US white goods manufacturer Whirlpool (Benton Harbor, Michigan; www.whirlpool.com) is now equipping a line of its consumer refrigerators with the new formulation of BASF’s (Ludwigshafen / Germany; www.basf.com) “Elastocool” rigid foam blown with Honeywell’s (Morris Township, New Jersey / USA; www.honeywell.com) “Solstice” liquid blowing agent (LBA).

BASF said this marks the first time this polyurethane insulation system blown with a hydrofluoroolefin blowing agent with low global warming potential (GWP) has been used commercially in household appliances. It replaces a traditional hydrofluorocarbon-based (HFC) foam blowing agent.

Solstice LBA has an ultra-low GWP of 1, compared with HFCs, which have GWPs of 700-1,000. Using the BASF foam formulation and the Honeywell blowing agent, the system is claimed to have several important advantages, including longer shelf life stability of materials, which provides the appliance manufacturer with increased flexibility.

Naming other advantages, BASF said the energy efficiency of the appliance is enhanced by 2-3% due to better insulation properties. Also claimed are improved foam distribution during production and reduced de-mould time, which can lead to reduced cycle time and better plant throughput. The German group said it is working on “additional improved formulations.”