Every industry will need to take steps towards increasing sustainability if the UK is to meet its ambitious climate targets by 2050, and we believe that lubricants have a valuable contribution to make. Manufacturers are working hard to develop more environmentally friendly products and there is a growing role for lubricants in green energy generation, which are both important developments on the part of the industry.
Last year, Castrol launched a new sustainability strategy in which it committed to examining the life-cycle of its products and exploring options for recycling and reuse. This might include increasing the volume of mineral oils in products, which can be recovered for reuse, or exploring ways to reuse synthetic materials, but we expect to see a comprehensive effort across the industry to develop these strategies because of the global scope of these climate challenges. One important factor will be to reduce the carbon footprint of these products and we are interested to see how manufacturers will approach this.
The other important element is customer behaviour. We expect to see a wealth of new lubricants reach the market over the next few years, whether new formulas that are more suitable for reuse or products that are otherwise more eco-friendly, but for these products to make a difference to the environment, consumers will need to be willing to make the switch.
Until then, there are other steps that consumers can take to reduce the environmental impact of their operations. Here, the experts at Broughton Lubricants present some elements of best practice and things you should consider when choosing and applying oils, greases and other lubricant products to ensure your operations are as environmentally friendly as possible.
The consumer’s role
Things to consider when choosing a lubricant product for its environmental impact are: its source, whether it is biodegradable, its eco-toxicity, and its tendency to bioaccumulate. If you are relying on biodegradability measurements, you should research these in depth, as different industries use different definitions of biodegradability.
Vegetable-based products typically have a lower carbon footprint than petroleum oil-based lubricants, but may be less effective at high temperatures, so you should investigate each use case before choosing a product to ensure it will be effective. You can contact Broughton Lubricants for specific advice on the best products for your individual needs.
Low bioaccumulation potential is not only vital for environmental protection, but also for compliance, so this is always important to consider when choosing a product. How much lubricant you use also has an impact.
There is a difficult balance to strike here, as applying lubricants according to the manufacturer’s specifications can mean that you may be using more than you need. A synthetic lubricant is often longer lasting, but may only be compatible with more modern machinery, so consumers need to decide which product is better for their needs and whether a more reusable mineral oil-based lubricant is suitable for their needs.
Get in touch
At Broughton Lubricants, we have been offering expert advice on lubricant needs for over 90 years. With access to laboratory facilities, we can provide precise lubricant testing services, or have our experts visit your site to offer you specific guidance that is tailored to your business’ requirements.
For tailored advice on choosing the right lubricant products and applying them effectively, get in touch with us by calling us on 03300 555 655.
