A big issue affecting many PU systems houses in Europe recently is the severe shortage of HCFC-141 substitutes, triggered by production problems at a Solvay (B-1050 Brussels; www.solvay.com) plant at Tavaux / France since early 2004. As a complete resolution of the problem is not expected before Q1 2005, the discussion about the ozone-depleting properties of HCFC 141b – that most thought had gone out with the 20th century – has flared up again. A number of European system formulators reportedly have approached the EU – without success – about obtaining an exemption from rules prohibiting the use of chlorinated hydrofluorocarbons.

In fact, the European Parliament has proposed an import ban on US refrigeration equipment containing the foam blown with the environmentally unfriendly agent. However, industry players who should know say they are unaware that such products are being exported. Most US manufacturers of such equipment have switched to the more friendly HFCs, although a partial ban on CFCs by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows exemptions for 141b in some applications. This loophole has made the European parliamentarians wary, even if the exemptions are due to expire next year. Whether or not the US ban grips, the product can be imported from Mexico.