Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are chemical compounds that were widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol spray cans until the late 20th century. They were found to be a major contributor to the depletion of the ozone layer, leading to the adoption of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, which aimed to phase out their production and use. Since then, there has been a shift towards alternative chemicals, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which have lower ozone depletion potential. However, these chemicals have a high global warming potential, leading to a push towards more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as natural refrigerants and low global warming potential (GWP) HFCs. The Chlorofluorocarbons market has therefore significantly declined, with many countries implementing strict regulations on their use and production.
Key Companies in the Chlorofluorocarbons Industry:
1. Daikin Industries Ltd.
Daikin Industries Ltd. is a Japanese multinational air conditioning manufacturing company founded in 1924 and headquartered in Osaka, Japan. The company operates in more than 150 countries worldwide and provides a wide range of products and services, including air conditioning, refrigeration, and chemical products. In October 2020, Daikin announced its plan to invest approximately $140 million to establish a new refrigeration compressor manufacturing subsidiary in the United States.
2. Navin Fluorine International Ltd.
Navin Fluorine International Ltd. is an Indian chemical company founded in 1967 and headquartered in Surat, India. The company provides a range of fluorine-based chemicals and operates in more than 50 countries worldwide. In March 2021, Navin Fluorine announced the expansion of its Specialty Chemicals business with a new manufacturing facility in Dahej, Gujarat, to cater to the growing demand from the global agrochemical and pharma industry.
3. Arkema SA
Arkema SA is a French chemical company founded in 2004 and headquartered in Colombes, France. The company provides a range of products, including industrial chemicals, performance materials, and coating solutions, and operates in more than 50 countries worldwide. In March 2021, Arkema announced the acquisition of Fixatti, a company specializing in high-performance thermobonding adhesive powders.
4. Gujarat Fluorochemicals Ltd.
Gujarat Fluorochemicals Ltd. is an Indian chemical company founded in 1987 and headquartered in Noida, India. The company specializes in fluorine-based chemicals and operates in more than 100 countries worldwide. In October 2021, Gujarat Fluorochemicals announced plans to invest approximately $100 million to expand its specialty fluoropolymers capacity in India to meet the growing demand from various industries, including automotive and electronics.
5. DuPont de Nemours & Company
DuPont de Nemours & Company, commonly known as DuPont, is an American chemical company founded in 1802 and headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware. The company provides a range of products, including materials science, chemical intermediates, and specialty products, and operates in more than 70 countries worldwide. In September 2021, DuPont announced the completion of its acquisition of Laird Performance Materials, a leading global supplier of electromagnetic shielding and thermal management solutions.
6. Mexichem Flur SA
Mexichem Flur SA is a Mexican chemical company founded in 1953 and headquartered in Tlalnepantla, Mexico. The company provides a range of products, including refrigerants, foam blowing agents, and solvents, and operates in more than 50 countries worldwide. In February 2022, Mexichem Flur announced the acquisition of 100% of Climalife, a leading distributor of refrigerants and industrial fluids in Europe.
7. Honeywell International
Honeywell International is an American multinational conglomerate founded in 1906 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company provides a wide range of products and services, including aerospace systems, building technologies, and performance materials, and operates in more than 70 countries worldwide. In November 2021, Honeywell announced a joint venture with Vopak, a global independent tank storage company, to develop and operate a sustainable bulk liquid hydrogen and downstream logistics network in Europe.
8. Solvay SA
Solvay SA is a Belgian chemical company founded in 1863 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The company provides a range of products, including specialty polymers, soda ash, and hydrogen peroxide, and operates in more than 50 countries worldwide. In September 2021, Solvay announced its plan to establish a new unit to manufacture sustainable high-performance materials based on its Ryton polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) technology.
Definition- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are man-made compounds that contain chlorine, fluorine, and carbon. They were widely used as refrigerants, solvents, and propellants, but are now banned due to their damaging effects on the ozone layer.
