Eco-Friendly & Bio-Base Grease

A Sustainable Future for the Lubricants Industry

Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Grease

The world’s primary energy consumption is attributed to friction. Grease and Lubricant are used to reduce friction between moving parts in machines and engines. In today's competitive world, we have witnessed a significant shift in the grease industry, with companies recognising the need for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly business model that benefits not only the environment but also drives the need to reduce carbon emissions and minimise environmental impact. Industries across the spectrum are facing pressure to implement more sustainable practices.

One of the key innovations in this domain is the rise of eco-friendly, bio-based grease. These lubricants, derived from organic sources such as vegetable oils and animal fats, are altering our approach to performance, environmental responsibility, and the sustainability of resources for the future.

Types of Grease: Grease is classified into Two Classes:-

A) Soap-type Grease: In this type, we prepare soap first and then mix it with base oil to formulate the grease. Below are the types of grease that come in this class.

1. Lithium Grease

2. Calcium Grease

3. Aluminium Grease

4. Lithium Complex Grease

B) Non-Soap type Grease:

1. Urea Grease

2. Synthetic Grease

3. Bentonite Grease

Eco-Friendly Greases are manufactured to protect the planet, breaking down harmlessly in water and soil due to their biodegradable and non-toxic nature. They do not pollute the environment, making them safer for marine life. They are produced from animal fats, vegetable oils, flower oils, soybean oil, rice bran oil, and castor oil.

Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable Grease Chart

Benefits Of Eco-Friendly Greases:

• Sourced From Renewables: Made from plant-derived oils and other sustainable materials, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels.

• Environmentally Friendly: Contributes to a healthier ecosystem by minimising harmful residues. Will not persist as pollutants.

• Versatile Applications: Suitable for various industries while maintaining ecological integrity.

• Promotes Sustainability: Supports a shift towards greener practices.

Bio-Based Grease is crafted from a vibrant mix of renewable resources, including animal fats, vegetable and flower oils, soybean oil, rice bran oil, and castor oil. However, not every bio-based grease is naturally biodegradable. Much like their petroleum-based counterparts, these greases often undergo processing and may need additives to enhance specific qualities. Understanding the distinction between biodegradable and bio-based lubricants is key when choosing truly eco-friendly options.

Key Advantages of Bio-Based Greases:

• Exceptional lubricity and wear protection.

• Outstanding thermal and oxidative stability.

• Advanced protection from rust and corrosion.

• Biodegradable and low toxicity.

• These greases can be tailored for high-load, high-temperature, and high-speed applications in industrial, automotive, marine, and off-road sectors.

Eco-Friendly Grease

Regulatory & Environmental Standards Bio-Based Grease

Strict environmental regulations, such as those implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aim to reduce the ecological impact of grease in applications susceptible to leaks or spills, particularly in marine and agricultural environments.

The International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, as well as the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), significantly contribute to the expansion of the Bio-Based Grease Market. Companies are pressured to reduce their carbon emissions. The market for eco-friendly lubricants is experiencing strong growth. Growing awareness of environmental issues among consumers and companies fuels the demand for environmentally friendly lubricants.

Worldwide environmental standards and certifications reinforce bio-based lubricants:

•      OECD 301 (Biodegradability test).

•      USDA Bio Preferred® Program.

•      EU Ecolabel.

•      VGP (Vessel General Permit) compliance for marine usage.

•      ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.

These standards guarantee that every product meets rigorous ecological and performance criteria, setting a high bar for quality and sustainability.

Various Industries are adopting Bio-Based Grease:

• Agriculture – for tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems.

• Food & Beverage – as NSF H1 food-grade greases.

• Mining & Construction – where grease losses can directly affect nearby habitats.

• Public Utilities – including wind turbines and hydropower stations, where long-lasting, leak-proof grease is essential.

• Marine & Ports – to minimise water pollution and comply with marine environmental regulations.

Challenges and Considerations Bio-Based Grease:

Bio-based greases face multiple challenges and considerations. These include limited temperature ranges for operation, as many do not perform well under high temperatures, which limits their use in specific applications. They may not always match the performance of mineral-based greases in all scenarios. Some bio-based greases also show poor fluidity at low temperatures, which can affect their performance in colder climates. There is a potential for degradation and sludge formation. Even though the base oil may be bio-based, the additives used in greases can still raise environmental concerns. Additionally, they typically have higher production costs compared to conventional mineral oil-based greases.

The Future of Bio-Based Grease:

As industries look beyond traditional petroleum-based and synthetic oils, the call for greener lubrication solutions grows louder. Bio-based greases, though still a smaller player in the market, are steadily gaining ground as their performance improves. Their appeal lies in their ability to break down naturally and leave a smaller environmental footprint. Researchers are constantly exploring new bio-based additives, pushing the boundaries of what these sustainable greases can achieve.

Regardless of whether you are a manufacturer, distributor, or end-user, transitioning to sustainable lubrication aligns with global trends, customer demands, and environmental accountability.

LINUS PROJECTS (INDIA) specialises in fully automated grease manufacturing plants, lube oil blending plant machinery featuring a continuous blender and an auto-cleaning system. The setup incorporates a series of VFD (variable frequency drive) controlled pumps, flow meters, and automated valves. The entire operation is managed through automation and PLC control, complemented by a SCADA interface. Additionally, packaging robots provide real-time insights into packaging operations, product placement, and quality assurance protocols. Collaborating with Linus Projects (India) allows you to incorporate the latest technology in processing the Lube Oil Blending Plant (LOBP) & Grease Manufacturing Business.