Shell Lubricant macro distributor Viva Energy Australia has launched the range of Shell Panolin biodegradable lubricants.
Lubricants play a vital role in keeping the world moving and machinery operating efficiently.
As the world’s need for mobility, construction and industrial production grows, the demand for lubricants will also increase. However, there is a shared responsibility to meet this rising demand while reducing the environmental impact of lubricants.
Construction businesses can expect to see more high quality environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) being introduced to the market, like the Shell Panolin range of biodegradable lubricants.
The biolubricant market has been projected to grow at an annual rate of 3.5 per cent from 2021 through 2025, well above the average growth expected for finished lubricants. [1]
Biodegradable lubricants are not new to the construction industry. There has long been a need for EALs for certain jobsite environments, such as projects near water sources and environmentally sensitive areas. However, they have historically been considered low quality.
According to Viva Energy Australia Product Support Engineer Silvana Farrugia, EALs had long been made with just vegetable oils.
“They had lower oxidation resistance, and were really just a necessity for select jobs,” she said.
However, advancements in performance of biodegradable lubricants have been accelerating in recent years, largely due to industry demand.
“This is largely being done through the reformulation of more balanced lubricants with higher tier synthetic ester base stocks and the development of better additives,” Silvana said.
“The Shell Panolin portfolio is technically well-balanced with high biodegradability and is designed for long life, with high performance and protection contributing to equipment longevity.”
The Shell Panolin biodegradable lubricants offer this sustainability without sacrificing performance.
The portfolio includes a broad choice of readily biodegradable and low-ecotoxicity lubricants for hydraulics, gears, biodegradable engine oils (HDEO) and greases for machine lubrication, including leading OEM-approved products.
“Shell Panolin S4 HLP Synth 32, 46, 68 for example was the first Bosch Rexroth-approved biodegradable hydraulic oil, designed for uninterrupted equipment operation,” Silvana said.
Viva Energy Australia Lubricant Sales and Marketing Manager, Renee Reilly, said the company was thrilled to be able to bring the Shell Panolin range of products to the Australian market.
“We have already seen strong interest amongst our partners and customers as they look to take tangible steps towards sustainability and biodegradable lubricants,” she said.
So why is biodegradability and low- ecotoxicity important? Biodegradability is a measure of the breakdown of a chemical or a chemical mixture by microorganisms, and this property gives an indication about the potential of a chemical to break down into simpler,
more harmless substances. This is particularly important when events such as accidental spills or leaks of fluid or waste disposal occur. [1]
Ecotoxicity is a measure of the toxicity of a chemical substance to an organism in a given environment. To be classified as non-toxic, a finished fluid and, in some cases, its major components must undergo acute toxicity studies at different levels in the food chain. Shell Panolin lubricants are all defined as having low-ecotoxicity. [3]
“Biodegradability and low-ecotoxicity of a chemical or lubricant need to be considered in order to estimate the risks of detrimental effects on the environment, which could impact the people or businesses that use the ecosystems,” Renee said.
“This is also important in ensuring businesses comply with environmental legislation.”
Shell Panolin’s wide range of high- performance biodegradable lubricants ensures that whilst the environmental impact of critical operations can be reduced, it does not mean that productivity or protection need to be compromised.
For more information on the Shell Panolin range of products, contact the Viva Energy Australia Technical Helpdesk on 1300 134 205 or leave an enquiry online: www.vivaenergy.com.au/shoplubricants
[1] Shell Innovations in Lubrication Whitepaper 2024
[3] The finished lubricants biodegraded by over 60 per cent after 28 days in the OECD 301 B carbon dioxide evolution test and are tested in accordance with OECD 202 to determine toxic potential. Biodegradability and ecotoxicity terminology is defined by ASTM D 6384-99, “Standard Terminology Relating to Biodegradability and Ecotoxicity of Lubricants” and as defined by EU Ecolabel.