Mark Vender
Global chemistry company Chemours has announced its strategic decision to cease sales of R404A and R507 in the US.
Chemours says the strategy aligns with regulatory phase-downs of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), outlined under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act and Canada’s Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations (ODSHAR).
“This decision supports our commitment to creating a better world through the power of our chemistry, advancing decarbonisation, circularity, and socioeconomic value through greener solutions industrywide,” says Doug Westerhoff, Americas Sales Director of Thermal & Specialized Solutions at Chemours.
“The US AIM Act outlines an ambitious phasedown program that demands a significant reduction in HFC sales and consumption with a targeted 40 per cent phase down by 2024. This target helped shape the timing of our announcement, and we are confident this decision will contribute significantly to our customers meeting their sustainability targets.”
Alternatives are available for systems operating on both outgoing refrigerants.
“By ceasing the provision of higher GWP refrigerants in the market, Chemours is making a clear and decisive move towards real change, underlining the urgent need for industry-wide commitment to this global responsibility,” the company says in a statement.
“Chemours will continue investing in research and development to drive the innovation of next-generation refrigerants and other sustainable solutions.”
Meanwhile, despite having a GWP of 3,922, R404A is still the go-to option for many small-to-medium commercial refrigeration installations in Australia due to its low first cost for end-users.
According to the most recent Cold Hard Facts report, 880 tonnes of R404A were consumed in Australia in 2021, growing from an average of 834 tonnes per annum over the previous five years.
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