Arkema has announced that it is building a 1234yf low global warming potential refrigerant gas production plant, with start-up expected in 2016.
The company says that Forane 1234yf refrigerant gas will serve the future needs of the global automotive mobile air conditioning industry, meeting the required regulations.

Arkema believes that car manufacturers have not been given a sufficiently clear view on the availability and supply conditions for 1234yf and this has limited progress to convert to the next generation refrigerant. Through this investment, the company aims to restore confidence in 1234yf throughout the automotive industry and to reassure manufacturers that 1234yf will be available in commercial quantities to meet the phase down of R134a.

Arkema is executing a two phase strategy based on proprietary technology. It says that the first phase, based in Asia, is a project capable of supplying the emerging needs for 1234yf. Through a second phase investment in Europe the objective is to fully replace R134a after 2017.