PRESS RELEASE
german version
Monheim, January 31, 2008
ProEco HE 801 series – Cognis launches its first synthetic lubricant product line bearing the EU-Ecolabel
Environmental soundness, eco-labels, and certifications are increasingly becoming selling points for manufacturers and users in the industrial lubricants market. On the other hand, of course, natural-based lubricant products are expected to match the performance features of conventional, less sustainable products. The ProEco HE 801 series of fully formulated biohydraulic oils from global specialty chemicals supplier Cognis combine excellent performance and compliance with the exacting requirements of the EU-Ecolabel and a range of additional environmental aspects. These include the technical requirements of ISO 15380 and the use of a large proportion of renewable raw materials. The novel “green” ester-based products from Cognis are designed for challenging applications and demonstrate outstanding performance even under extreme conditions.
This next generation of biohydraulic fluids, the ProEco HE 801 series, available in various viscosity grades, overcomes the disadvantages of former generations of native oils and opens up new possibilities for the use of biofluids in more applications than ever. Cognis presented these latest developments in the biohydraulics segment at the 16th International Colloquium Tribology, held at the Technische Akademie in Esslingen, Germany.
The ProEco HE 801 series ends the well-known problems of swelling or other interactions with elastomers or sealings (commonly NBRs) that are seen with conventional esters. Combined with this are superior oxidative and hydrolytic stability – important factors for long fluid lifetime, reduced maintenance and reduced sludge formation. The lubricants have a high viscosity index (VI). Even over long periods of exposure to cold temperatures, viscosity remains stable at a low level. This translates to a significant advantage in the daily use of the machines equipped with ProEco HE 801. Even under arctic conditions, the products provide outstanding long-term mechanical protection, due to their excellent flowability. The new products are made from more than 90 percent of renewable feedstocks and comply with the EU Ecolabel and other sustainability requirements.
Market acceptance of new lubricants often depends on the compatibility with existing products. One of the main challenges for lubricants is foam generation during the flushing procedure of an oil change. Tests were run with all ISO grades (22, 32, 46, 68) mixed with conventional products in various ratios: foaming was not observed in any mixtures with contamination rates of 5 percent and more. Markus Scherer, Technical Manager for Synlubes Technology at Cognis Functional Products comments: “With this technology, we open the door to a wider use of biohydraulic oils. These products combine superior performance with EU-certified environmental soundness. This development is another example of Cognis’ sustainable innovative power: here, ecology meets performance.”
About Cognis
Cognis is a worldwide supplier of innovative specialty chemicals and nutritional ingredients, with a particular focus on the areas of wellness and sustainability. The company employs about 7,700 people, and it operates production sites and service centers in 30 countries. Cognis has dedicated its activities to a high level of sustainability and delivers natural source raw materials and ingredients for food, nutrition and healthcare markets, and the cosmetics, detergents and cleaners industries. Another main focus is on products for a number of other industries, such as coatings and inks, lubricants, textiles, as well as agriculture and mining. The subsidiary Pulcra Chemicals offers specialized chemical products and process expertise to customers in the fiber, textile, and leather industries. Cognis also holds a 50-percent stake in the joint venture Cognis Oleochemicals, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of oleochemicals.
Cognis is owned by private equity funds advised by Permira, GS Capital Partners, and SV Life Sciences. In 2006, Cognis recorded sales of 3.37 billion euros and an Adjusted EBITDA (operating result) of 394 million euros.
Contact
Jochen Moser, Senior Manager Marketing Services Functional Products
Cognis GmbH
Phone: +49-211-4995-139
Email: jochen.moser@cognis.com
Internet: www.cognis.com
Mareike Klein, Communications Manager
Cognis GmbH
Phone: +49-2173-4995-307
Email: mareike.klein@cognis.com
Internet: www.cognis.com