Honeywell has expanded its campaign against counterfeit refrigerants being fraudulently sold under the Honeywell Genetron brand name in Middle East.
In August, the combined efforts of police, customs, local municipalities and other government officials resulted in the seizure of around 6,000 cylinders in the UAE alone of materials branded as Honeywell Genetron 134a, but that actually contained dangerous toxic and flammable substances.

'We have invested substantial resources to develop and commercialise our innovative refrigerant technology. We are taking the necessary actions to protect that investment and ensure that users get the high-quality product they need,' said Paul Sanders, managing director for Honeywell Fluorine Products in Europe, Middle East, Africa and India.

Honeywell also started using a new security measures to detect counterfeit refrigerants. The new anti-counterfeit technology allows for the identification of non-authentic products much faster and more easily than was previously possible.

Simultaneously, Honeywell continues efforts to build awareness among end customers on risks of using counterfeit products.

'We created simple posters for garages and services, where we explain in simple terms how dangerous it can be use non-genuine products,' added Mr Sanders.

The use of counterfeit refrigerant can create serious health and safety risks. Tests showed that counterfeit cylinders claiming to contain Genetron R-134a in fact contained flammable and unsafe mixtures. Use of such adulterated products could create health and toxicity issues and could be harmful to refrigeration equipment.

All Genetron refrigerants go through extensive tests to assure quality and safety. These properties can be guaranteed only when buying the refrigerant from Honeywell-authorised suppliers.

During the last two years, Honeywell, working with local governments, has seized more than 200,000 counterfeit products.