Arkema to distribute lower-GWP refrigerants under Forane brand

Arkema has announced an expansion of its refrigerant portfolio through a commercial agreement with Honeywell International Inc. The company will offer a range of lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants to the global market under its Forane brand, aimed at supporting HVACR industry compliance with HFC phasedown regulations.

The new offering includes several hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) blends that are already adopted by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and meet industry regulatory requirements. The refrigerants are designed to improve energy efficiency and provide alternatives to high-GWP legacy products.

Forane 454B (R-454B), with a GWP of 466, is positioned as a replacement for R-410A in comfort cooling applications. Forane 448A (R-448A) and Forane 449A (R-449A) are intended to replace R-404A, R-507A, R-22, and R-407 series refrigerants, and are targeted at low to medium temperature commercial refrigeration systems such as those used in supermarkets, walk-in coolers, and centralized racks.

Forane 452A (R-452A) is designed for transport refrigeration as an alternative to R-404A. Forane 513A (R-513A), offering over 50% lower GWP compared to R-134A, is suited for use in centrifugal chillers, medium temperature systems, air conditioning, and heat pumps.

Arkema stated the agreement with Honeywell will help strengthen global supply chains and address rising demand for HFO blends in the HVACR sector.