Kobe Lubricants Co., Ltd. will support you from the selection of the optimum lubricating oil to the purchase. | [Product Introduction] How to Choose Environmentally Friendly Grease | Introduction to Standards and Eco Mark Certified Products | Introducing articles about products handled by Kobe Lubricants Co., Ltd.

In the previous article ( https://kobe-lubricants.jp/blog/20251106-508/ ),
We have introduced the characteristics of biodegradable grease and why it is environmentally friendly.
This time, we will go a step further and introduce the standards and Eco Marks related to biodegradable grease, as well as some of the products we handle.
"What standards must be met to be considered 'environmentally friendly'?"
What is evaluated by the Eco Mark?
"What kind of products do you have?"
This content is recommended for those who have such questions.

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■ Major standards and evaluation criteria for biodegradable grease
Even when it comes to environmentally friendly grease, it is not judged solely on whether or not it is biodegradable.
Some products meet international testing methods and Japanese environmental label standards.
Here we will introduce some of the most common standards used for biodegradable grease.

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● OECD biodegradability test (OECD 301 series)
This is a globally used biodegradability testing method.
• More than 60% decomposes within 28 days → “Readily biodegradable”
It is determined that:
Biodegradable grease catalog
"More than 60% biodegradability according to OECD301C"
This is the standard that is written as follows.

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● ISO standard (environmentally friendly lubricant)
Representative examples include:
• ISO 15380 (EAL: Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants)
There is.
This is a guideline for designing lubricants that use base materials with low environmental impact, such as vegetable oils and synthetic esters.
In addition, there are biodegradable greases that comply with the food-related hygiene standards of ISO21469.

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■ Eco Mark Standards (Japan)
In Japan, the Eco Mark is a certification that indicates "environmentally friendly lubricants."
In the case of biodegradable grease,
This applies to "No. 110 Biodegradable Lubricant (Version 2.7)".
The criteria points are as follows:
• Over 60% biodegradable within 28 days (OECD test)
• Extremely low toxicity to aquatic life • No use of chlorine-based additives or other ingredients that have a high environmental impact • Comprehensive environmental considerations from manufacturing to disposal
In other words, biodegradable grease with the Eco Mark is
"Not only is it highly biodegradable, but it is also a product with high overall environmental performance."
This is proof that...

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■ Examples of biodegradable grease products
Here we will introduce some examples of biodegradable greases and lubricants that we handle.
Since they have different uses and characteristics, you can choose one that suits the on-site environment.

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● Schaefer: #529 Ecoshield Biodegradable Grease
• Environmentally friendly, biodegradable multi-purpose grease (EPA VGP EAL compliant)
• Excellent water resistance, pressure resistance, and rust prevention, making it suitable for a wide range of applications including marine, agricultural, and construction. • Non-drop bentonite-based grease made from vegetable oil and biodegradable synthetic ester.
This product complies with the 2013 VGP (Vessel Port Entry Standard) regulations.
This grease is used in places where it comes into contact with water or the natural environment and where safety and water resistance are required.

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● NIPPECO: Bio Grease LC-2 (Eco Mark certified product)
• Wide temperature range from -40 to 130°C • Wide range of applications including construction machinery, port machinery, and agricultural machinery • A representative grease with Eco Mark certification
Highly practical biodegradable grease for heavy machinery.

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● Nippeco: Bio Grease MA-NEO
• Biodegradable grease developed for use on marine ground improvement ships. • Excellent lubrication, adhesion, and water resistance, making it suitable for bearings used primarily underwater.
• Suitable for general-purpose lubricant applications. Suitable for lubricating bearings, wire ropes, and sliding parts in environmentally friendly environments.

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■ Summary: Knowing the standards and products makes it easier to choose
Biodegradable grease is more than just "environmentally friendly grease."
In fact, it is an "environmentally friendly lubricant" that meets the following standards:
• Biodegradable (OECD 301)
• Low toxicity (effects on fish and algae)
• Selection of additives with minimal environmental impact • Consideration from manufacturing to disposal (Eco Mark)

It is important to make a selection that suits the situation at hand.


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