Solvay’s Solkane 365/227 Blends Receive EPA SNAP Approval

HOUSTON, TX–July 26, 2013–The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy) approval on Friday May 17, 2013 for commercial blends of Solvay's Solkane 365/227. HFC-365mfc and HFC-227ea, containing 7 percent to 13 percent HFC-227ea and the remainder HFC-365mfc, are acceptable as substitutes for foam blowing in rigid polyurethane spray, as well as extruded polystyrene, board stock and billet.

The EPA previously listed HFC-365mfc as an acceptable substitute for a number of foam blowing end uses (September 30, 2009; 74 FR 50129). SNAP approval of Solvay's Solkane 365/227 (87:13 and 93:07 blends) makes this third-generation foaming agent solution an acceptable substitute for ozone-depleting substances in rigid polyurethane spray and extruded polystyrene applications.

Solkane 365/227 has been produced and successfully used for years in a broad range of polyurethane and extruded polystyrene applications in Europe and Canada. Lisa Norton, Solvay's global sales and marketing manager for its Solkane insulation business, explains, "We greatly appreciate the strong support we have received from our foam customer base and know that our customers are eager to begin using this proven alternative in spray polyurethane and extruded polystyrene foams. Solvay can provide a credible, proven alternative and an unrivaled commercial, logistical and customer service network. We are really looking forward to serving the U.S. foam market."

The Solkane brand categories worldwide include refrigerants, foam blowing agents, solvents, fire extinguishing agents and further specialized niche markets. They are widely used in stationary and mobile AC refrigerant applications, insulating applications, and fire suppression as well as a range of cleaning applications. Solkane products continue to be among the most reliable, safe, efficient and cost-effective options for today's global, competitive business environment.

Due to all these advantages, Solkane 365/227 has become the product of choice internationally in a number of polyurethane applications, including spray foam, where non-flammable blowing agents are essential or where high quality is requested. In addition to the applications recently approved in the U.S., typical applications elsewhere globally include polyurethane and extruded polystyrene pipe insulation, polyurethane sandwich panels (continuous/discontinuous; construction/reefer), polyurethane and polystyrene insulation panels, and polyurethane block and integral foams. In the U.S., both HFC-365mfc and HFC-227ea are exempt from VOC (volatile organic compound) classification, an important point for many U.S. customers. Approvals for additional polyurethane applications also remain pending at EPA.

About Solvay: As an international chemical group, SOLVAY assists industry in finding and implementing ever more responsible and value-creating solutions. The Group is firmly committed to sustainable development and focused on innovation and operational excellence. Solvay serves diversified markets, generating 90% of its turnover in activities where it is one of the top three worldwide. The group is headquartered in Brussels, employs about 29,000 people in 55 countries and generated 12.4 billion euros in net sales in 2012. Solvay SA SOLB.BE) is listed on NYSE EURONEXT in Brussels and Paris (Bloomberg: SOLB.BB - Reuters: SOLBt.BR).