Over the past century, humanity has made tremendous advances in science, technology, and industry. We live longer, safer, and more comfortably than ever before. However, this progress has come at a cost – the long-term health and well-being of our planet.
The demand for environmentally adapted products is growing, particularly in segments affected by new legislation, such as the marine industry. At AXEL, we have both the knowledge and the technology to meet these demands.
AXEL's biodegradable lubricating greases offer a sustainable alternative, delivering high technical performance with minimal environmental impact. Switching to bio-based greases is not merely an environmental choice but a strategic step towards true sustainability.
Historically, “green” was a commonly used, simplified term to describe any lubricant formulated to deliver greater environmental sensitivity.
A key feature of such products was always an ability to biodegrade more effectively than more traditional mineral oil-based lubricants. Today, the criteria for being considered an “Environmentally Acceptable Lubricant” or
“EAL” also include the following:
Biodegradability is a measure of how organic matter breaks down under aerobic or anaerobic conditions by microorganisms, typically bacteria, but also fungi, into less harmful compounds in the environment.
Renewable resources are naturally replenished over time on a human time scale. For EAL, this usually means using bio-based oils such as vegetable or synthetic esters. Where necessary, EALs are required to be manufactured primarily from renewable materials.
Bioaccumulation occurs when chemicals accumulate in an organism's tissues over time. If absorption exceeds degradation, these substances can cause harmful biological effects and spread through the food chain.
Toxicity measures how damaging a chemical substance or a mixture of chemical substances is to living organisms. Ecotoxicity specifically focuses on the negative effects of chemical compounds in lubricants that can damage organisms in aquatic environments.
