The five-step retrofit program offers a fast and straightforward solution for replacing high global warming potential refrigerants with a new, low global warming potential alternative.
Honeywell has announced the European launch of its “Direct to YF Retrofitting Program,” aimed at enabling older vehicles that currently use high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants to switch directly to Solstice® 1234yf, a low-GWP automotive refrigerant. This initiative aligns with Honeywell’s broader sustainability goals and supports its strategy to adapt to the energy transition and other key megatrends.
In Europe, over 140 million cars are still equipped with air conditioning systems that use R-134a, a refrigerant with a high GWP that is being phased out under the EU’s F-Gas Regulation. Over the past decade, the availability of these high-GWP gases in Europe has decreased significantly, and the EU aims for complete elimination by 2050. As R-134a becomes scarcer and more costly, Honeywell’s Solstice yf presents a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative for the automotive aftermarket industry.
The retrofitting process involves a five-step procedure that can be easily integrated into existing automotive repair shop operations using standard tools and equipment. After removing the old R-134a refrigerant, mechanics install new fittings and introduce Solstice yf along with new oil and additives. Each retrofitted vehicle will receive a new label under its hood indicating the completed upgrade. Since its introduction over a decade ago, Solstice yf has seen global demand surge, with more than 200 million cars now using it. Honeywell estimates that Solstice yf has prevented over 106 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 123 million acres of U.S. forests in a year.
Richard Winick, Vice President and General Manager of Honeywell Automotive Refrigerants, stated, “Solstice 1234yf has already been widely adopted in the automotive industry, and our retrofitting process is the most reliable and efficient solution for European car repair shops to service older air conditioning systems. As R-134a is phased out, our Direct to YF program addresses an urgent market need while reinforcing our commitment to supporting net-zero goals.”
