The Fluorochemicals Business of Arkema, Philadelphia, PA, has joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's GreenChill Advanced Refrigeration Partnership, which includes refrigerant manufacturers, several major supermarket chains, and refrigeration systems manufacturers.
The GreenChill partnership works to promote green technologies, strategies, and practices that protect the stratospheric ozone layer and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"During the last decade, Arkema has invested approximately $250 million in next-generation refrigerant development, manufacturing and product stewardship," says Emanuel (Manny) Katz, Regional Group President, North America for Arkema's Fluorochemicals Business. "Arkema is an advocate of the responsible use of materials that contribute to ozone layer depletion and
global warming, and our participation in the GreenChill Program fits well with our business strategy."
In addition to joining GreenChill, Arkema completed several important initiatives in 2007 to meet the challenges of responsible use. Arkema has invested in HFC-32, a non-ozone depleting component of HFC-410A, with a new production unit at its Calvert City, Kentucky plant. The investment will
help provide a secure supply of HFC-410A during the phaseout of HCFC-22. Arkema has also invested in HFC-427A, a non-ozone depleting retrofit for HCFC-22. This product provides a further alternative for users who need an immediate replacement for HCFC-22. Arkema's new HFC product, Forane(r) 427A,
has been SNAP (Significant New Alternative Policy) approved by the EPA for commercial applications, such as in supermarket refrigeration.
Arkema received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Protection Award in 2007 for its continued leadership, innovation and achievement in improving the energy efficiency of its manufacturing sites and for developing products that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Since 1990, the Company has reduced its use of greenhouse gases in its worldwide manufacturing processes by two-thirds.
GreenChill members include Whole Foods Market, Food Lion, Giant Eagle Inc., Hannaford Bros. Co., Harris Teeter, Hill PHOENIX, Honeywell, Kysor/Warren, Publix Super Markets Inc., and DuPont.