Chemours backs automakers’ call to extend EU PFAS transition period beyond 2040
CC•Chemours backed automakers’ push to extend the EU transition period for fluorinated refrigerants in vehicle air conditioning beyond 2040, citing the lack of a direct replacement for R-1234yf.
1. Replacement challenges
Industry submissions argued that vehicle redesign and validation would take years because there is no direct replacement for R-1234yf. Chemours said the previous shift from R-134a to R-1234yf took more than 15 years, despite being a near drop-in change.
2. Options and emissions
Propane and CO₂ are among the PFAS-free options under review, but the submissions flagged flammability limits and high-pressure system complexity. Chemours cited a sector study estimating that leak controls, inspections and refrigerant recovery could cut annual emissions by up to 60% during any exemption.
