Chemours, a global leader in chemistry, announced today its strategic decision to discontinue sales of Freon™ 404A (R-404A) and Freon™ 507 (R-507) in the United States, effective May 2, 2024. This move is in alignment with regulatory phasedown requirements for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), as outlined in the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act and Canada’s Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations (ODSHAR).
Doug Westerhoff, Americas Sales Director of Thermal & Specialized Solutions at Chemours, emphasized, “This decision reflects our commitment to advancing decarbonization, circularity, and socioeconomic value through greener solutions. The AIM Act’s ambitious phasedown program necessitates a significant reduction in HFC sales and consumption, with a targeted 40% reduction by 2024. By ceasing sales of select Freon™ products, we are confident in our contribution to helping customers meet their sustainability targets.”
Chemours is actively collaborating with customers and partners to ensure a smooth transition by providing superior alternatives for their applications and markets. Opteon™ XP40 (R-449A) stands out as a cost-effective solution for existing R-404A/R-507 applications, offering enhanced performance, energy efficiency, and environmental benefits. Additionally, Opteon™ XL40 (R-454A) and XL20 (R-454C) are excellent choices for new equipment, aligning with future EPA Technology Transition rules.
With this decision, Chemours underscores the pressing need for industry-wide commitment to global responsibility. The company remains dedicated to research and development efforts aimed at driving innovation in next-generation refrigerants and sustainable solutions.
Supporting the spirit of the AIM Act, Chemours advocates for a transition toward more sustainable chemistry by limiting the sales of legacy high global warming potential HFC materials. The company is committed to facilitating this transition by collaborating closely with OEMs, providing technical training opportunities, product guidance, and tailored support to address specific customer needs.
In conclusion, Chemours believes that together, the future of refrigerants can be both environmentally sound and technologically advanced.
