Environmental impact of radiosondes

We have been testing the use of alternative biodegradable materials for many years. Alternative biodegradable materials are a challenge as they must be suitably waterproof, thermally well insulating, and physically able to be machined with an accuracy of 0.2 mm. Currently we are unaware of any alternative materials which meet these criteria. However, we have been promised by our suppliers that suitable new materials will be available in the near future. While we still must use Styrofoam, we try to keep the volume as low as possible and to avoid any superfluous plastics in the housing.

While PCB’s with electronic components remain a necessary evil, we are using highly integrated components and continually reducing the volume further and further thereby limiting as much as possible the resulting electronic waste entering the environment. We also recycle any used radiosondes which are returned to us.

The lithium batteries we use do not contain heavy metals and are environmentally compatible after discharge. We can provide appropriate certificates on request.

The nylon cord commonly used for all commercial radiosondes can be harmful to wildlife, especially larger marine animals.  For a small fee, we offer an alternative cotton cord.