In 2017 Austral Chemicals, a pioneer in the chemical industry in Chile and leader in polyurethane systems for thermal insulation, began replacing refrigerant gases with sustainable alternatives.
In 2018, the Ministry of the Environment and the UNPD (United Nations Development Program) awarded a certificate of recognition to Austral Chemicals Chile S.A., for its participation in the sustainable use of substances that do not affect the ozone layer or climate change.
The delivery of the certificate and the recognition of our good intentions was a first step. We still had to demonstrate our willingness and ability to make this change, without it being a pretty picture on the company's wall. After 5 years and a few months after COP26 in Glasgow, it seems to us the right time to draw the first lessons from this program.
Austral Chemicals is the only national company that replaced 100% the use of the harmful HCFC-141b. We recall that the latter, used as a blowing agent for the production of polyurethane foam, weakens the ozone layer and contributes to global warming when released into the atmosphere.
Thanks to funding from the Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund, all the companies in the polyurethane foam sector that chose Austral Chemicals are now part of this project. They use our new and friendly technologies based on hydrofluorolefins (HFOs), and thus support the Chilean Government's commitment to international commitments.
All the construction companies and clients that have chosen an HFO-based polyurethane system are companies that are building for the future. Whether it is a hospital, an office, a parking lot, a plant, a shed, a pond, a warehouse, an industrial equipment, building the "building of tomorrow" means meeting the challenges of sustainable development.
In 2018, the Chilean Government committed to gradually reduce the consumption of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), gases that weaken the ozone layer, by 45% by 2020, 65% by 2021, and to totally ban its consumption and use 2030.
Austral Chemicals Austral has exceeded these goals thanks to all its customers who think about ensuring the well-being of the planet for future generations. We are very grateful that these companies that apply polyurethane are SMEs, but already so ahead of their time.
About Austral
Created in 1942, Austral Chemicals is a leader in Chile in the development, production and commercialization of hygiene, cleaning and surface treatment solutions, as well as sodium and potassium silicates. Moreover, it is a partner of choice in the distribution of innovative chemical solutions and related services. Their chemical experts serve various markets such as mining, oil & gas, wood, pulp & paper, coatings, food, plastics, packaging, metal, leather, construction or home care. The company safely provides solutions that makes their industrial customers more successful and the future more sustainable.
