As the lubricant industry accelerates toward sustainability, Ingredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions is helping customers stay ahead with a portfolio of bio-based, high-performance ingredients and deep formulation expertise.
From extending lubricant life to meeting the stringent criteria of Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs), its approach is grounded in innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to regulatory foresight. Ingredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions brings together a global network of scientists, formulation labs, and supply chain experts to deliver targeted solutions across industrial sectors.
The sustainable product portfolio includes bio-based complex esters which enhance oxidative stability and reduce friction – both key factors to extending lubricant life. Products that are aligned with the Sustainable & Natural Product Framework are evaluated across six key sustainability dimensions: natural or bio-based, carbon footprinting, safer substitutes, circular materials, social impact accreditation, and environmental accreditation. This framework provides a structured, evidence-based approach to assessing sustainability at the product level, helping customers make informed decisions that support both performance and environmental goals.
A standout innovation comes from Synthomer, whose Pamolyn™ branded oleic and linoleic acids offer a bio-based option. Sourced exclusively from tall oil fatty acids, Pamolyn™ oleic acid is known for its high purity, low odor, and pale color – making it ideal for applications requiring clean, consistent performance. Similarly, Pamolyn™ linoleic acid high purity on the market helps lower titer providing formulations flexibility for use in extreme environments.
Longevity in lubricants is increasingly tied to smarter chemistry. Chemistries like Durasyn® 156, a polyalphaolefin from INEOS Oligomers, and Lubricit® TMP-C9, a thermally stable polyol ester, are engineered to resist oxidation and thermal breakdown from Zschimmer & Schwarz. Both meet Ecolabel criteria, with Durasyn® 156 additionally offering biodegradability. These properties help reduce maintenance intervals and extend equipment life – delivering both environmental and economic benefits.
A new addition to Ingredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions’ sustainable EP additive portfolio is SULFAD® 1529E from SEQENS. LuSC-listed and derived from natural fatty acid esters, it offers high extreme pressure performance and compatibility with a wide range of base oils. Its non-copper corrosive nature makes it ideal for EALs in metalworking and grease applications.

This innovative approach is extended to Univar Solutions’ Solution Centers – hubs of technical collaboration where customers can access formulation support, performance testing, and benchmarking across a wide range of applications. Here, chemists and application specialists work side-by-side with you to solve challenges and accelerate product development.
These advanced labs offer services such as:
- Product selection and compatibility testing.
- Prototype development and performance benchmarking.
- Regulatory guidance and specification support.
- Capability to perform advanced performance testing, including tribology assessments aligned with ASTM and DIN standard methodologies.
This hands-on support ensures customers not only meet sustainability goals but also bring differentiated, high-performing products to market faster, while staying ahead of evolving trends and regulatory shifts through continuous engagement with customers, suppliers, and industry experts.
As the industry evolves, Ingredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions remains a trusted partner.
To find out more about Ingredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions and how it is advancing sustainability in lubricants, visit https://www.univarsolutions.com/industries/lubricants-metalworking?utm_source=trade-ad&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=univar-solutions-advancing-sustainability-in-lubricants
