It is good to be green
It is good to be green
Keyword: Greases
SKF is serious about environmental protection and strives to be a world leader in environmental practices. The latest product developed by the company,to reduce industry's impact on the environment, is a new biodegradable, low toxicity green grease, LGGB 2, which is a more planet-friendly alternative to standard (toxic and non-biodegradable) lubricating greases (see Plate 6). A further advantage is that, unlike many other biodegradable greases, it can also be used across a wide range of applications.
Plate 6 The latest product developed by SKF to reduce industry's impact on the environment is a new biodegradable, low toxicity green grease
In 1995, around 37 million tons of lubricant was used worldwide, and it is estimated that as much as 32 per cent finds its way back into the environment unchanged. Some of this will degrade but there are potential dangers to the environment such as bioaccumulation and biocidal effects.
Until recently, a major stumbling block in industry's uptake of biodegradable lubricants was that they were considered unsuitable for bearing lubrication. However, the new green grease meets SKF's stringent criteria for bearing grease. The green grease also differs from other biodegradable and non-biodegradable greases, which are often application specific, by being suitable for a wide range of bearing applications. SKF has tested and approved green grease for steel-on-steel spherical plain bearings, ball bearings and roller bearings,making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Green grease's biodegradability and low toxicity make it a particularly suitable alternative to standard lubricating greases, in applications where contamination of the environment is a major concern. As a result, green grease is expected to attract the attention of environmentally conscious companies working in sensitive areas, such as agriculture, forestry, water treatment and irrigation, mining and construction, locks, dams and bridges.
SKF's lubrication experts can provide advice on applications that are suitable for green grease.
For further information contact: Jerry Truman or Phil Burge, SKF (UK) Ltd,Sundon Park Road, Luton, Beds LU3 3BL, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1582 490049; Fax: +44(0)1582 848091; e-mail: jerry.truman@skf.com
