06.28.12
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has added Honeywell’s Solstice Propellant (HFO-1234ze) to the list of compounds excluded from the definition ofVolatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).According to the company, the EPA based its decision on the propellant’s low photochemical reactivity and negligible contribution to the generation of tropospheric ozone. The classification will help aerosol formulators develop products that meet federal VOC regulations, adding another key environmental benefit to the product’s very low global warming potential.
“The EPA’s decision means that there is no longer an environmental trade-off required when selecting propellants. In the past, formulators had to choose between flammable propellants like hydrocarbons and dimethyl ether, which have low global warming potentials (GWPs) but are VOCs, or a nonflammable propellant, like HFC-134a, which is not a VOC but has a higher GWP,” said Terrence Hahn, vice president and general manager of Honeywell Fluorine Products.“Now Honeywell’s Solstice Propellant combines two highly desirable properties – low GWP and non-VOC – along with non-flammability, for a triple win for the environment.”
Honeywell’s non-flammable, non-ozone depleting Solstice Propellant has a global warming potential of 6. It is an alternative to HFC-134a and HFC-152a, two propellants in common use today, which have GWPs of 1,430 and 124, respectively, as well as the flammable hydrocarbonpropellants. Solstice Propellant can be used in various aerosol applications including personal and household care products, dusters, warning systems, industrial cleaners, novelty aerosol products and others.
More info: www.honeywell-solstice-propellants.com