SUSTAINABILITY
Greener foundations: how sustainable raw materials are shaping the future of lubrication
Dr Gemma Stephenson, Cargill UK
As the global lubricant industry strives to lower its environmental footprint, attention is increasingly turning to the building blocks of these products: raw materials. Dr Gemma Stephenson of Cargill UK presents a compelling case for why the future of lubrication must begin with sustainable sourcing— and how the industry is navigating this complex transition.
Rethinking raw materials in a changing world For decades, lubricants have depended on petrochemical ingredients. While effective, these fossil-derived materials are finite and carbon-intensive. Now, in the face of climate change, regulatory pressure, and shifting market expectations, the sector is embracing biobased and recycled alternatives.
Sustainability is multifaceted. It includes not only carbon footprint and renewability but also safety, performance, and compliance with evolving legislation. The modern lubricant must therefore be more than just functional, it must be environmentally and socially responsible.
Regulations setting the pace The regulatory landscape is rapidly evolving. The EU’s deforestation regulation (EUDR), for instance, mandates that any material placed on the EU market must be deforestation-free, legally produced, and backed by due diligence. This impacts many biobased feedstocks used in lubricants and adds pressure on
52 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.187 JUNE 2025
suppliers to ensure traceability and compliance. CEFIC’s regulatory mapping further highlights the complexity faced by chemical manufacturers. From safety standards to sustainability criteria, product development is now deeply interwoven with legal and environmental frameworks.
Biobased materials: promise and challenge Biobased raw materials offer several benefits. They are renewable in nature, can enhance lubricant performance benefits, and offer environmental acceptability, to name but a few. However, considering their carbon footprints can be tricky and is not without challenges as agricultural inputs, farming methods and harvesting practices vary from country to country, farm to farm. Until recently, comparing carbon footprints of biobased versus petrochemical materials was difficult, though progress is being made through methodologies such as the recent ATIEL & UEIL PCF Methodology for Lubricants, Greases and Other Specialities, as well as TfS guidelines.
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