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Viva Energy launches Shell PANOLIN biodegradable lubricants

Viva Energy launches Shell PANOLIN biodegradable lubricants

Viva Energy Australia has launched the Shell PANOLIN range of biodegradable lubricants, enhancing sustainability without sacrificing performance.

Biodegradable lubricants are not new to the construction industry. There has long been a need for environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) in specific jobsite environments, especially those near water sources and sensitive ecological areas. Historically, however, these products have been perceived as low quality.

Silvana Farrugia, product support engineer at Viva Energy Australia, notes that years ago, EALs were primarily made with vegetable oils, which resulted in lower oxidation resistance and limited their use to select jobs. However, advancements in the performance of biodegradable lubricants have accelerated in recent years, driven largely by industry demand.

“This is largely being done through the reformulation of more balanced lubricants with higher-tier synthetic ester base stocks and the development of better additives,” says Farrugia.

“The Shell PANOLIN portfolio is technically well-balanced, with high biodegradability and is designed for long life, with high performance and protection contributing to equipment longevity.”

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The Shell PANOLIN biodegradable lubricants provide sustainability without compromising performance. This portfolio features a wide range of readily biodegradable and low-ecotoxicity lubricants for hydraulics, gears, biodegradable engine oils (HDEO) and greases for machine lubrication, including products approved by leading original equipment manufacturers.

“Shell PANOLIN S4 HLP Synth 32, 46, 68, for example, was the first Bosch Rexroth-approved biodegradable hydraulic oil, designed for uninterrupted equipment operation,” says Farrugia.

Why are biodegradability and low-ecotoxicity important? Biodegradability refers to the ability of a chemical or chemical mixture to be broken down by microorganisms, indicating its potential to decompose into simpler, less harmful substances. This becomes particularly crucial in cases of accidental spills, leaks or waste disposal.

Ecotoxicity measures the toxicity of a chemical substance to organisms in a specific environment. To be classified as non-toxic, a finished fluid ­– and sometimes its major components – must pass acute toxicity tests across different levels of the food chain. All Shell PANOLIN lubricants are classified as having low-ecotoxicity.

Renee Reilly, lubricant sales and marketing manager at Viva Energy Australia, explains: “Biodegradability and low-ecotoxicity of a chemical or lubricant need to be considered in order to estimate the risks of detrimental effects on the environment, which could impact the people or businesses that use the ecosystems. This is also important in ensuring businesses comply with environmental legislation.”

Shell PANOLIN offers a wide range of high-performance biodegradable lubricants, allowing businesses to reduce environmental impact without compromising productivity or protection.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring the Shell PANOLIN range of products to the Australian market, and we have already seen strong interest amongst our partners and customers as they look to take tangible steps towards sustainability and biodegradable lubricants,” says Reilly.

For more information on the Shell PANOLIN range, customers can contact the Viva Energy Australia Technical Helpdesk on 1300 134 205 or submit an enquiry online.

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