SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES FOR A GREENER FUTURE

TO COMBAT USE OF FOSSIL FUELS, REDUCE EMISSION, AND GREEN HOUSE GASES, THE LUBRICANT INDUSTRY HAS BEEN WORKING TO DEVELOP MORE ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY LUBRICANTS. THESE “GREEN LUBRICANTS” ARE FORMULATED WITH BIODEGRADABLE OR SYNTHETIC BASE OILS AND CAN ALSO CONTAIN ADDITIVES THAT ENHANCE THEIR PERFORMANCE WHILE REDUCING THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.

The lubricant sector plays a substantial role in exacerbating global warming as a result of the copious energy and resources needed to produce and convey lubricants, as well as the byproducts generated during lubricant utilization. Over 10 million tons of mineral lubricants and hydraulic fluids pollute the environment yearly. In Europe, various industries consume an average of 5 million tons of lubricants, of which 40% directly pollute the natural environment (Theo Mang, Kirsten Bobzin, Thorsten Bartels, Lubricants, Industrial Tribology, 10.1002/9783527632572, (281-477), [2010]).

Furthermore, many traditional lubricants are derived from non-renewable resources such as mineral oil, which are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. One of the primary ways the lubricant industry exacerbates global warming is through producing and transporting lubricants. The manufacture of lubricants requires an abundance of energy, which often originates from fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. These fossil fuels are chief sources of greenhouse gas emissions, and the energy required to produce lubricants results in a considerable carbon footprint. Moving from fossil to renewable energy sources would cut down the energy losses due to friction in energy production by more than 60%. (Kenneth Holmberg and Ali Erdemir, The Impact of Tribology on Energy Use and CO2 Emission globally, (14), [2019]).

Additionally, the transportation of lubricants also results in emissions, as lubricants must be transported from production facilities to the point of use. The international shipping industry accounts for approximately 2% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (International Energy Agency [IEA], 2021; International Maritime Organization [IMO], 2020b; Wang et al., 2021).

Moreover, lubricants are used in a wide range of industries which contribute to global warming. For example, in the automotive sector, lubricants are used in engines to reduce friction and wear. However, the combustion of fossil fuels in engines also results in carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gasses. The same is valid for industrial machinery and equipment that rely on lubrication for smooth operation. Another way the lubricant industry exacerbates global warming is through the disposal of used lubricants.

Traditional lubricants are not biodegradable and often end up in landfills or the environment, where they can negatively impact the ecosystem. They can also contaminate water sources, causing harm to aquatic life. To combat these issues, the lubricant industry has been working to develop more environment-friendly lubricants. These “green lubricants” are formulated with biodegradable or synthetic base oils and can also contain additives that enhance their performance while reducing their environmental impact. For example, biodegradable lubricants made from vegetable oil can be decomposed in the environment without causing harm.

On the other hand, synthetic lubricants are made from synthetic base oils such as polyalphaolefins (PAOs) or esters, which have a higher viscosity index than mineral oil-based lubricants. This means they can maintain their lubricating properties over a more comprehensive temperature range, thus lowering energy consumption and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to developing green lubricants, the industry is also taking steps to reduce emissions while producing and transporting lubricants. For example, many lubricant manufacturers are investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power to minimize their reliance on fossil fuels. They are also implementing recycling programs to reduce waste and conserve resources.

To sum it all up, here are several ways that the lubricant industry can reduce its impact on global warming:

• Developing more environment-friendly lubricants: This can be achieved by using biodegradable or synthetic base oils and additives that enhance their performance while reducing their environmental impact.

• Investing in renewable energy sources: Many lubricant manufacturers are investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

• Implementing recycling and re-refining programs: These programs can help reduce waste and conserve resources.

• Increasing energy efficiency: Lubricant manufacturers can implement energy-efficient technologies and practices to reduce their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

• Promote the use of electric and hybrid vehicles: Lubricant manufacturers can promote the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, which have lower emissions than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

• Carbon capture and storage (CCS): Lubricant manufacturers can invest in CCS technology to capture carbon emissions before they are released into the atmosphere.

• Developing sustainable transportation solutions: Lubricant manufacturers can develop sustainable transportation solutions, such as using electric vehicles and trains, to reduce emissions during transportation.

• Providing education and awareness: Lubricant manufacturers can educate their customers and the public about the environmental impact of lubricants and promote the use of sustainable lubricants.

In conclusion, the lubricant industry plays a significant role in global warming due to the large amounts of energy and resources required to produce and transport lubricants. The global demand for lubricants reached a high in 2020 when demand reached 37 million metric tons. By 2028, the worldwide lubricants demand is expected to reach 38.1 million metric tons. (N. Sönnichsen, Global lubricant demand 2000-2028, [2022]). With increasing demand, more greenhouse gasses are released, thus furthering the industry’s impact on global warming.

This is in addition to the emissions generated during the use of lubricants. However, the industry is taking steps to reduce its impact by developing more environment-friendly lubricants, reducing emissions during the production and transportation of oils, and implementing recycling and re-refining programs. This move towards sustainable lubrication will benefit not only the environment but also the industry and society as a whole.