• Focus on finished lubricant, not on (chemical) substances
• Level renewable raw materials > 25% • Biodegradability > 60%OECD 301 (lubricant oil) and > 50% (grease)
• Toxicity: not hazardous to the environment • Performance: ‘fit for purpose’ • All lubricants bearing a European Ecolabel for Lubricants are ‘Biolubricants’ by definition
Vegetable lubricants offer numerous advantages, including biodegradability, renewableness, less toxicity, excellent lubrication, high flash points, high vicosity index, low evaporative loss, high smoke point, low oxidation stability, and pour point. However, the sustainability of this theory in practice depends on the use of third-generation and fourth-generation technology, which involve the use of microalgae and genetically synthesised microorganisms to produce high yields of bio-based products. Regulation, legislation, and labelling for green lubricants vary from country to country, with different standards and requirements for defining and labelling environmentally acceptable lubricants. Manufacturers and users of green lubricants must be aware of their respective regulations and legislation to ensure compliance and proper labelling.
Biolubricants are still a niche product, especially in poor markets, with over 50% of produced lubricants generating waste. This leads to a trend to replace conventional oil with environmentally acceptable lubricants. However, advertising and labelling often make up arbitrary claims and legislative differences. Bio-lubricants are more expensive than conventional lubricants due to their use of base vegetable oils or synthetic fatty acid esters. Genetic engineering techniques can be used to modify oil plants to meet public health standards and industrial needs (there is a ethical question in the middle). Synthetic lubricant base oils offer better stability than refined petroleum oils but at a higher cost. Successful applications of green and sustainable lubricants include environmentally friendly two-stroke oils, chain saw oils, tractor oils, synthetic wind turbine oils, and hydraulic oils.
The CEN/TC 19/WG33 study emphasises the importance of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for lubricants and environmental parameters to encourage sector development and raise awareness. Environmental protection signs should provide credible information about lubricant characteristics, promoting environmentally friendly products. The European Ecolabel is becoming the most widely accepted
Figure 2: A comparison of appropriate additives based on several standards (Swedish, German and EU) Continued on page 42 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.179 FEBRUARY 2024 41
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