DuPont and Honeywell announced, in a recent press release, a global joint development agreement to accelerate the development and commercialization of next generation, low global warming refrigerants for the automotive air conditioning industry. 

Under the agreement, DuPont and Honeywell will jointly identify, develop, test and qualify new low GWP refrigerants that are cost-effective alternatives to other technologies being considered by the auto industry. Automakers are currently evaluating mobile AC systems that use such technologies. Ideally, automakers are seeking a commercially viable fluorinated gas solution that is compatible with conventional HFC-134a mobile air conditioning system technology and offers a more cost-effective industry transition versus CO2 technology.
Terrence Hahn, vice president and general manager for Honeywell’s Fluorine Products business, said: “We look forward to providing a near drop-in replacement that reduces the need for costly system redesign for the automotive industry. For the consumer, we will provide an environmentally friendlier, low-GWP solution without sacrificing comfort or reliability.”

According to Cynthia C. Green, vice president and general manager, DuPont Fluoroproducts, “by leveraging DuPont and Honeywell resources, we can expedite product qualification and commercialization to provide a new global industry solution in time to meet regulations and effect an accelerated reduction in greenhouse gas emissions around the world.”

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