What are the benefits of biodegradable industrial oil and how does it contribute to environmental sustainability?

Industrial oil and environmental sustainability

12 December 2023

Today, environmental issues are a priority when manufacturing and distributing products adapted to consumer needs. The design phase is essential to determine the impact these may have on the environment, so it is key to identify, prevent, and minimize impacts across all phases of the production chain.

As far as our sector is concerned, the design of biodegradable industrial lubricants is gaining ground as a responsible and environmentally friendly solution, as it is all about offering advantages that go beyond the effective lubrication of machinery, but look towards the future and towards the emissions reduction. Let's see what these benefits are and how they contribute to caring for the environment.

1. Biodegradability:

The main distinctive feature of biodegradable industrial oils is their ability to decompose naturally over time. This process prevents the accumulation of toxic waste in the environment, reducing the environmental impact.

More specifically, biodegradable lubricants are those that have the potential capacity to be broken down by bacteria and become inert material, such as CO2, water, mineral salts, and biomass, if they reach the environment.

In this sense, they can be divided into two types: inherently biodegradable and easily biodegradable. The former are characterized by showing evidence of having biodegradation properties, and can broken down by over 20% in 28 days, while the latter by more than 60%.

2. Low or no toxicity:

Compared to conventional industrial oils, biodegradable oils tend to have lower toxicity, which is especially relevant in industrial environments where there is a risk of leaks or spills. In this sense, these lubricants are the least harmful to the environment and do not present dangers to human health or to the aquatic environment, contributing in turn to maintaining a balance and protecting fauna and flora.

3. High flash point:

The flash point is the temperature at which a lubricant can ignite. This is why, compared to their conventional counterparts, biodegradables are formulated to have a higher flash point, which significantly improves operational safety, helping to reduce the risk of accidental ignition and providing safer work environments.

4. High viscosity:

El high viscosity index of industrial lubricantsmakes them maintain their fluidity and lubrication capacity across a wide range of temperatures, in addition to preventing premature wear and tear of mechanical components. This translates into less generation of wear debris and, therefore, fewer pollutants in the environment.

In conclusion, opting for biodegradable industrial lubricants not only improves environmental sustainability, but also increases efficiency and safety in the operation of industrial machinery. Choosing them, therefore, is an investment in the sustainable future of the industry and in the long-term well-being of the planet.