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| CORPORATE |  Mexichem Fluor supports regulation on a global basis under an international agreement in order to contain and reduce potential growth in HFC emissions. International co-ordination is essential for technological, economic and environmental reasons. It is vital that decisions are taken that enable optimal and appropriate use of HFCs by society and there is a continuing role for HFCs in a wide range of applications delivering safe and efficient refrigeration. The use of HFCs in heat pumps contributes to reduce demand for fossil fuels and expands the use of renewable energy. It should be noted that currently, HFCs represent about 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions. When HFCs were being introduced significant investments in the research, development and production was undertaken by two industry consortia PAFT (Programme for Alternative Fluorocarbon Toxicity Testing) AFEAS (Alternative Fluorocarbon Environmental Acceptability Study) These two consortia researched the potential effects of HFCs on the environment and on human health, through international co-operation with independent scientists and government research programmes. As a result of these testing programmes, HFCs became the most rigorously tested industrial chemicals ever. The fact that they had global warming potentials has therefore been understood for many years. However, it was also recognised that HFCs provide significant benefits both over other alternatives. Even so in response to the need to further reduce environmental impact, Mexichem Fluor is developing a new generation of refrigerants that retain the excellent properties of HFCs but with lower GWPs. These will in part be based on HFOs (Hydrofluoroolefins) alone or in refrigerant blends with HFCs, where HFOs alone cannot achieve the required safety or performance standards. While not yet commercially available they deserve serious consideration as viable lower GWP refrigerants for use in a range of applications. |