Introduction:
As stated in the 21st session of the Conference of Parties (COP) in 2015, the Paris Agreement came into force. The Paris Agreement explains the global framework to limit global warming by 2℃ versus pre-industrial levels.
At the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 1351 countries pledged towards carbon neutrality, out of them 66 countries have already updated a target year in their policies, laws, or propositions according to the data by Net Zero Tracker.
As the world races towards achieving Net Zero emissions, industries play a crucial role in transitioning to sustainable practices. India has already declared its goal to achieve Net Zero by 2070. Niti Ayog, the policy maker of the GoI has formed 11 committees for implementing Circular Economy concepts in 11 focus areas.
One often overlooked area is the lubricant industry, which has a significant carbon footprint throughout its life cycle. By decarbonising the lubricant life-cycle, industries can make substantial progress towards their net-zero targets. With this article, let’s explore and understand the various strategies and technologies that can be employed to achieve this goal.
- Understanding the Carbon Footprint of Lubricants in order to decarbonise the lubricant life-cycle, it is essential to first understand a few terms – Cradle to gate, Cradle to grave, Nano, Micro & Macro Circularity which are associated with procurement, production, distribution, use, and disposal. This section examines the carbon emissions associated with each stage and also highlights the areas with the highest emissions.
Cradle to gate: The lube is ready to move from the oil producers and before reaching the client's site the desired properties like NAS are maintained pre-hand, as during transit the oil properties may get hampered.
Nano Circularity: This term is termed as Mid-life treatment of oil with the help of Minimac’s Reconditioning Solutions. The lubricant’s long life means fewer oil changes and longer gaps between these changes ultimately leading to a reduction in new oil purchases.
Micro Circularity: This represents the reusing of the used oil by Reconditioning solutions that is end-of-life Treatment. The lubricant’s new-like state can be obtained by Reconditioning and oil no longer needs to be changed. This advancement is the future of lubrication.
Macro Circularity: The Recycling of waste oil or waste oil treatment is known as Macro Circularity. Out of a billion gallons of used lubricant, only 15% is re-refined. The remaining 85% is either improperly disposed of or incinerated. Decarbonising the lubricant sector through waste oil collection and management is crucial.
Cradle to Grave: It refers to the entire life-cycle of lubricants, from their manufacturing to their disposal. It surrounds the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing, distribution, usage, and end-of-life management. This concept emphasises the need to consider environmental and social impacts throughout the entire lubricant life cycle. By adopting this approach, companies can minimise their environmental footprint and promote a circular economy.
- Sustainable Sourcing & Production, the first step is to implement a sustainable procedure to source raw materials, and do production. To support this statement, here are a few points:
Transitioning to Renewable Feedstock: Traditionally, lubricants are typically derived from fossil fuels, but by shifting towards bio-based or biodegradable lubricants, industries can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Also, the current lubricant production ratio is 2:1, it should be certainly changed to 1:1.
Energy-Efficient Production Process: By implementing energy-efficient technologies and processes in lube oil production – minimising carbon emission.
Circular Economy Approach: Adopting a circular economy model, where used lubricants are recycled and reprocessed, leads to a reduction in the production of new oil, thus reducing carbon emissions.
- Optimising Lubricant Usage: The behavior needs to change; we should be responsible to use lubricants efficiently. A few strategies are mentioned below:
Effective Lube Management: By implementing proper lubrication management techniques and practices – we can maximise the efficiency and lifespan of lubricants, thus minimising the need for frequent oil replacements.
Mid-Life Oil Treatment: By enabling Mid-Life Oil Treatment, the oil in use is regularly monitored, tested, and reconditioned for better usage and to achieve the desired lifespan of oil. This also helps to maintain the good health of the machines.
Training and Education: Proper training and education about correct usage and maintenance of lubricants must be given to the team handling – this will lead to better practices and reduction in wastage and emission.
- Sustainable distribution and supply chain also plays a crucial role in decarbonising lubricant life-cycle. A few major focus areas are:
Efficient Logistics: By optimising and figuring out the best route for the supply or distribution of lubricant along with sustainable packaging will help reduce carbon emissions associated with the distribution process.
Adoption of Renewable Energy: With the help of companies and suppliers, the transition from petroleum vehicles to renewable energy-sourced vehicles can be done; thus, reducing a lot of carbon footprint while transportation.
- End-Life Management & proper recycling management of lubricant oil is vital to achieving net-zero goals. A few important points are mentioned below:
Recycling & Reprocessing: The RRBO (Re-refine Base Oil) is generated from re-refiners where used oil goes through several processes and gets into the form of base oil.
Proper disposal: The waste lubricant requires proper disposal, such as incineration or treatment at specialised facilities – re-refiners, can prevent environmental contamination and reduce carbon emissions.
In order to reach the net-zero industrial aim, a thorough strategy that takes into account the entire lubricant life-cycle is needed. To contribute to a sustainable future, all stakeholders should work together to decarbonise the production, usage, distribution, and end-of-life management of lubricants.
The technologies and tactics discussed in this article will undoubtedly lay out a clear path for the sector to follow as it strives to adopt more eco-friendly practices and solutions and move towards a net-zero carbon future.
Reference:
1 – www.statista.com/countries-with-timed-pledges-for-carbon-neutrality
