Consumer demand for environmental friendliness has led to more organizations taking action to decrease their ecological footprint. According to a joint study from McKinsey and NielsenIQ, 78% of US consumers would like to live a sustainable lifestyle. Of course, a person’s lifestyle often affects how, what, and where they spend their money. Many consumers are putting lubricant oil companies under a magnifying glass to ensure they prioritize eco-consciousness.
In addition, a global consensus exists among scientists: the planet’s climate demands immediate intervention to avoid catastrophe. According to CBS News, Melbourne’s Breakthrough National Centre for Climate Restoration warns that continued inaction could result in an existential threat to humanity within the next 30 years. Consumers, according to Business News Daily, believe brands share the same responsibility as governments in fostering positive changes for the environment.
For this reason, organizations across various industries are beginning to change how they operate. This shift includes switching from traditional lubricant oil to biodegradable and non-toxic lubricant oils—biolubricants. Traditional lubricant oils pose sustainability and environmental concerns in nearly every stage of their lifecycle, from production to use, disposal, and even long after.
Allegheny Petroleum biolubricants are designed to break down quickly and are harmless to humans and aquatic life. They can be derived from plant oils or created from modified, renewable oil sources such as synthetic esters. Biolubricants are the preferred choice in situations where protecting the ecosystem is a vital priority. Such scenarios include aquatic settings, mountains, farms, forests, and quarries.
Understanding the Issue
Oil undergoes a fundamental transformation when drained from engines, gearboxes, and similar systems. The oil base deteriorates, creating acids, and once-beneficial oil additives break down into different chemical compounds. Mechanical wear also introduces contaminants to the oil in the form of metal particles.
Beyond the standard wear debris like iron, tin, and copper particles, used oil can also contain:
- Industrial Mix-ins: Process fluids, degreasers, and solvents improperly disposed of and mixed with the oil.
- Additive Residues: Zinc, commonly present in lubricant additive packages, accumulates in used oil.
The substantial rise in lubricant oil spills and inadequate recycling practices severely damage the environment. Estimates suggest that half of all used lubricant oil is discarded improperly, with 95% adversely affecting human health and ecosystems.
In contrast to traditional lubricants, biodegradable alternatives degrade naturally over time due to biological breakdown processes. We categorize such lubricants by their biodegradability:
- Inherently biodegradable: Decomposes by at least 20% within 28 days.
- Readily biodegradable: Decomposes by at least 60% within 28 days.
Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of using biodegradable and non-toxic lubricant oils:
Ecosystem Safety
- Minimal harm to plants and wildlife: Biodegrade quickly, reducing pollution of waterways and soil.
- Safer for marine life: Especially important in sensitive environments like oceans and lakes.
Reduced Disposal Challenges
- Easier disposal: Can often be disposed of with less complex procedures than petroleum-based lubricants.
- Reduced hazardous waste: Lessens the environmental impact of disposal.
Additional Benefits
Worker safety: Less risk of harmful exposure for those handling the lubricants.
Potential for better performance: Some biodegradable lubricants may outperform traditional options in specific applications.
Exploring Biodegradable and Non-toxic Lubricant Oils
Here’s a breakdown of different types of biodegradable and non-toxic lubricant oils:
Vegetable Oils (VOs):
- Properties: Readily available, renewable, has a high viscosity index (good performance at high temperatures), lower coefficient of friction, and is non-toxic.
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable (over 60% breakdown in 28 days).
- Applications: Light-duty applications like chainsaws, bicycle chains, and hydraulic systems.
- Limitations: Lower load-carrying capacity compared to other options, shorter drain interval due to less oxidation resistance.
Synthetic Esters (SEs):
- Properties: Excellent lubricity, good viscosity index, high shear stability (maintains viscosity under pressure), readily biodegradable.
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable.
- Applications: Hydraulic fluids, gear, and engine oils (especially for high-performance or environmentally sensitive applications).
- Limitations: Can be more expensive than vegetable oils.
Polyalkylene Glycols (PAGs):
- Properties: Excellent high and low-temperature performance, high lubricity, fire-resistant, readily biodegradable.
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable.
- Applications: Industrial gearboxes, compressors, wind turbines (due to fire resistance), and food-grade lubricants.
- Limitations: Can be more expensive than traditional lubricants.
Other Biodegradable Options:
- Bio-based Esters: Made from renewable resources like fatty acids and alcohols, offers good performance and biodegradability.
- Biolubricants with Additives: These combine natural base oils with non-toxic, biodegradable additives to improve specific properties.
Choosing the right biodegradable lubricant depends on how the product will be used. Here are some key considerations:
- Viscosity: Thicker oils are best for heavier loads, while thinner oils perform better at low temperatures.
- Temperature Range: The lubricant needs to function effectively under the operating temperatures.
- Load-Carrying Capacity: The ability to handle pressure and prevent wear.
- Compatibility with Materials: Ensure the lubricant won’t damage seals or other components.
By using biodegradable and non-toxic lubricants, we can minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability in various industries, including:
- Forestry: Biodegradable chainsaw oil reduces soil contamination.
- Agriculture: Biodegradable hydraulic fluids in farm equipment protect soil health.
- Manufacturing: Environmentally friendly lubricants benefit production processes.
- Construction: Biodegradable options are safer for use near waterways.
- Marine Applications: Reduced risk of oil spills protects marine life.
The growing demand for environmentally responsible practices is driving innovation in the field of biodegradable lubricants. As research continues, we can expect even more effective and versatile options.
Making the Switch To Biolubricants
While researchers explore exciting new bio-oil technologies that could eventually replace conventional lubricants, certain limitations remain. First, vegetable-based oils are generally more expensive than their petroleum counterparts. Bio-oils also struggle in cold temperatures and are more susceptible to oxidation, requiring additives to improve their performance.
Despite those shortcomings, their unique chemistry gives them some distinct advantages over traditional petroleum-based lubricants.
- Rapid biodegradability, minimizing environmental and health risks.
- Superior shear stability for consistent performance under stress.
- Higher viscosity indices, ensuring optimal lubrication across temperature ranges.
- Improved lubricity, reducing friction, resulting in increased power output and better fuel efficiency.
- Reduced volatility, leading to lower exhaust emissions.
- Strong natural detergency, potentially replacing the need for additional detergent additives.
- Enhanced dispersant properties.
Allegheny Petroleum champions environmentally conscious lubrication alternatives. Our bio-based lubricants are derived from sustainable plant resources, reducing the risk of environmental damage to air, water, and soil in the event of accidental release.
Gain the Sustainable Advantage With Allegheny Petroleum
Choosing environmentally friendly lubricant oils protects ecosystems, promotes sustainability, and can even offer performance benefits. If you value these things, consider switching to eco-friendly solutions.
Allegheny Petroleum’s 25+ years of expertise and commitment to ongoing innovation make us your trusted partner in transitioning to biolubricants. We’ll provide tailored product recommendations to find the perfect fit for your needs. Explore Allegheny Petroleum’s sustainable options and contact us today for our product list and specialized guidance.