Arkema constructs low global warming potential refrigerant gas plant

COLOMBES, FRANCE: Arkema is moving forward with the construction of a 1234yf low global warming potential (LGWP) refrigerant gas production plant with an anticipated start-up in 2016. Forane 1234yf refrigerant gas will serve the future needs and satisfy regulations in the global automotive mobile air conditioning industry.

EU Mobile Air Conditioning Directive has banned the use of refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential greater than 150. Over the past several months, studies conducted by the Society of Automotive Engineers have re-confirmed the safe use of 1234yf, effectively reinforcing the EU’s Directive calling for the phase out of the current refrigerant, R134a.

With this investment, the company’s goal is to restore confidence across the automotive sector in 1234yf and Arkema takes this opportunity to assure the automotive industry that 1234yf will be available in commercial quantities to meet the phase down of R134a. In addition in 2011, Arkema has taken steps to address the constraints limiting 1234yf’s availability with regulatory authorities. Arkema is executing a two phase strategy based on proprietary technology - this first phase, based in Asia, is a project capable of supplying the emerging needs for 1234yf and a second phase investment in Europe with the objective to fully replace R134a after 2017.

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