Lignin-based lubricants for sustainable society

Sweden has set its goal to have reduced CO2 emissions by 70% in 2030 and have net zero emissions of CO2 2045, which not only because it is our responsibility to future generations, but because it makes economic sense.

On the other hand, at the present around 1700 liters lubricants are consumed every second in the world, which is still mainly (around 95%) produced from petroleum.

During the past 7-years, the researchers at Luleå University of Technology (LTU) have found and proven that lignin, which is currently treated as industry waste, can be used as non-toxic, high performance and environmentally friendly lubricants.

Making lignin into lubricants will not only contribute to fossil free Sweden but also improve the economy of paper industry and solve the environment pollution issues from traditional petroleum-based lubricants.

In the proposed project, we will find the suitable applications for lignin-based lubricants through close discussion with industry people.

Lab study, machine component test and field test will be carried out will evaluate the lubricant performance and to tune the recipe.

Some environment certifications will also be done within this project to prove the lubricant’s environment benefits and to facilitate future commercial work.

The project partners cover the whole value chain from raw material (lignin) manufacturer, lubricants producer to end user.