Ice eliminator set to tackle UK’s frozen roads

Trials of ECO-THAW in Aberdeenshire show excellent results, according to Transport Scotland

A recent trial by Transport Scotland has demonstrated a new way to tackle dangerous conditions on the national road network with the implementation of ECO-THAW, a natural liquid concentrate derived from agricultural processes which has been used on roads to reduce the impact of snow and ice in severe weather conditions, with positive results.

ECO-THAW was trialled on roads in Aberdeenshire earlier this month and is successfully used in countries that manage severe weather conditions every year.  This is one of the first times the product has been used in Scotland, and initial results show how ECO-THAW can provide effective treatment of UK roads down to temperatures of minus 20 degrees. ECO-THAW is environmentally friendly, non-toxic to vegetation and has been approved by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). The product is designed to be used directly to road surfaces or can be added to salt for traditional application.

Conventional mixtures of salt are ineffective at treating iced roads when temperatures plunge below -8C, and this winter many parts of the UK have already experienced lows of -20C. When added directly to salt, the cost of deploying ECO-THAW is minimal compared to the expense of gridlock on the roads and the resulting effects on the economy.

The trial of the product as a direct liquid in Aberdeenshire is part of a new Scottish Government winter transport plan. Together with their operating company BEAR Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council and ECO-THAW manufacturer, Innovative Global Products Limited, the national transport agency was delighted with the results of the trials.

Transport Minister Keith Brown commented: Last December was the coldest for 100 years and although were currently experiencing more normal winter weather, we must prepare and improve our winter resilience. By carrying out innovative trials such as this, we can take the necessary steps to deal efficiently with future severe winter weather events.

Camillus Dunne, General Operations Director of Innovative Global Products Ltd, said, ECO-THAW comes into its own when we have periods of sustained cold temperatures, particularly when traditional methods and applications struggle to perform.  It is vitally important that government bodies embrace alternatives to using salt alone in an effort to improve our response to severe weather conditions, improve road safety, keep the country moving and the economy functioning.   ECO-THAW provides us with more ammunition in our fight against the elements.

The versatility of ECO-THAW allows it to be spread using many different forms of applicator, to match existing methods and locations – be it trunk roads, local roads, cycleway, footways or car parks. Similarly it can be used to compliment more traditional and existing freezing point depressants (or de-icers) in falling temperatures without any additional cost or capital investment.

For further information on ECO-THAW, please visit:www.innovativeglobal.net

For information on the Scottish trials, go to: http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/roads-ice-eliminator-trial

About Innovative Global Products Ltd

Innovative Global Products Inc. (IGPI) was first introduced in 1995 to explore international road repair product opportunities as a division of the original Innovative North American Company that was incorporated in 1986.  In 1999, Innovative Global Products Limited (IGPL) was formed, bringing to market a range of innovative road repair and maintenance products. As of 2011, the Innovative group of companies is currently doing business in 17 countries and continues to expand.