Clariant Increases Recycled Mono-Propylene Glycol Storage Capacity in Sweden

Clariant has taken a significant step towards enhancing its sustainable practices by expanding its storage capacity for recycled mono-propylene glycol (MPG) at its Uddevalla facility in Sweden. This expansion is a major component in Clariant’s production of environmentally conscious aircraft deicing fluids, particularly its SAFEWING™ Type I product. The investment includes the installation of two new storage tanks and a dedicated truck unloading station at Uddevalla, allowing Clariant to increase the handling and storage efficiency of recycled MPG. By incorporating these improvements, Clariant is not only boosting its operational capacity but also strengthening its commitment to the circular economy and lowering the environmental footprint of its products.

The Uddevalla facility plays a crucial role in Clariant’s supply chain, providing high-performance deicing solutions to a broad range of clients across the Nordic and Baltic regions, including airports, airlines, and specialized service providers. The increased capacity allows Clariant to use more recycled MPG, reducing the carbon footprint of its products by over 25% compared to deicing fluids made from virgin fossil-based MPG. The expanded storage also enables Clariant to rely less on virgin materials, reducing Scope 3 emissions – the indirect emissions generated throughout the supply chain and by end-product usage. This aligns with Clariant’s larger goals of sustainability and efficiency, as it continuously seeks to reduce waste and energy usage while driving forward its mission to offer low-carbon products.

In addition to enhancing efficiency, the expanded facilities reflect Clariant’s ambition to drive sustainable value creation through resource-conscious innovations. Sven Dammann, Clariant’s Head of Aviation EMEA, underlined the importance of this development, noting that “the expanded storage and handling capacity in Uddevalla allows us to capture and reuse more recycled propylene glycol, reducing waste and the need for virgin fossil-based materials.” This investment, he explained, underscores Clariant’s dedication to increasing the sustainability of its portfolio through innovative recycling solutions and a focus on long-term environmental benefits.

Clariant’s recycling process for MPG is carefully managed to create a closed-loop system that aligns with sustainable product development. The recycling process starts by capturing runoff from deicing operations at airports, such as the collection system at Oslo airport. The used deicing fluid is gathered, cleaned, and pre-concentrated to approximately 50-60% purity at Clariant’s facility. This pre-concentrate is then transported to a partner facility where it undergoes further purification to meet industrial-grade glycol standards. The purified recycled glycol is finally transported to the Uddevalla plant, where it is proportionally integrated into Clariant’s SAFEWING™ Type I deicing products, completing the recycling loop. This process allows Clariant to reclaim and reuse glycol that would otherwise be wasted, effectively minimizing environmental impact and reinforcing its sustainable production model.

On November 2024, Clariant celebrated the inauguration of the expanded storage facilities in Uddevalla, marking an important milestone for the company’s operations in Scandinavia. The expansion is expected to help Clariant streamline operations further, allowing it to meet growing demand while also continuing to focus on high-quality, environmentally friendly solutions for the aviation industry. This development strengthens Clariant’s position as a sustainability leader within the aviation sector, showcasing its commitment to reducing resource consumption and promoting a low-carbon future. By expanding its storage and recycling capacity for MPG, Clariant continues to support its vision of a more circular economy, setting a high standard for sustainable practices within the industry.