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White paper · May 2026 · In collaboration with ATMOsphere
Hanon Systems built a fleet-level model of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) emissions from Europe's passenger cars. The finding: the switch to R1234yf cut global-warming potential but multiplied TFA generation — and without timely action the EU fleet could add up to 240,000 tonnes of this persistent “forever chemical” over the next 30 years.
ATMOsphere webinar · with Hanon Systems
A fleet-based modelling approach — and R290 and R744 as available alternatives. Hanon Systems engineers walk through the model, the regulatory scenarios, and the PFAS-free systems already in series production.
The Hanon Systems engineers behind the model, in conversation with ATMOsphere.
Speaker
Global Chief Engineer for Natural Refrigerant Systems
Hanon Systems
Speaker
Natural Refrigerant Systems Development Engineer
Hanon Systems
Chief Executive Officer
ATMOsphere
Editor at large
NaturalRefrigerants.com
TFA is a breakdown product of the refrigerant itself. Once R1234yf leaks from a car's air-conditioning, sunlight converts it almost entirely to trifluoroacetic acid within days — and TFA is so stable it effectively never leaves the water cycle.
R1234yf converts to TFA at near-100% yield; R134a contributes too. TFA is highly water-soluble and environmentally persistent — measured in European rainwater, tree needles, wine and human blood (white paper §3–4).
The regulatory path Europe chooses changes the TFA burden dramatically. Toggle between scenarios to see annual emissions from the EU passenger-car fleet — and how much TFA each option would avoid.
Cumulative 30-year figures (2028–2058) are from the Hanon Systems white paper, §3.3. Annual bar values are illustrative reconstructions of the published curve shapes — see the report for the full model.
TFA contamination from fluorinated gases used in mobile air-conditioning systems and already available PFAS-free alternatives. Authored by Hanon Systems — the chemistry of TFA formation, the fleet model, the regulatory scenarios, and the PFAS-free systems (R744 and R290) already in production.
Questions about the model, the data, or the alternatives? Get in touch with the Hanon Systems team.
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