Crishna said that while all efforts were being made to keep costs down, the increase in expenditure as a result of this changeover could range between two per cent to seven per cent. While the alternative for the foaming agents have been finalized the company is yet to decide on the variety of refrigerant gases to be used. The choice will be between R134A and isobutane (R600), which is a hydrocarbon. In the United States, companies have shifted to R134A and European companies have chosen isobutane. Chrishna said the decision was being delayed because it had to keep in mind the high degree ofcare needed at both manufacturing and service centres while dealing with isobutane as it was highly inflammable.

On the other hand R134A to will have to be phased out after three to four years.

Godrej-GE is carrying out its own research to make a final decision and is also working with the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune on the `ecofridge project'. NCL is the agency coordinating the `ecofridge project' initiated by the German and Swiss governments.

On the performance of the white goods industry, Crishna said the year had been bad and in particular the downslide in the month of November was worrying. Unseasonal rainfall and uncertain political climate had affected consumer confidence. Unutilised capacities especially in the washing-machine segment was nearly 40 per cent to 45 per cent with demand not picking up as expected in this segment.

Crishna was in Pune to announce sponsorship for the Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav to be held in Pune from December 10 to December 12.