Ciba lubricant additives approved for use in European Eco-label products

Mo, 26 November 2007

Wide selection of lubricant additives now recognized as meeting European Eco-label lubricant (EEL) standards at relevant treat rates Unique formulation tool helps guide selection of additives for EEL-compliant biolubricants

A wide selection of lubricant additives from Ciba have been approved for use in biolubricants that carry the European Eco-label, a flower-shaped symbol indicating that a product meets performance and sustainability criteria set by the relevant competent bodies. When used at specified treat rates, Ciba additives suitable for use in biolubricants – including products in the Ciba® IRGANOX®, Ciba® IRGALUBE®, Ciba® IRGACOR®, Ciba® IRGAFOS®, Ciba® IRGAMET® and Ciba® SARKOSYL® ranges – are now recognized as meeting the European Ecolabel lubricants (EEL) criteria established in 2005. Ciba also offers a unique spreadsheet tool that helps lubricant producers assess whether a formulation containing a given combination of additives at given treat rates is EEL compliant.

“Our customers want additives that help them achieve sustainability without sacrificing performance,” says Thomas Engelhardt, Global Head of Process and Lubricant Additives at Ciba. “With our EEL-compliant additives, we can support lubricant producers in differentiating their products, giving them a competitive edge in this demanding, environmentally conscious market. In Europe and elsewhere, those who adopt best practices for sustainability now will be well positioned to meet consumer demand and possible legislative requirements in the future.”

The European Eco-label is a voluntary scheme aimed at encouraging businesses to offer products and services that are environmentally more sustainable than current alternatives. EEL criteria take account of a lubricant’s performance, toxicity, biodegradability, bioaccumulation and percentage of renewable raw materials to determine whether it may be marketed as a biolubricant. The criteria apply to hydraulic oils, greases, chainsaw oils, two stroke oils, concrete release agents and total loss lubricants for use by private consumers and professional users.