Du Pont-Mitsui Fluorochemicals (President: Shuzo Fukuhara) is strengthening its sales of the next-generation refrigerant which is characteristic in the low GWP (Global warming potential) and capable to meet future environmental requirements. The proposed new refrigerant is an OPTEON series developed by The Chemours (formerly Du Pont) of parent company. OPTEON XP Series is non-combustible and OPTEON XL Series slightly combustible.

Firstly, for the substitution with R404A for a commercial freezer/refrigerator, OPTEON XP40, XP44 and XL40 are proposed. XP40 above all has a low GWP of 1397, which is one thirds of R404A of 3920. In addition, it also clears the control target of GWP to less than 1500 for 2025 under the Fluorocarbon Emission Control Law. 　Secondly, for the substitution with R410A, a sample shipment is on the way now. Thirdly, for the substitution with R123, two refrigerants of XP30 and DR12 are proposed. These two refrigerants are used for large-type turbo freezers, and the key product XP30 is characteristic in its non-combustible property and a GWP value not more than 2. Trane of the world major manufacturer of air conditioning systems, services, and solutions has decided to employ this refrigerant from this spring, and is going to launch these next-generation lineups into the market one after another from the autumn of this year.

According to Junichi Ishikawa, chief officer in charge of environment and business development in the Chemicals Division, told about the recent intensifying market competition of the next-generation refrigerants, and referred to XP40 and XP44 for replacement of R404A, saying, “In the European market the trend is heading for introducing The Chemours’ products. Their decisive factor to win in the market is energy saving. Although there is a hard competition in both US and Japanese markets, the European decision to employ The Chemours is exerting great influences.” He also made it open that a Japanese major manufacturer of air conditioning systems has decided to employ XP10 as chiller refrigerant for commercial use for the first time in Japan.

Regarding R1234yf of A/C refrigerant for automobiles which is slightly creating the domestic demand mainly for export to Europe, he says, “We hear that it is going to be loaded on the vehicles for the domestic sale. The demand of yf is increasing in the field of vending machines or A/C for industrial use. Switching from R134a will be accelerated also in the east Asian area in a single burst from now on.” The Chemours is constructing the second refrigerant plant at Corpus Christi, Texas for a scheduled start of operation in the next summer. The planned production scale will turn out to be three times larger than now.

In the domestic market the company also focuses on the recycling business as well as the next-generation refrigerant. In fact both Shimizu and Chiba plants are recycling R22 and R400 series. The chief officer commented, “We are recycling high-quality refrigerants by our own technology. The market of R22 is rapidly getting smaller towards the total abolition in 2020, but there remains needs for refilling for the existing users on the other hand. Therefore, we expect that the demand and supply will be well balanced.”