Daikin Industries Joins Thailand's Initiative to Transition to R-32 Refrigerant in Support of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry Policies

Bangkok – Daikin Industries, Ltd. has partnered with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry in a project to support Thailand's transition to the use of R-32 refrigerant in air conditioners. Starting from April 27, 2015, Daikin will provide technical assistance to 12 air conditioner manufacturers in Thailand.

This initiative aims to continuously support developing countries through funding from the Multilateral Fund under the Montreal Protocol. The Multilateral Fund's executive committee approved this project in December 2012.

In addition to protecting the ozone layer as stipulated in the Montreal Protocol, developing countries have been accelerating the transition to refrigerants with lower global warming potential (GWP). Thailand is one such country and has been tasked with transitioning from R-22 to R-32 refrigerants by 2017.

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry launched the refrigerant transition support project in Thailand as part of its efforts to prevent ozone depletion and mitigate global warming. The project also aims to assist developing countries by providing not only financial but also technical support. This initiative will enable the 12 Thai air conditioner manufacturers to develop, produce, and distribute R-32 refrigerant air conditioners. Daikin, a pioneer in adopting R-32 refrigerant for air conditioners, is actively involved in the project as a key supporter.

Daikin will provide foundational knowledge, including the properties and composition of R-32 refrigerant, safety guidelines for production tools, and advice on the installation and maintenance of air conditioners. Once manufacturers complete the necessary preparations for production, Daikin will visit each factory to ensure progress and offer additional support. Daikin Industries (Thailand) Ltd.*1 will oversee work schedules and planning, while Siam Daikin Sales Co., Ltd.*2 will handle installation and maintenance guidance.

Daikin has rigorously examined the properties of R-32 refrigerant, including its impact on global warming and safety, and has determined it to be the most suitable refrigerant for residential and commercial air conditioners. Daikin has shared its technical expertise through collaborations with United Nations organizations and various countries, as well as through seminars and conferences, to promote the adoption of R-32 refrigerant worldwide. In September 2011, Daikin was authorized to enter developing countries to manufacture and distribute R-32-based air conditioners under its "Basic Patent for Manufacturing and Selling R-32 Refrigerant Air Conditioners."

This effort represents a new role for Japan in assisting the international community in addressing global warming, with Daikin playing a critical part in these efforts, which are considered of utmost importance.

As the only manufacturer that develops both refrigerants and air conditioners, Daikin will continue to share essential information and provide technical support throughout production, installation, and maintenance processes. This includes support for alternative refrigerants and spare parts to address global warming by promoting low-GWP refrigerants.