PELADOW® 75th Anniversary
PELADOW® — THE TRUSTED NAME IN ICE MELTING FOR 75 YEARS, PROUD TO MELT RESPONSIBLY®
OxyChem is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its bestselling PELADOW Premier Snow & Ice Melter! PELADOW calcium chloride has been melting snow and ice up to three times faster than other products, working at temperatures as low as -25°F (-32°C), since its debut in 1950. Its round shape breaks the bond with pavement more quickly for easy removal from sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots.
The Evolution of PELADOW, from Pallets to Pelapals
PELADOW was initially distributed in bulk via hopper cars and trucks to repackaging companies, which subsequently handled packaging, inventory management, and resale into the sidewalk deicing market. Early packaging options included 100 lb. and 80 lb. bags for industrial applications, as well as a 9 lb. consumer-size bag. In the late 1990s, PELADOW's marketing strategy expanded to incorporate additional channel partners, such as packaged product distributors and janitorial/sanitation supply firms. This initiative introduced various packaging formats, including plastic and paper bags, cardboard boxes, and plastic pails, all available directly from the Ludington, Michigan, manufacturing plant or through repackagers.
During this period, package graphics, advertising, and promotional materials featured a distinctive character known as the “pelapal,” a plush toy designed to resemble a calcium chloride pellet beanie baby. A new version of the pelapal was unveiled at industry trade shows each year as a promotional giveaway until marketing strategies evolved and the annual toy was discontinued. Over time, PELADOW consolidated its packaging portfolio by phasing out paper bags and cardboard box formats.
MELT RESPONSIBLY®
In 2022, PELADOW launched the MELT RESPONSIBLY® campaign, emphasizing its advantages over magnesium chloride and encouraging users to “Melt More with Less Time, Less Cost and Less Waste.” As part of this campaign, a newly designed 30 lb. plastic bag was introduced, featuring updated graphics that were also implemented across all the other package sizes.
“When using PELADOW, less is more,” says Rose Waypa, OxyChem Technical Services Specialist. “A 30 lb. bag of PELADOW can melt the same 1,000 sq. ft. of ice that would require 50 lbs. of magnesium chloride.”
Making the switch from 50 lb. bags of magnesium chloride to 30 lb. bags of PELADOW allows building managers, contractors, and distributors to reduce overall product costs, maximize storage space, and minimize transportation costs.
“PELADOW has been the leader in the commercial deicing industry since 1950, trusted by maintenance professionals to keep walkways clear and safe,” says Waypa. “OxyChem is committed to educating everyone on the responsible use of deicers to minimize environmental impact. PELADOW is highly effective relative to competitive products because it requires a much lower application rate, providing users with the choice to MELT RESPONSIBLY®.”
75 Years of Melting Responsibly
Since 1950, PELADOW has been the product of choice for quickly, effectively melting snow and ice. Today more than ever, users appreciate the ability to MELT RESPONSIBLY, using less product to quickly make parking lots and walkways safe for pedestrians. OxyChem is proud to deliver this premier product via our coast-to-coast network of package distributors.
PELADOW® Premier Snow & Ice Melter is available and ready to ship in 30 and 50 lb bags, 50 lb plastic pails and 2200 lb FIBCs (super sacks). Visit www.MeltResponsibly.com or contact a distributor for more information.
