Chemours fined €1 million for HFC-23 emissions at Dordrecht plant

The Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (ILT) has fined Chemours €1 million [approx. USD 1.08 million] for exceeding European Union limits on the potent greenhouse gas HFC-23 at its plant in Dordrecht, the Netherlands. The gas, a variant of F-gas, has a global warming potential equivalent to 14,800 kg of CO2 per 1 kg.

According to ILT, Chemours reported to the European Commission that it had imported HFC-23 for destruction, which would exempt it from EU quota restrictions. However, an ILT investigation found the gas was used in the production process at the Dordrecht facility and therefore counted toward the company’s quota.

The use of HFC-23 is being phased out by the European Union due to its high climate impact. Under EU regulations, companies are required to adhere to gradually decreasing F-gas quotas.

ILT stated that Chemours now appears to have “good intentions” but warned that further fines may be imposed if regulations are violated again.

Chemours described the fine as “unfortunate” and called the situation an “administrative difference in opinion” with the ILT. The company maintained that the gas did not enter the environment and that it acted “completely transparent.” Chemours did not rule out filing an appeal.