Glacier protection describes the covering of snow, ice and glacier surfaces with certified biodegradable* nonwoven textiles to slow melt driven by global warming. Rising temperatures and accelerated glacier retreat threaten water resources, alpine ecology and the stability of infrastructure like cable car supports founded in ice.
In a field trial in the Austrian Alps (2,900 m, June–August 2022), Naue GlacierProtect reduced glacier melt by approximately 4 metres over three summer months; results vary with site conditions. The nonwoven is certified biodegradable and compostable by TÜV Austria (EN 13432).
Extend operational season and preserve ski terrain through reduction of solar-driven melt on glacier slopes.
Stabilise infrastructure foundations embedded in ice
Preserve glacier runoff stability for drinking water supply, hydropower generation and agricultural irrigation.
Alpine deployment demands more than thermal performance. Naue GlacierProtect operates by reflecting sunlight, thereby reducing the surface temperature of the glaciers. This effectively slows down the rate of ice melt. The nonwovens withstand foehn winds, freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure and ice abrasion. Fields at 2,900 m elevation in the Austrian Alps (2022) confirmed this performance.
Practical advantages:
One of the main advantages of “GlacierProtect” lies in its environmental compatibility. The material is certified biodegradable* and compostable in various environments by TÜV Austria (EN 13432) and is designed to degrade into biomass, CO2 and water; the rate of biodegradation depends on temperature, moisture and microbial activity.
Key principle: Glacier protection meets environmental responsibility. Naue GlacierProtect combines insulation with certified biodegradability* (TÜV Austria, EN 13432) - made from renewable raw materials without persistent synthetic particles.
Choice of glacier protection product depends on deployment duration, altitude, wind exposure, recovery capability and environmental compliance. The matrix below guides selection.
A safe start to the season - consistent revenue
With the help of GlacierProtect, you can preserve snow produced or carried over from the previous season to support a reliable start to the season.
Infrastructure safety - mountain cable car operators
Protection of infrastructure founded on ice by slowing the melt of the surrounding ice.
Hydrological security - reliable water supply
Glaciers provide people with drinking water, water for irrigation and energy for electricity generation. GlacierProtect can help to regulate the melting process and spread it out over the summer months
Glacier protection uses reflective insulating textiles and certified, biodegradable* nonwovens to reduce melting due to global warming and solar radiation. With global temperatures rising, glacier retreat threatens water supply, alpine ecosystems, ski resort operations and the stability of infrastructure like cable car supports founded in ice.
Naue GlacierProtect delays the melting of glaciers and snow and is certified biodegradable* and compostable by TÜV Austria (EN 13432). It supports resource-conserving slope and snow management.
Made from biobased raw materials. Certified biodegradable* and compostable (TÜV Austria, EN 13432). Very good UV resistance and high UV reflectance. Reflects 80% of light and 75% energy. Robust thermal insulation – ideal for mountainous regions.
Field trials in the Austrian Alps (2,900 m elevation) demonstrated approximately 4 m reduction in glacier melt over three consecutive summer months (June-August 2022) under continuous coverage. Results vary by local climate, coverage area, deployment timing and location.
The standard grammage is 500g/m². However, lower or higher grammages and composite materials can be produced on request.
Naue GlacierProtect is recovered and redeployed the following season. GlacierProtect, if left in place, undergoes natural biodegradation*.
The biodegradable* nonwoven fabric is wound onto a cardboard core (core board made from recycled raw materials) in the factory during in-line production. The finished roll, which is approximately 60cm in diameter, is automatically wrapped in PE film and sealed. The PE film is made of recycled polyethylene. It has the same properties in terms of UV and weather resistance as a film made from virgin PE raw material. The packaging provides UV protection for at least one year. The light colour of the PE film reflects sunlight, preventing unwanted heat build-up in the roll. Ensure that the packaging is intact to prevent unwanted ingress of dirt and water. For safety reasons, the rolls should be stored slightly above floor level. An additional cover for the rolls can be considered for added safety.
Our nonwoven Secutex® Green G1, from which Naue GlacierProtect is made, is made from cellulose-based fibres produced on an industrial scale from renewable, wood-based raw materials in a closed-loop production process. Industrial production guarantees consistent technical and biological properties, reliable high quality and very good availability of our products. Biodegradability* and compostability in various environments have been confirmnd by TÜV Austria. Naue Glacier Protect holds the following certificates: Seedling (EN 13432), OK compost Industrial, OK compost Home, OK biodegradable Soil, OK biodegradable Water and OK biodegradable Marine.
