Greater sustainability in production thanks to rhenus XT 85 GREEN
Reading time: 5 Min. | 01.12.2023
Greater sustainability in production thanks to a new metalworking fluid – rhenus XT 85 GREEN – with over 85% biogenic carbon
With rhenus XT 85 GREEN, Rhenus Lub is setting new standards in sustainability. This biodegradable metalworking fluid is a high-performance alternative for all metalworkers who attach particular importance to more sustainable products. rhenus XT 85 GREEN contains a high proportion of biogenic carbon, at over 85%. The advantage of this concept is that it uses the climate-damaging greenhouse gas CO2 as an active ingredient. In this way, CO2 from plants is converted into a usable raw material by photosynthesis – and a cyclical model is created in which CO2 is taken from the atmosphere, biologically transformed and returned to the atmosphere after use. The metalworking fluid therefore results in practically no net increase in greenhouse gas emissions even after the life cycle is complete (final thermal recycling).
When it comes to minimising the environmental impact of the manufacturing industry, one key factor is the use of sustainable raw materials in process media, such as lubricants. By using biogenic carbon, the manufacturer Rhenus Lub has now opened a new chapter in the production of sustainable metalworking fluids: “Even synthetic metalworking fluids, which manage without mineral oil, aren’t automatically sustainable. In contrast, rhenus XT 85 GREEN and the use of biogenic carbon result in a climate-friendly cycle and represent a new approach to the development of metalworking fluids,” explains Dr Hans-Jürgen Schlindwein, Head of Product Management Metalworking Fluids at Rhenus Lub.
Products with a high proportion of biogenic carbon
A measurably high and transparently traceable proportion of biogenic carbon is a key prerequisite for the classification of a lubricant as a sustainable product. This parameter provides information about the carbon contained in the product and therefore about a product’s chemical origins. It is also possible to describe how much carbon in the product ultimately comes from plants and is therefore renewable.
This means that, from now on, manufacturing companies can also use a metalworking fluid with a high proportion of biogenic carbon with a view to improving the product carbon footprint (PCF). The PCF encompasses all of the greenhouse gas emissions, and especially the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, caused by a product over the various phases of its life cycle. These phases include development, manufacturing, transport of raw materials or precursors, production and distribution, as well as reuse and disposal. The higher the proportion of biogenic carbon, the lower the proportion of fossil constituents, thereby reducing unwanted CO2 emissions and the PCF.
Cutting-edge research and development
As an added-value partner, Rhenus Lub focuses on added value for its customers and makes above-average investments in research and development every year. Its clear focus is on developing high-performance metalworking fluids and lubricating greases that have the least possible impact on humans and the environment. Moreover, the lubricant manufacturer has provided a wide range of skin-friendly metalworking fluids for many years. The company also places particular importance on making greater use of regionally sourced raw materials and finished products.
“For us, as a family business, sustainability is nothing new. We’ve been committed to sustainability for generations,” says partner Isabella Kleeschulte. “Driven by this sense of personal commitment, we’ve been an avowed member of the UN Global Compact since 2011 – when we were one of the first companies in Germany to join. Back then, we were already able to demonstrate our commitment to a sustainable way of doing business. Now, we’re going one step further with our biodegradable metalworking fluid rhenus XT 85 GREEN.”
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