Commentary

OK, it is a bit more complicated than just sugar beet juice.  But organic matter such as corn syrup, sugar beet juice and molasses are the basis of a new breed of liquid de-icing products being used in parts of Colorado, Indiana and Illinois.

Rock salt, the current leader in road de-icing, is plentiful and inexpensive.  So why are some highway departments switching?  Rock salt is a highly corrosive substance that not only melts the snow and ice but accelerates the corrosion of our cars and our roads and bridges.  Rock salt is also tough on the environment where it kills roadside vegetation and gets into the surrounding water supply.  Another disadvantage of rock salt is that it loses its effectiveness below 17 degrees fahrenheit.  The new organic-based liquid de-icers are effective down to temperatures as low as -8 degrees fahrenheit.

Less corrosion, less environmental impact and better performance.  The problem is cost.  The liquid de-icers are more expensive.  But if one calculates the improved lifespan of our roads, bridges and cars, perhaps the cost differences are not so clear?

Interested in reading more?  Here are two articles:  Today's Wall Street Journal (registration required) and the Fort Wayne, Indiana Journal Gazette.