The Chemours Company announced its strategic decision to cease sales of Freon 404A (R-404A) and Freon 507 (R-507) in the United States. Chemours - the inventors of Freon and Opteon refrigerant portfolios - will discontinue U.S. sales of these select Freon products as of May 2, 2024, in support of regulatory phasedown requirements.
The strategy aligns with regulatory phasedowns 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 decarbonization, circularity, and socioeconomic value through greener solutions industrywide,” said Doug Westerhoff, Americas Sales Director of Thermal & Specialized Solutions at Chemours. "The U.S. AIM Act outlines an ambitious phasedown program that demands a significant reduction in HFC sales and consumption with a targeted 40% 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."
Chemours continues to work closely with its customers and partners to provide them with the best alternatives for their applications and markets, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition. Opteon XP40, (R-449A) is a cost-effective solution for existing R-404A/R-507 applications, offering superior performance, energy efficiency, and environmental benefits. Opteon XL40 (R-454A) and XL20 (R-454C) products are excellent solutions for new equipment that will meet the future EPA Technology Transition rules.
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. Chemours will continue investing in research and development to drive the innovation of next-generation refrigerants and other sustainable solutions.
