Chemours signs XP40 deal with Arkema

EUROPE: Chemours has signed a distribution agreement with rival refrigerant manufacturer Arkema, giving the French company access to Opteon XP40, Chemours’ lower GWP R404A replacement.

The agreement with Arkema covers sales in the European Union and is designed to meet the growing demand for low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in the face of the European F-gas phase-down.

Opteon XP40, better known as R449A, is one of the leading retrofit gases for R404A/R507, particularly in the supermarket refrigeration sector. With a GWP of 1397, it can also be used for new equipment.

Arkema will sell the refrigerant under its own brand as Forane 449A (XP40).

A statement on Arkema’s website states: “With this blend of HFO (1234yf) and HFC fluorinated gases, Arkema will continue to support its customers in the refrigeration market in Europe by offering them a low-GWP solution for commercial applications in such as supermarkets (centralized racks, distributed systems, walk-in coolers/freezers), food service and cold storage, and industrial units for the chemical, food processing, pharmaceutical industries.”

Diego Boeri, vice-president of Chemours Fluorochemicals, said: “We are pleased to be able to expand the access of XP40 in the EU market via Arkema, another leading supplier of fluorochemical refrigerants. Since 2015, XP40 has played a critical role in allowing the market to comply with the F-gas regulation.”