Benefits of deicer recycling, of Octagon acquisition, on show at inter airport 2011

Muttenz, 3 August 2011 – At inter airport Europe, Clariant will show how the carbon footprint of aircraft deicing can be cut dramatically by recycling used fluid. The Munich show also will mark the deicer-maker’s first major public appearance since its Octagon acquisition, which expanded its supply capability in North America.

At the last inter airport Europe, Clariant unveiled its EcoTain recycling system that lessens the environmental impact and the costs of aircraft deicing. At the upcoming inter airport Europe, in Munich’s Trade Fair Centre on 11-14 October, the leading supplier will present hard numbers showing how recycling significantly lowers deicing’s carbon footprint.

“We were confident that EcoTain recycling could cut the amount of greenhouse-gases emitted in deicing,” says Martin Westermaier, Research & Development Manager at Clariant. “So to find out for sure, we commissioned an independent, scientific assessment – which we’ll present at the show.”

Clariant aims to present its carbon-footprint findings at SMART Airports, a technical congress that runs parallel to inter airport Europe.

EcoTain recycling systems are operated onsite at Munich and offsite at Zurich Airport, and one will soon debut in Norway. Commissioning of an offsite-recycling plant for Oslo Airport is planned for September 2011.

North American expansion

The recycling benefits will be welcomed by airport operators everywhere, but especially those in the US, who are facing stricter federal guidelines for collection and treatment of used de-icer. And for the upcoming winter season, Clariant is expanding its capabilities in the North American de-icer market following the acquisition of Octagon Process LLC, a privately-held company based in N.Y. As a result of the acquisition, Clariant will provide customers a broader supply-chain network and enhanced geographic scope.

“Through this acquisition, we will be better able to serve the region’s air carriers, airports and service providers through an expanded geographic footprint. We expect that our customers will benefit greatly from enhanced product and service offerings, consistent and reliable supply, and the logistical and sourcing strengths of a truly global organization,” said John Clarke, Head of Clariant’s Industrial & Consumer Specialties business in North America.