Arkema files complaint against Honeywell

Arkema has renewed its complaint with the European Commission over Honeywell International’s refusal to license Arkema to produce the low-global-warming refrigerant hydrofluoroolefin (HFO)-1234yf. The French firm accuses Honeywell of dominating the HFO-1234yf market and preventing fair competition. The Commission opened up an investigation in 2011 after Arkema first complained, but little came of that effort. Since then, HFO-1234yf has become the auto air-conditioning gas of choice globally, and Arkema wants the European Commission to ensure it can obtain a “fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory” license. Honeywell and Chemours, which codeveloped the refrigerant, are the major producers. However, last year Honeywell licensed India’s Navin Fluorine International and Japan’s Asahi Glass to make the refrigerant.