Sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it is an essential pillar for industries looking to minimize their environmental impact. In a recent podcast, Q8Oils’ expert Joris van der List joined Lubricants Live Podcast host Steve to discuss how the lubricant industry is driving sustainable change. Here’s what we learned from their conversation.

Joris van der List, who has been an integral part of Q8Oils’ sustainability initiatives, shared his journey within the sustainability committee. Having been involved since its inception in 2020, he played a crucial role in the energy efficiency workgroup, focusing on the end-of-life impact of lubricants and their downstream effects.

His dedication continued when ATIEL and UEIL joined forces with the launch of the ATIEL & UEIL Joint Sustainability Committee, further emphasizing the industry’s commitment to green innovation. As part of this broader effort, the committee worked alongside industry experts like Joris to develop a standardized approach for measuring the environmental impact of lubricants. This initiative led to the creation of a globally recognized methodology for assessing Product Carbon Footprints (PCF), providing manufacturers with a consistent and transparent framework for evaluating and minimizing their carbon emissions.

In alignment with the industry’s commitment to sustainability, Q8Oils has launched the “We Take Care“ campaign, underscoring our dedication to environmental responsibility and the reduction of carbon emissions. This initiative emphasizes our proactive approach to sustainability, focusing on minimizing our environmental footprint while maximizing our positive impact, or “handprint,” on the planet.

A cornerstone of the “We Take Care” campaign is the implementation of the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) tool. By integrating the PCF value of each product into our Product Data Sheets and product pages, Q8Oils ensures full transparency, enabling customers to make informed, environmentally conscious decisions.

The lubricant industry faces several challenges when it comes to sustainability, including:

• End-of-life product management: Finding eco-friendly ways to recycle or repurpose used lubricants, reducing environmental harm while improving resource efficiency. Q8Oils is leading the way in sustainable lubrication solutions with Q8 TERRA 2200 UTTO RC, a high-performance Universal Tractor Transmission Oil (UTTO) formulated with re-refined eco-tech base oils (RRBOs). This innovative approach proves that used lubricants can be repurposed into premium-quality products without compromising performance. By embracing RRBO technology, Q8Oils is setting a new industry standard, making end-of-life lubricants part of a truly circular economy.
• Reducing carbon footprint: Lowering emissions across the supply chain through better logistics, energy-efficient manufacturing processes, and cleaner raw material sourcing.
• Innovative formulations: Developing bio-based and sustainable lubricants that maintain high performance while being environmentally friendly. These new formulations must meet industry standards while offering a reduced ecological impact.
• Regulatory compliance: Meeting increasingly stringent environmental regulations across global markets, requiring constant adaptation and innovation.

The Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Methodology is a systematic approach to measuring the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with a product throughout its lifecycle. This typically is a cradle-to-gate approach which includes:

• Raw material extraction and processing
• Manufacturing and production
• Transportation and distribution

Q8Oils employs a rigorous PCF calculation framework based on international standards such as ISO 14067 and the ATIEL & UEIL PCF methodology. By assessing the carbon footprint of each lubricant, Q8Oils can identify areas for emission reduction and implement targeted sustainability strategies. This long-term focus ensures that sustainability is not just a short-term initiative but an integral part of Q8Oils’ strategy. Q8Oils openly communicates the PCF of each product on the Product Data Sheets (PDS), which are available on our website. This allows customers to make informed decisions based on the environmental impact of the lubricants they use, reinforcing Q8Oils’ dedication to a more sustainable and responsible industry.

In contrast to PCF, the Product Carbon Handprint (PCH) assesses the positive environmental impact of a product by evaluating how it reduces carbon emissions compared to conventional alternatives. The key components of PCH include:

• Energy efficiency improvements: Lubricants that enhance machinery performance and reduce overall energy consumption. Advanced lubricant formulations help minimize friction and optimize system efficiency, enabling vehicles and machinery to use less fuel or energy while maintaining peak performance.
• Extended equipment and lubricant lifespan: Advanced lubricants reduce wear and tear, extending the life of both equipment and the lubricant itself. Longer drain intervals decrease the need for frequent oil changes, reducing total lubricant consumption and minimizing material waste.
• Optimized oil consumption: Formulations engineered for lower consumption and enhanced stability help maintain consistent performance over time, reducing overall lubricant use.

By assessing the PCH, Q8Oils informs their customers on how the lubricants lower their emissions and contribute to a more sustainable industrial ecosystem.

Q8Oils is addressing these challenges through various initiatives:

• Energy efficiency improvements: Optimizing lubricant formulations to extend machinery lifespan and reduce waste, ensuring both environmental and economic benefits for customers.
• Collaboration with industry partners: Working with organizations such as ATIEL and UEIL to set new sustainability standards, promoting best practices across the lubricant sector.
• Investments in R&D: Exploring advanced, eco-friendly lubricants that align with circular economy principles. By focusing on renewable and biodegradable materials, Q8Oils aims to reduce reliance on fossil-based resources.

During the podcast, Joris shared an example of how Q8Oils is making a tangible impact:

• Q8 Mahler Range: A great example of sustainability in action is the Q8 Mahler product line, which is designed specifically to enhance engine efficiency. These lubricants help extend the lifespan of engines while significantly lowering the overall carbon emissions, making them an ideal choice for industries looking to improve environmental performance.

The discussion made it clear that sustainability in lubricants is an ongoing journey. Joris highlighted that while progress has been made, continuous innovation and collaboration are necessary to meet future environmental goals.

In the coming years, Q8Oils aims to further enhance its sustainability efforts into its supply chain, improving efficiency and tracking environmental performance in real time. These advancements will allow for better decision-making and further reduction of carbon emissions.

Additionally, partnerships with academic institutions and sustainability think-tanks will help drive forward research in lubricants and circular recycling approaches.

Q8Oils remains committed to leading the way in sustainability, ensuring that lubricants contribute to a cleaner, more efficient world. As industry standards evolve and technology advances, we invite our partners, customers, and stakeholders to join us in shaping the future of sustainable lubricants.

Stay tuned for more updates on how Q8Oils is driving sustainability forward.

Would you like to know more about our products, their carbon footprint or our alternative bio options? Contact us today!

Interested in seeing the full episode? Watch the Podcast on our Youtube channel.

Q8Oils’ expert speaks on the Lubricants Live Podcast about the sustainable future of lubricants – YouTube