Rhenus LAE 2: EU Ecolabel High-Performance Biolube

rhenus LAE 2: Reduced environmental risks and high performance confirmed by the EU Ecolabel

Based on biodegradable synthetic base oils in accordance with the EU Ecolabel LuSC list
Increases performance and environmental compatibility
Suitable for total loss lubrication even under high loads

Standard mineral oil-based fats are often very efficient, but can, depending on the application and handling, potentially pose a risk to the environment. Therefore, for many years, Rhenus Lub wendet has invested significant resources in research and development to limit the environmental impact of its products. The newly introduced rhenus LAE 2, an evolution of the proven biologically readily biodegradable rhenus LAC 2, has received the EU Ecolabel (EEL) after an extensive certification process. The EEL is recognized in all member states of the European Union as well as in Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. It is awarded to products that have lower environmental impacts throughout their entire lifecycle compared to conventional mineral oil-based formulations.

„Native base oils from rapeseed or sunflower are prone to oxidation and are therefore often unsuitable for demanding applications. This has led to prejudices against the performance of bio-lubricant fats,“ explains Dr. Marco Pfeiffer, Head of Product Management & Sales of Fette at Rhenus Lub. „We have set out to change this perception. Thanks to synthetic esters with excellent properties, such as those used in rhenus LAE 2, bio-degradable lubricants are today just as capable as mineral-based lubricants in many areas. Although the Ecolabel significantly limits the choice of raw materials, we have succeeded in developing an extremely efficient solution. In terms of performance, there is currently hardly any comparable product among Ecolabel-based lubricants – we are at the forefront of development here.“

Strict criteria for the award of the European Ecolabel

EEL certified products have a lower impact on air, water, soil and human health than commercially available mineral oil based lubricants. In order to obtain the EEL certificate, companies must satisfy strict criteria. These include among other things compliance with the Lubricant Substance Classification (LuSC) list which specifies the raw materials that can be used. At the same time, the use of “performance raw materials” that are usually not biodegradable or biodegradable to only a limited extent, is restricted. In addition, there are regulations for the packagings that must contain a certain percentage of recycled material and be designed in such a way that spillage is reliably prevented.

Reliable performance in critical situations

The high-performance bioscrubbing agent rhenus LAE 2 has been optimized primarily for use at loss-of-lubrication points where excess and displaced lubricant can enter the ground, the sewer system or waterways. This includes, for example, construction machinery, machines and transport equipment in excavation and demolition areas, equipment in the water sector, lock, sewage and port facilities, agricultural machinery or rail transport. While mineral oil-based lubricants always pose a certain risk to the environment here, rhenus LAE 2 is easily biodegradable and contains only a limited amount of hazardous substances, so that the impact on the environment is significantly reduced. It is suitable for the lubrication of roller and plain bearings under high – even impact – loads and reliably withstands high temperatures. Furthermore, it is water and oxidation resistant, has very good corrosion protection properties and a good adhesive ability.

„The further development and optimization of our proven bio lubricant and the certification of rhenus LAE 2 with the EU Ecolabel are another step on our path towards greater sustainability,“ says Dr. Marco Pfeiffer. „We are already bringing further products to market maturity and will proactively advance the topic in the future as well.“