Three greases – three industries: why not all lubricating greases are the same

In industrial production, it is often the invisible components that determine efficiency and operational reliability. High-performance lubricating greases are among these silent heroes. They minimize friction, prevent wear, and ensure the longevity of critical components. However, choosing a universal standard product can have serious consequences.

Every industry, every machine, and every application has its own unique combination of loads, temperatures, and environmental influences. A grease that works perfectly in a construction machine could cause contamination in a food packaging line. A formulation suitable for the automotive industry would fail within minutes in a steel mill.

Dr. Marco Pfeiffer, Head of Product Management at Rhenus Lub, sums it up: “Using an unsuitable grease inevitably leads to problems – from shortened relubrication intervals and increased wear to sudden machine breakdowns. These downtimes not only cause massive costs but can disrupt entire production chains.”

A lubricating grease is more than just thickened oil. It is a precisely engineered system composed of three key components, whose selection and interaction determine its performance:

The art lies in combining these three elements to create a tailor-made solution for each specific application.

The following examples show how different industry requirements can be – and how Rhenus Lub responds with specialized greases.

Challenge 1 – food industry: absolute hygiene and audit compliance

In the food and pharmaceutical industries, consumer safety is the highest priority. A lubricant must never pose a health risk, even in the event of accidental contact with the product.

The requirement: Greases must be physiologically safe and comply with international standards such as NSF H1. For global markets, Halal and Kosher certifications are also essential.

Rhenus Lub solution: We offer a broad range of H1-registered lubricating greases based on medical white oils or synthetic base oils.

“For our customers in food technology, audit compliance is a key concern,” explains Dr. Pfeiffer. “Our special greases not only deliver the required technical performance – for example in filling or packaging lines – but also provide the necessary safety through all relevant certifications. This builds trust and ensures smooth production and inspection processes.”

Challenge 2 – steel industry: endurance under extreme conditions

Few environments are as demanding as a steel plant. Enormous heat, heavy loads, and constant moisture push every machine component to its limits.

The requirement: The grease must remain stable even at very high temperatures, withstand extreme pressure, and resist washout by water to provide long-term protection against wear and corrosion.

Rhenus Lub solution: High-performance greases with special thickener systems and EP additives are used here.

“In the steel industry, robustness is everything,” says Dr. Pfeiffer. “Our greases are formulated to maintain a stable lubricating film even under extreme conditions. For the customer, this means fewer unplanned shutdowns, significantly longer component lifetimes, and reduced maintenance costs.”

Challenge 3 – commercial vehicles: maximum reliability on long haul

For freight and logistics companies, every minute counts. Trucks cover hundreds of thousands of kilometers each year – ideally without downtime.

The requirement: Absolute reliability and maximum service life to extend maintenance intervals and reduce total cost of ownership (TCO). Greases must withstand heavy loads in wheel bearings, resist dirt and spray water in chassis components, and ensure long-lasting protection.

Rhenus Lub solution: Durable, corrosion-resistant greases developed specifically for the high loads and extended service intervals typical of the commercial vehicle sector.

“In the commercial vehicle market, it all comes down to total cost of ownership,” explains Dr. Pfeiffer. “Our special wheel bearing greases are designed to extend relubrication intervals to the maximum and protect components reliably throughout their intended lifetime. That keeps fleets moving and lowers operating costs.”

Even the best laboratory formulation is only half the story. The real challenge often becomes clear only on-site, within the customer’s system. That’s why application engineering is a core pillar of the Rhenus Lub philosophy.

Holger Plewa, Application Engineer at Rhenus Lub, explains: “On paper, a solution might look perfect – but in the customer’s plant, we often discover the real challenge. This close collaboration is the key to creating not just a replacement product, but a truly sustainable solution that improves the customer’s process long-term.”

These examples make it clear: lubricating grease is no longer a simple consumable – it’s a highly specialized engineering component. Choosing the right, customized solution is a strategic decision that pays off directly through higher process reliability, reduced total operating costs, and longer machine life.

Rely on Rhenus Lub’s expertise. Our application engineers will gladly advise you on selecting the optimal grease for your specific needs. Unlock the full potential of Rhenus Lub high-performance greases for your production. Our experts will be happy to assist you: