Whirlpool, Honeywell introduce energy-efficient insulation in refrigerators

Whirlpool and Honeywell have announced that all Whirlpool U.S.-made refrigerators will begin incorporating Honeywell's Solstice Liquid Blowing Agent. This includes future product lineups from Whirlpool Brand, Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air and KitchenAid brands.   

Solstice Liquid Blowing Agent (LBA) has the lowest Global Warming Potential (GWP) available among non-ozone depleting substitutes, outperforms commonly used hydrocarbons such as C-Pentane, and provides better low-temperature insulation performance and higher energy savings, according to the announcement.

Honeywell Solstice LBA offers an 8% to 10% improvement in efficiency over refrigerator platforms tested with hydrocarbon blown foam insulation, and a 2% improvement over 245fa, which is the most widely used foam blowing agent in the United States.

"Whirlpool Corp. is an environmental leader, developing high-quality products that offer both efficiency and low environmental impact," said Ludovic Beaufils, general manager refrigeration and sustainability lead for Whirlpool North America.  "Through this collaboration with Honeywell, we are once again leading the way with the most advanced materials that offer the greatest benefits to consumers."

Honeywell Solstice Liquid Blowing Agent has a 100-year global warming potential between 4.7 and 7, a 99% improvement over 245fa. In addition, it offers cost benefits and is non-flammable.

Whirlpool will begin production in late 2013.