ANALYSIS
Assessment and verification of environmental acceptable hydraulic fluids (EAHF) according to the European Ecolabel’s revision Part 1
Mr. Vincent Bouillon, Sales Manager, BfB Labs
The current European Ecolabel requirements (EEL) which remain in force until the 31 December 2018 provide a designation for lubricants until 31 December 2019 following which new requirements for lubricants will be valid until 31 December 2024. This paper is intended to provide information on the new EEL, especially for hydraulic fluids.
Introduction The European Ecolabel Fitness check of 30 June 2017 recommended a need to develop a more strategic approach for the EU Ecolabel, including streamlined criteria for selecting products. In line with those conclusions and in consultation with the EU Ecolabelling Board, it is appropriate to revise the criteria for lubricants product group, taking into consideration the current success, stakeholders’ interest in the product and the potential future window of opportunity for an increased uptake and market demand for sustainable products.
This article includes information on the new EEL to demonstrate the compliance of a hydraulic fluid with the criteria of aquatic toxicity, biodegradability & bioaccumulation as well as the minimum technical performances.
Definition
For a clear understanding of this paper, the following definitions are useful: - Base fluid: a lubricating fluid which flow, ageing, lubricity and anti-wear properties, as well as its properties regarding contaminant suspension, have not been improved by the inclusion of additives;
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Substance: a chemical element and its compounds in a natural state or obtained by any production process, including any additive necessary to preserve its stability and any
24 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.148 DECEMBER 2018
EEL objectives The approach proposed is based on a prioritizing methodology in order to select the lubricants according to the following relevant points: - -
Potential for release to the environment -
Concerns regarding other aspects, like human health, disposal, possibility of recovery and reuse Market share and target end-customers
- Availability of other environmental labelling schemes.
impurity deriving from the process used, but excluding any solvent which may be separated without affecting the stability of the substance or changing its composition
- Main component: any substance accounting for more than 5% weight of the lubricant;
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Hydraulic system: also called hydraulic fluids or hydraulic liquids, means the medium by which power is transferred in hydraulic machinery. They are mostly covered under ISO 6743 family H, Hydraulic systems;
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LuSC-list: or Lubricant Substance Classification list is a list of substances and brands that have been assessed by a competent body with regard to the relevant requirements included in this Decision. The list is published on the European Ecolabel website and the data can be used directly in the application form.
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