Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials (Koura), a business within Orbia Advance Corporation, has announced the launch of Klea Edge 444A. This new refrigerant serves as a direct replacement for R-1234yf in the EU and UK automotive aftermarket, offering a low global warming potential (GWP) alternative designed for enhanced vehicle performance.
Klea Edge 444A stands out as a more economical option to R-1234yf, providing quicker cooling, improved energy efficiency, and compatibility with existing R-1234yf systems. It aims to fulfill the European Directive on mobile air conditioning systems (MACs).
“Innovations like Klea Edge 444A are impactful to Orbia’s greater purpose of advancing life around the world and are crucial to decarbonization and the energy transition,” said Shawn Shorrock, Global Vice President, Refrigerants, Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials.
Key Benefits of Klea Edge 444A:
- Faster Cooling: Lab results show R-444A cools cabin air up to four minutes quicker than R-1234yf.
- Enhanced Performance: Vehicles using R-444A experience better fuel efficiency and extended range in electric models.
- Market Diversification: Fully compatible with R-1234yf systems.
- Cost-Effective: Priced competitively as a replacement.
- Easy Use and Recovery: Usable with current R-1234yf servicing equipment.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meets stringent EU and UK regulations, including restrictions on refrigerants with GWP over 150.
- REACH Approved: Authorized under UK and EU standards for automotive aftermarket applications.
- TEXA Certified: Compatible with existing R-1234yf TEXA A/C carts, with forthcoming approvals from other manufacturers.
“With increasing environmental regulations in the EU and U.K. for refrigerants, we’re committed to leading the industry with solutions that lower the environmental impact significantly without compromising on performance,” said Michael Mukai, Global Market Management Director, Refrigerants, Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials.
Orbia's strong portfolio continues to advance decarbonization efforts, including Klea Edge R-444A and the award-winning Klea 456A, a lower GWP alternative for R-134a.
