In anticipation of the cold months, those working in high-risk sectors – such as aviation – understand that ice presents a major accident risk and source of operational problems. It is essential to plan ahead and not only prepare to melt ice, but also to protect surfaces to prevent its formation in the first place. That’s why de-icers/anti-icers are extremely important products.
Some de-icers may give immediate short-term clearance of frozen contamination, but rapidly refreeze in the event of further precipitation or temperature drop. Other de-icers may give a longer lasting effect, but cause significant damage to the wider environment, or present health or safety hazards for workers during handling or application. The ideal de-icer gives rapid clearance of frozen contamination, long-lasting “holdover” protection against surface freezing even during severe, extended winter weather events, be safe to use and have minimal environmental impact.
How de-icers work
At freezing temperatures, water molecules form an ordered crystal structure: ice.
De-icers work via freezing point depression, meaning they cause water to freeze at a much lower temperature than normal. They do so by blocking water molecules from forming the ice structure, forcing it to remain liquid even in extremely cold conditions.
Efficient and eco-friendly de-icer, high performing
Conventional de-icers typically contain a single freezing point depressant (“active ingredient”), such as potassium acetate or ethylene glycol. The higher the concentration of FPD in the water – i.e. more de-icer applied – the lower the freezing point.
SAFEGRIP® ECO2 is a liquid de-icing and anti-icing product utilizing a “super-high active content” composite freezing point depressant mixture of potassium acetate/formate; a unique proprietary formulation designed to provide optimal de-icing and anti-icing performance in all conditions, free from glycols, urea, amines, or triazoles.
SAFEGRIP® ECO2 contains >30% more freezing point depressant material than conventional products, and its unique mixture is significantly more effective at lowering freezing point than single freezing point depressant formulations alone. Its patented formulation creates a persistent, durable film on treated surfaces, resulting in a holdover time up to 2-3 times longer than standard products. This extended duration reduces the amount of product needed per event, cutting both operational costs and environmental impact.
SAFEGRIP® ECO2 is able to maintain high surface friction even under thick snowfall, allowing subsequent sweep directly down to blacktop and clearing even the toughest of frozen contaminations quickly, without the need for additional application of solid de-icing granules.
Its formula acts exothermically with water, so in addition to lowering the freezing point, SAFEGRIP® ECO2 heats up wet/frozen surface contamination on contact.
Deicers for airport runways, tunnels, and bridges
SAFEGRIP® ECO2 is fully certified and primarily designed for use on airfield infrastructures – runways, taxiways, and apron areas – as well as bridges, tunnels, and other surfaces where ice poses operational or structural risk. Entirely free from chlorides and formulated with advanced corrosion inhibitor technology, SAFEGRIP® ECO2 is also useful for treatment of other ice-sensitive structures, such as bridge support structures, tunnel linings, or marine applications, where ice mass buildup or freeze-thaw weathering cycles may create structural damage.
It’s no surprise that more and more major airports are choosing SAFEGRIP® ECO2 to keep them flying safely through the toughest of winter conditions.
SAFEGRIP® ECO2 is the result of a shared approach across Esseco Industrial companies. By leveraging the synergies within Esseco Industrial — from raw materials to innovation and sustainability practices — Esseco UK develops advanced solutions that align with the Industrial Division’s long-term vision. This integrated approach enhances performance, drives responsible innovation, and reflects a shared commitment to building a safer and more sustainable future for our industry.
In line with this collaborative mindset, we also use raw materials from other Esseco Industrial companies — such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) from Altair and potassium formate from ADDCON Nordic — depending on production needs and availability.
