On 16 Nov 2010, InCrops hosted a Networking Event on Biolubricants at the Keystone Innovation Centre in Thetford. Cliff Lea from the multinational ‘Fuchs Lubricants’ gave an overview of the history of biolubricants use, highlighted the vast improvements in performance made over the last 10 years, and presented case studies of their use, including the building of the Eden Project. Simon Nash from “Green Oil UK Ltd” shared his experiences in producing his eco-award winning ‘Green oil’ bicycle biolubricants. The presentation was followed by a lively discussion on the pros and cons of using biolubricants, and explored the barriers to uptake.
The take-away message was:
Biolubricants have undergone significant improvement in performance and cost since they were first introduced 30 years ago, but this message has not consistently reached machine manufacturers and operators. The poor publicity created by unsatisfactory performance of early biolubricants 20 years ago has inhibited their introduction more widely. What is needed now? More education, more demonstration projects, more tests – to spread the message o the superior performance of current biolubricants, and to ensure there are no warranty issues.
Click here to view the presentations and a summary of the discussion.