ICL Accelerates Fleet Sustainability with Pioneering Hydrogen-Powered Engine CleanTech

10th December 2025

Industrial Chemicals Ltd (ICL) is taking another significant step in strengthening the sustainability of our operations. Following extensive trials and proven results, we have signed a three-year contract with Engine Carbon Clean (ECC) to continue advancing our sustainability journey.

ECC is an innovative, patented hydrogen-powered cleaning system that removes carbon build-up inside internal combustion engines. By generating oxyhydrogen gas on demand and feeding it into the engine’s air intake, the system enables the engine to “breathe” more efficiently — improving performance, reducing fuel consumption, and lowering harmful emissions including CO₂, CO, NOx and N₂O.

Proven Results from Rigorous Trials

ICL first put the technology to the test at the renowned Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedford, where empirical data showed clear reductions in emissions and improvements in fuel efficiency. This was followed by real-world trials on one-third of our 90-vehicle fleet based in West Thurrock, Essex.

The results were compelling: over 7% reduction in both emissions and fuel costs, with further gains anticipated as the system is rolled out nationwide.

“Our trials demonstrated measurable improvements in fuel economy and emission reductions,” says Steven Swaby, CFO at ICL. “It’s a practical and effective way for us to reduce our carbon footprint while ensuring our logistics remain reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible.”

How Engine Carbon Clean Works

ECC’s hydrogen-based cleaning process is simple, natural and chemical-free. The system produces hydrogen on site through electrolysis and allows the engine to draw in only what it needs through the air intake. As the hydrogen interacts with carbon deposits, it breaks them down — clearing pathways, reducing resistance and restoring optimal airflow.

“When an engine breathes better, it delivers more power and torque and runs more efficiently,” explains Ben Kattenhorn, CEO of Engine Carbon Clean (by Advanced Hydrogen Technologies). “Even after just two cleans we saw strong improvements, but with four cleans per year we expect even greater gains in performance, reduced maintenance downtime and extended engine life.”

Unlike other cleaning methods, ECC avoids chemicals, combustion, forced injection and high-temperature burn-offs. It is safe, modular and suitable for nearly any internal combustion engine, from small generators to heavy goods vehicles, locomotives and marine engines.

Supporting Our Net Zero Ambitions

For ICL, the adoption of ECC is part of a broader, long-term commitment to sustainability.

“At ICL we are continually looking at how we can improve our environmental impact across our operations,” says Steven Swaby. “Our work with Engine Carbon Clean is a key step in that journey. It optimises our vehicles’ performance and reduces emissions — practical results that help turn our Net Zero goals into real-world action.”

ECC also provides robust measurement and reporting by tracking CO₂ levels using ISO-calibrated emissions testing. This makes the benefits transparent and ensures ongoing improvements in fleet efficiency.

Driving Cleaner Logistics Across the UK

With the ECC contract now in place, ICL will begin expanding the service beyond our West Thurrock site to our nationwide fleet. This technology strengthens our role as an industry leader in sustainable logistics, delivering both environmental benefits and operational efficiencies.