Genetron R-245fa refrigerant has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a replacement for several ozone-depleting refrigerants used in air-conditioning and refrigeration systems for both new and retrofit applications. With the approval, the refrigerant developed by Honeywell Specialty Materials, Morristown, N.J., can be used in a broader range of air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, and in retrofitting equipment currently using CFC and HCFC refrigerants, so that owners can comply with the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances. With the EPA approval, R-245fa is now a viable replacement for the more common R-123 refrigerant.

To meet demand, Honeywell has increased its HFC chemical manufacturing capacity in the United States by investing more than $200 million during the past five years. The company last year opened a refrigerant manufacturing plant in Qingpu, Shanghai, China, to serve growing demand for refrigerants in Asia. Honeywell also manufactures R-245fa at its Geismar, La., facility.