According to Rolf Luther of Fuchs Schmierstoffe GmbH, one of the groups first steps was to issue a technical report containing recommendations for terminology and characterization of bioIubricants and biobased lubricants. CEN Technical Report 16227, published in 2011, stated that the minimum requirements for bioIubricants include renewability, biodegradability, toxicity and technical performance.

According to the report, the level of renewable raw materials must be greater than 25 percent, as measured by ASTM D-6866 (Radiocarbon Dating Analysis). Biodegradability must be greater than 60 percent, as measured by OECD 301, for oils and greater than 50 percent, according to OECD 301 for greases.

To meet toxicity requirement, the lubricant should not be labeled as Hazardous to the Environment, as defined in 1999/45/EG (Dangerous Preparations Directive). Tests to show the toxicity levels of the full product should be performed according to OECD 201/202/203. Finally, technical performance simply means the product is fit for purpose.

In a presentation at the International Colloquium Tribology at Technische Akademie Esslingen in January, Luther said that the CEN standard was finalized in 2015. He added that every claim with regard to biodegradability, toxicity and biobased content must be measurable in the final product by the customer.

The value of biolubricants for customers is based on price and performance, Luther added. Well-performing bioIubricants can be expected to cost more, and customers unfortunately do not yet value bio- or eco-properties, he explained. To justify higher prices, biolubricants need technical added value like longer life, superior wear properties and higher energy efficiency.

Luther ventured that switching from the existing technology push to a market pull may require a political framework supporting biobased lubricants. For example, the Lead Market Initiative, published in 2007, recommends that governments study the possibility of mandating the use of bioIubricants and hydraulic fluids in environmentally sensitive areas, he related. This could be implemented via legislation to protect soil and water resources.

Luther suggested the United States Vessel General Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Vessels (VGP) as a possible model to follow. Under the VGP, acceptable biodegradability tests are OECD 301A-F, OECD 306, OECD 310 and ASTM D5864. For a substance to be classified as minimally toxic, it must pass either OECD 201, 202 and 203 for acute toxicity or OECD 210 and 211 for chronic toxicity. Up to 5 percent of the formulation can be nonbiodegradable (but not bioaccumulative), and another 5 percent must be inherently biodegradable.

Luther then outlined the targets for the CEN standard to determine the ultimate biodegradability of fully formulated products. First, the aerobic biological degradation of fully formulated lubricants in an aqueous solution should be determined based on carbon dioxide production. Second, the aerobic biological degradation of fully formulated lubricants in an aqueous solution should be based on oxygen consumption.

The proposed test methods for carbon dioxide production and oxygen consumption show improved precision compared to OECD 301, he explained. Round robin testing is being done to determine the repeatability and reproducibility of the methods. In addition, the EU has started the statistical monitoring of production and trade volumes through new codes in the existing Prodcom (production information) and CN (Combined Nomenclature) lists for biobased lubricants.

Luther concluded, Due to discussions concerning environmental impact and sustainability of resources, the biolubricant product group has positive perspectives. Remaining homework includes developing a general definition for bioIubricants, establishing statistical distinctions for bioIubricants and establishing a European Eco-Label. These objectives can be seen as preconditions for mandating the use of specified bioIubricants in environmentally sensitive areas.

Legislation could be based on the existing European Eco-Label for Lubricants, he added. All these efforts will support reaching the goals of transparency of criteria, claims, reputation and acceptance in the market and sustainable market success.