Finavia launches sustainable de-icing at Helsinki Airport

#NordicNews on sustainability and Finland

Finavia to de-ice aircraft with recycled de-icing fluid in future

Finavia plans to use recycled propylene glycol for aircraft de-icing at Helsinki Airport from November 2023. The environmentally friendly alternative will be used for the first time this winter season, with almost 500 tonnes of recycled de-icing fluid to be used. This move is expected to save around 1500 tonnes of carbon emissions generated by the use of de-icing fluids and transport during the winter season.

The recycled propylene glycol, supplied by the Clariant plant in Rauma, Finland, is of the same quality as virgin de-icing fluid. Clariant emphasises its commitment to a circular economy and sustainability through innovative chemistry. Finavia plans to expand the use of self-collected and recycled propylene glycol for aircraft de-icing in the future and intends to improve the recycling infrastructure at Helsinki Airport.

Currently, de-icing fluid is recycled at the airport using vacuum trucks and separate apron dewatering systems. The collected liquid is then treated in a wastewater treatment plant, where it serves as an alternative carbon source in the denitrification process, replacing methanol. By contributing to a sustainable disposal method, Finavia aims to further reduce carbon emissions and promote a circular economy. The aim is to achieve net zero emissions by 2025, with Helsinki Airport expected to reach this milestone by 2024.

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