On the heels of COP26 and with the first step in the phase down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the U.S. American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act set to go into effect January 1, 2022, Chemours applauds the Biden administration’s support for ratifying the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and encourages the Senate to swiftly ratify the treaty.
Since its creation as an independent company, Chemours has worked to be a good environmental steward and has a bedrock commitment to responsible manufacturing and use of its products. Chemours has been consistent in its support of the global orderly HFC phase down actions which deliver environmental and economic benefits as nations continue to take important steps to address climate change.
In support of the HFC phase down, Chemours developed and commercialized a portfolio of low global warming potential (GWP) solutions leveraging hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) technology. These Opteon™ branded products were developed to meet global regulations while maintaining or improving performance compared to the products they replace and reducing the carbon footprint of the specific application. They enable Chemours’ customers and value chain partners in refrigeration, air conditioning, foam blowing agents, and other segments to transition to more sustainable solutions in their respective applications.
With the transition to low GWP solutions underway, Chemours estimates that by the year 2025, its low GWP products will eliminate an estimated 325 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalents on a global basis. This reduction would be equivalent to 69 million passenger cars being driven in one year, or the annual energy use for 37 million homes.
Having invested hundreds of millions of dollars in research and development, manufacturing assets, and downstream product and application development with low GWP, HFO technology, Chemours remains committed to the ongoing development needs of customers through the HFC phase down in the U.S. and globally. We urge the Senate to quickly ratify the treaty to demonstrate its commitment to progress on global sustainability goals, and ensure the competitiveness of U.S. private sector companies that are leading the way in developing, manufacturing, and delivering solutions that drive the transition to a low-carbon economy.