Salt continues to be the best de-icing solution for safe and sustainable winter road maintenance in
Brussels, 30 June 2025
A new EUsalt report highlights the vital role of sodium chloride (salt) in ensuring road safety during Europe’s winter months. As the most commonly used de-icer across the continent, salt continues to be the most reliable, cost-effective and sustainable option under most winter conditions.
With winters becoming increasingly unpredictable due to climate change, efficient and responsive winter service remains essential. The application of de-icing salt plays a critical role in preventing road accidents, reducing congestion, shortening travel times, lowering fuel consumption, and cutting CO₂ emissions.
The report, developed with input from the European salt sector and winter service experts, confirms that life cycle assessments consistently show that sodium chloride has the lowest environmental impact when compared to alternative chemical de-icers. Furthermore, technological advancements – such as pre-wetted salt, direct brine application, and digital monitoring systems – have increased the precision and sustainability of salt use across Europe.
While some non-chloride alternatives are available, the report highlights that these come with considerable disadvantages: higher costs, limited availability, and, in many cases, greater environmental burdens. Sodium chloride remains the most accessible and scalable solution, especially for road networks beyond high-sensitivity areas like airports or specific pedestrian zones.
The report also addresses the long-term view for winter service, recognising that warmer winters and evolving weather patterns may influence de-icing needs in the future. Nonetheless, maintaining readiness and appropriate salt stock levels remains critical. In parallel, the salt industry is investing in decarbonising its production and transport processes, including through the use of renewable energy, clean transport, and circular salt systems derived from industrial by-products.
EUsalt and its members welcome the report’s findings and reaffirm the importance of evidence-based policymaking. As the voice of the European salt industry, EUsalt will continue to promote responsible salt use and support innovation to enhance sustainability and road safety throughout the EU.
