Lubricants & Energy | Business Case
Accelerating progress in developing environmentally friendly hydraulic fluids
IMCD Lubricants & Energy is a committed partner for our principal
suppliers in promoting and demonstrating the sustainable value of
products used in lubricant formulations. By keeping the customer at
the centre of our activities, we want to make it easier for them to access
ingredients that have a low environmental impact, can boost energy
saving and limit CO2 emissions. Our team of experts have defined a set of
sustainable categories that enable us to identify and select sustainable
materials that are currently available through our distribution partnership.
By using this approach, we can deliver success for our customers. One such case is with
an Italian producer of plant-based raw materials and lubricants. The customer was working
with an end user of hydraulic systems who was looking to replace their standard hydraulic
fluid with an alternative that delivered a lower environmental impact.
Hydraulic fluids are used in machines and equipment to transfer pressure from one point
to another. They are largely used in tractors and other farm equipment or construction
equipment in close contact with environment, so there is a relatively high risk that they can
accidentally leak and be spilled on to soil. Moreover, users can be exposed when fluids spill
or leak on the skin during fluid refilling. Hence, there is a growing need from the end user
for a hydraulic fluid with a high biodegradability, less flammability and
low toxicity.

“Our team is proud to have supported our customer on their journey to developing a hydraulic fluid with improved environmental credentials.”
Emma GuthrieCommunications Manager
Our customer carried out detailed laboratory work to adapt the finished fluid formula to the specific end-user application. As a result, our customer was able to develop a high-performing lubricant with a good level of biodegradability (> 60% ready biodegradability) and a high content of renewable material (> 50%), thus meeting the end user’s requirements for a hydraulic fluid with improved environmental and toxicological credentials.