World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

Honeywell reports second R1234yf seizure

BELGIUM: Refrigerant manufacturer Honeywell has announced a further seizure of patent-busting R1234yf in Poland, the second seizure in that country in just three months.

The action is the latest taken by Honeywell to stop the sale of R1234yf, which is protected by numerous Honeywell patents.

In the past 12 months, Honeywell says it has participated in multiple global product seizures and has brought patent infringement lawsuits against three entities either making or distributing infringing R1234yf, which is widely used in car air conditioning systems.

“This latest seizure in Poland underscores how effective our joint efforts with authorities have become,” said Richard Winick, vice president and general manager, Automotive Refrigerants at Honeywell. “It’s vital that HFO1234yf resellers and users purchase their refrigerant only from a reputable distributor to avoid potential legal, equipment and health risks to their businesses which can result from illegal product purchases.”

Related stories:

Honeywell stops patent-busting R1234yf shipment25 July 2019
USA/POLAND: Polish customs authorities have seized a shipment of suspected patent-infringing R1234yf refrigerant at the Baltic port of Gdynia. Read more…

Honeywell gets tough on R1234yf – 30 October 2018
USA: Action by Honeywell has resulted in the seizure of a shipment of R1234yf, with the refrigerant manufacturer filing alleged patent infringement lawsuits in the Czech Republic and Germany. Read more…

Latest News

16th May 2026

UNEP scheme trains first all-female group from Asia

ITALY: A delegation of Asian women have taken part in a UNEP-promoted programme targeting good practices in refrigeration and air conditioning, F-gas management and natural refrigerant safety.
16th May 2026

Update on Ecodesign of fans guide

BELGIUM: A second edition of the guide addressing questions on the interpretation of Ecodesign requirements for fans as set out in EU regulation 2024/1834.
16th May 2026

DEFRA delays GB F-gas phase down

UK: The UK government has announced a delay to its proposed F-gas phase down steps from 1 January 2027, admitting that it requires “further work” following its recent consultation with…
15th May 2026

Haier signs Netherlands distribution deal

NETHERLANDS: Haier HVAC Solutions Europe has signed a distribution deal with Dutch electric heating equipment supplier Masterwatt.
15th May 2026

Klima-Therm adds Fisair air humidity products

UK: Klima-Therm, the UK commercial HVAC supplier, has partnered with Spanish manufacturer Fisair to deliver its range of humidifiers and dehumidifiers to the British market.
15th May 2026

Industry welcomes fair payment bill

UK: The industry has welcomed the small business protection (late payment) bill announced in this week’s King’s speech.