During the winter months, airports rely on de-icing fluids to keep airplanes safe. These special liquids are sprayed on planes to melt ice and snow that can build up on the wings, tail, and other parts, ensuring the plane is in good condition for take-off.
To make this process more sustainable, the chemical company Clariant has installed additional storage capacity at its facility in Sweden to increase the use of recycled mono-propylene glycol (MPG), a chemical compound commonly used in a variety of products, in its de-icing products. By collecting and processing run-off material from airport de-icing operations, the company is not only reducing waste but also supporting a circular economy. This move is a step toward reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry, with recycled MPG cutting the environmental impact by over 25 % compared to using virgin fossil-based materials.
Through these innovations, airports can continue to ensure safe flights while reducing their environmental impact.
