Arkema will invest in European production of a new low-GWP  fluorinated gas- R1234yf. Beginning in 2011, this new low GWP gas will gradually replace the HFC134a gas currently used in auto AC systems.

As one of the world’s leading fluorinated gas producers, Arkema is anticipating more restrictive environmental standards, particularly the adoption of European Directive 2006/40/CE, and is now developing next-generation fluorochemicals to help minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

Arkema has launched a program for the industrialization of a new product, R1234yf, as a 4th generation substitute for HFC134a in automotive air-conditioning systems. R1234yf has a negligible GWP compared to HFC134a.

Arkema is already producing laboratory scale quantities of R1234yf, and intends to produce on an industrial scale in Europe, using an innovative process developed at Arkema, within the time frame established under Directive 2006/40/CE.The GWP limit imposed on the automotive industry by this European Directive requires the substitution of HFC134a refrigerant fluid used in automotive air-conditioning systems by 2011 for new automotive manufacturing platforms, and by 2017 for every new vehicle sold in Europe.

With this project, Arkema confirms its long-term commitment to meeting customers’ needs, in terms of both location (Europe, North America and Asia) and application (mobile and stationary air-conditioning, refrigeration, blowing agents, solvents and aerosols).

Arkema, a world leader in fluorochemicals
A world-scale fluorochemicals producer, Arkema currently operates four industrial facilities on three continents: Pierre-Bénite in France, Zaramillo in Spain, Changshu in China, and Calvert City in the United States. The products manufactured in these four plants are sold under the Forane® trademark to the air-conditioning (construction and automotive), refrigeration, insulating foam, solvent, and aerosol industries.

A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema consists of three strategically related businesses: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Arkema reports sales of 5.7 billion euros. Arkema has 15,200 employees in over 40 countries and six research centers located in France, the United States and Japan. With internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.

*Global Warming Potential, which characterizes every gas in terms of greenhouse effect.