Clariant introduces unique EcoTain deicer recycling concept to InterAirport 2009 visitors

October 8, 2009 - A unique deicing fluid recycling concept from specialty chemicals expert Clariant is supporting aviation customers’ efforts to reduce the environmental impact of their winter airport operations and lower costs. The concept has been awarded Clariant’s newly-launched EcoTain label to represent the eco-friendly benefits offered.

Clariant’s EcoTain deicer fluid recycling management system offers an ecological, economical and sustainable solution to the removal and re-use of aircraft run-off.

At the same time, the EcoTain process improves customer cost-efficiency through less waste generation and reduced disposal costs, with fluid reutilization rates of up to 60%. By using recycled materials, less new material input and energy are required during production, adding up to further cost savings and a more sustainable, environmentally-friendly approach.

Clariant provides on-site or off-site recycling systems for aircraft deicing fluid depending on individual airport requirements, with a full service package available from engineering and installation to commissioning, management and operation.

The on-site concept covers the collection of run-off in suitable storage facilities, followed by a recycling process which involves mechanical cleaning (removal of, for example, precipitates, fuel and oil), chemical cleaning (for ready-to-use anti-icing/deicing fluid (ADF) only), evaporation of excess water and glycol distillation, and final processing with the addition of a Clariant ADF additive package. The recycled fluid is then stored on-site for future use.

Munich International Airport has been using Clariant’s on-site recycling and ADF production and management services since 1992. As a result, the airport operator has achieved:

• major reduction in disposal costs for used aircraft deicing fluids of approximately

1 000 000 Euro per season

• significant reduction of total organic carbon (TOC) released to the waste water system of approximately 350 000 kg per season

• on-site production of Safewing® type I premix based on recycled glycol of approximately 2 000 000 liters per season

• Approximate 60-70% reduction per season of externally purchased aircraft type I deicing fluid

Clariant’s off-site recycling concept is used by Zurich International Airport to reduce disposal costs with minimal equipment investment. The fluid is collected following the deicing operation, taken through an on-site pre-concentration process to mechanically filter the fluid and evaporate the water to a final glycol content of approximately 60%, before it is transported for final processing into industrial grade glycol. The glycol is reused in different industrial applications or recycled for further ADF production.

Martin Westermaier, Research & Development Manager at Clariant comments:”Clariant has been supporting the aviation industry and airport operators world-wide with know-how concerning the handling and recycling of deicing waste water for almost 20 years. Today’s customers are increasingly interested in improving the sustainability of their business, both in light of rising Propylene Glycol (MPG) and deicing fluids costs and environmental concerns regarding contaminated waste water. Our pioneering recycling systems achieve the cost-efficiency and ecological advantages to address this challenge and we are looking forward to extending their benefits to airports around the world.”

Clariant’s new EcoTain label stands for:

• Eco-friendly: biodegradable products and processes that follow the recycling concept to reduce waste

• Economically attractive: efficient processes, less waste and lower production costs

• Sustainable: less raw material, lower energy consumption

The concept highlights Clariant’s on-going philosophy of managing its product portfolio and services to customers’ needs and the resulting necessity to develop products that are based on a sustainable raw material basis.

Clariant is a leading supplier of aircraft and runway deicing and anti-icing products in Europe, North America and Asia. With more than 40 years of experience, the company has outstanding know-how and practice in business relationships, product service, and logistics and is supported by a world class research team.