Whirlpool Corp. announced it has implemented the use of Honeywell’s Solstice Liquid Blowing Agent (LBA), into its environmentally responsible and energy efficient insulation used in U.S. made-refrigerators and freezers. The global warming potential (GWP) of the new foam blowing agent is 99.9% lower than other foam blowing agents widely used within the industry, resulting in a more environmentally-responsible household refrigerator. The conversion is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2014 and the impact to the global warming effect will be the equivalent of removing more than 400,000 cars from the road.
“Whirlpool Corp. and Honeywell believe we have responsibility to be as proactive as we can to preserve our environment, and meet the demands of our consumers,” said Joseph Liotine, president of Whirlpool U.S. operations. “By introducing this new insulation to our refrigerators, we’ve taken steps to eliminate the biggest contributor to global warming found in refrigerators without compromising quality or the energy efficiency of our appliances.”
This is the first use of the innovative blowing agents in home appliances. Through the partnership Whirlpool Corporation is the world’s first home appliance manufacturer to begin implementing Honeywell’s new Solstice blowing agent in its foam insulation. The company has already voluntarily begun phasing out its use of hydroflurocarbons (HFCs) in its U.S. refrigerators and freezers utilizing the co-developed foam that provides a more energy efficient and environmentally friendly insulation option considered best in class in the industry.
Blowing agents such as Honeywell’s Solstice LBA allow foam insulation to expand and provide the majority of the foam’s insulating properties. Honeywell’s Solstice LBA has a GWP of 1, the same as carbon dioxide, and is non-ozone-depleting. The foam blowing agent has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is listed under the EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP). Most recently, Solstice LBA was a key component in the roofing system applied to more than 500,000 square feet of roof at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. In addition to Solstice LBA, Honeywell’s family of Solstice-branded products includes stationary and mobile refrigerants, gaseous blowing agents, propellants, and solvents that help customers lower their carbon footprint without sacrificing end-product performance.
Whirlpool Corp.
www.whirlpoolcorp.com
Honeywell Blowing Agents
www.honeywell-blowingagents.com
Filed Under: Appliance engineering + home automation, Green engineering • renewable energy • sustainability, MOTION CONTROL
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