farm Managers, Plant Managers & Operations teams, we’re committed to driving real environmental impact while simplifying the process for our customers.
Mission
At RefDestruct, our mission is to accelerate the transition to sustainable refrigeration by making refrigerant management simple, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible.
By partnering with New Zealand businesses and farms, we provide seamless, scalable programs that drive real environmental impact—because a cleaner future starts with smarter refrigerant management.
Our Founder
James Heckler
With over 20 years of experience in the refrigeration industry, including four years specialising in large-scale dairy refrigeration, James combines technical expertise with a deep commitment to sustainability. Throughout his career, James has worked on the design, development, and implementation of cutting-edge refrigeration systems at industry leaders such as Fisher & Paykel and Tru-Test Group, gaining an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by plant managers and operations teams managing commercial refrigeration equipment.
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In 2019, James founded RefDestruct to address a critical issue in the industry: the staggering environmental impact of refrigerant emissions, with an estimated 95% of refrigerants ending up in the atmosphere. Driven by his passion for sustainability and his belief that the industry can and must do better, James created RefDestruct to offer innovative solutions that reduce emissions while improving refrigerant lifecycle management.
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RefDestruct’s refrigerant swap service reflects James’ practical approach, ensuring seamless transitions to environmentally friendly alternatives with minimal disruption to operations. Under his leadership, RefDestruct has become a trusted partner for businesses in New Zealand, helping them cut costs and emissions while future-proofing their refrigeration systems.
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James is passionate about delivering measurable results and driving sustainable change in the industry, proving that environmental responsibility can align with operational efficiency.