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Bio-Based Lubricants are at least
partially derived from biological
material. Also known as Bio-lubes.
The USDA BioPreferred Standards
provides certification for bio-based
lubricants, even when blended with
other base oils like synthetics.
Can be used as part of a
Bio-Synthetic if at least 25%
bio-based (renewable) oil and
a synthetic oil.
Not the same as Food Grade (H1,
H3),
but may be considered this if
composed of ingredients defined
by CFR 21, Sec. 178.3570.5
Can be Environmentally Acceptable
Lubricants (EAL), lubricants that are
biodegradable and minimally toxic.
Not the same as Green Oils (Eco
Friendly), but may be considered as such
if it falls into one of these "green" cate-
gories: biodegradable, low eco-toxicity,
low bio accumulation, or renewable.
Are considered Renewable as
these are oils produced from
renewable sources.
May be Biodegradable, as most
bio-based lubricants naturally
break down over time.
(Ref: ASTM D6064)
Can be called Natural Esters
(fats and oils are esters), or
sometimes called Natural Oils.
Bio-Based Lubricants
Fish Oil
Lard
Milk Fat
Tallow
Whale Oil
Canola Oil
Castor Oil
Coconut Oil
Corn Oil
Cotton Seed Oil
Crambe Oil
Jojoba Bean
Linseed Oil
Olive Oil
Palm Oil
Palm kernel Oil
Peanut Oil
Rapeseed Oil
Rice Bran Oil
Safflower Oil
Sunflower Oil
Soybean Oil
Vegetable-based
Oils extracted from seeds or other fruit material.
Animal-based
Oils derived from animal fats,
predominately made of triglycerides.
Forestry-based
Oils derived from tree components.
QUICK FACTS
Did You Know?
Did You Know?
Did You Know?
In World War II, jojoba oil was used
to lubricate
machine guns.
The U.S. Air Force has
used a beef tallow
jet fuel blend
to fuel a C-17
Globemaster III.
The Statue of Liberty
uses soy-based
hydraulic fluid to
operate the
elevator system.
3 Types of Bio-Based Lubricants
