Whirlpool to use Honeywell's Solstice Liquid Blowing Agent

Whirlpool Corporation has announced its plans to adopt Honeywell's Solstice Liquid Blowing Agent (LBA) in the manufacture of its U.S.-made refrigerators and freezers.

Citing energy efficiency and eco-friendliness, Whirlpool is harnessing the agent's 99.9% reduction in global warming potential compared to the most common foam blowing agent in the U.S. The implementation is expected to be equivalent of removing over 400,000 cars from the road.

"Whirlpool Corporation 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 reduce global warming potential, the most significant contributor to environmental impact for refrigerators without compromising quality or the energy efficiency of our appliances."

According to the company, Whirlpool will be the first home appliance manufacturer in the world to use Solstice in its foam insulation. With a voluntary phase-out already underway in its use of hydroflurocarbons, its U.S. manufacturing centers are expected to be fully converted by the end of 2014.