Lubrication 2025

The latest updates on trends, technologies and training

Lubrication is driven by sustainability, technological advancements and efficiency demands, leading to the increased use of bio-based lubricants, synthetic oils and smart lubrication systems. The industry is also focusing on developing longer-lasting lubricants, managing machine cleanliness and creating specialized fluids for emerging technologies. The trends and topics in lubrication today include sustainability, reduced downtime, formulation flexibility and accelerated training. Here are a few of the latest news stories from the PTE website.

Klüber Lubrication Launches Environmentally Responsible Lubricants

Klüber Lubrication is taking another step toward more climate-conscious solutions for industry. By introducing mass balanced, bio-based raw materials and implementing the REDcert² certification system, the specialist in high-performance specialty lubricants is launching a new product generation of environmentally responsible lubricants, without compromising on performance.

With this initiative, Klüber Lubrication becomes one of the first suppliers worldwide to offer lubricants based on mass balanced raw materials for industrial use – a clear move toward sustainable manufacturing and responsible value creation.

The biomass balance approach is a method in which fossil-based raw materials are systematically replaced by certified renewable alternatives at the very beginning of the production process. This significantly improves the product’s climate impact while maintaining the same application performance.

“By integrating mass balanced, renewable raw materials into our lubricants, we not only reduce our own carbon footprint but also enable our customers to meet their sustainability targets without having to make any changes in handling or performance,” explains Jun Harasaki, head of product portfolio management at Klüber Lubrication.

“The first product launch will focus on the Klübersynth GH 6 gear oil series, covering the most used viscosities and is recognizable by the suffix “MB” for “mass balanced” version”, explains Oliver Fassmann, Product Portfolio Manager at Klüber Lubrication. “With this new gear oil series based on mass balanced raw materials, we can offer our customers the proven performance they know from Klübersynth GH 6. From a chemical and performance perspective, Klübersynth GH 6 MB corresponds to Klübersynth GH 6, which is approved by Flender, Siemens, Siemens Geared Motors, SEW Eurodrive, Getriebebau Nord, Stöber Antriebstechnik, Lenze, ZAE Antriebssysteme, Cavex, Bonfiglioli, Rossi Motoriduttori, Motovario, Moventas, Boston Gear, Baldor, Yilmaz Redüktör etc.”

At the same time, Klüber Lubrication is fully implementing the REDcert² system at its production site in Belgium. In addition to certifying the base oils used, this includes embedding the approach into the company’s global process landscape and setting up a robust bookkeeping system to track the quantities of bio-based raw materials. The products will carry the label “Fossil resources saving product”.

To ensure maximum transparency, Klüber Lubrication is relying on the REDcert² certification, a system that is well-established across Europe for evaluating and documenting the use of sustainable raw materials and which is gaining increasing relevance internationally. It verifies that a clearly defined share of renewable raw materials has been used in production and ensures full traceability throughout the supply chain.

“Our aim is to continuously reduce the environmental footprint of our products – not someday in the future but starting now. REDcert² helps us to do so in a credible and verifiable way”, says Harasaki. “For our customers, this means access to lubricants that are not only environmentally responsible but also independently verified for sustainability. This is a clear advantage when it comes to internal sustainability reporting and communication with stakeholders. By using these products, customers actively contribute to the development of a sustainable bioeconomy and support the transition toward a circular industrial system.”

The biomass balance approach and the REDcert² certification mark the beginning of a new generation of industrial lubricants: high-performing, transparent, and environmentally responsible.

klueber.com

Lubrizol Launches New Zinc-Free Hydraulic Additive for Enhanced Environmental Protection

Lubrizol announces the launch of Lubrizol AH933ZF, a zinc-free additive package that enables robust performance and user benefits, enabled by innovative Lubrizol science.  Zinc-free hydraulic fluids have been increasingly desirable in recent years as regulators, OEMs and other stakeholders seek to minimize potential disruptions in sensitive environmental applications, 

Lubrizol’s latest innovation meets these needs. Ideal for applications like mining, forestry, marine, and construction, Lubrizol AH933ZF delivers proven performance against an extensive list of OEM performance specifications and provides differentiated hydraulic performance that can make a difference for lubricant manufacturers, equipment OEMs, and end users alike.  

Lubrizol AH933ZF benefits include:  
•    Reduced downtime and extended equipment life. With anti-wear chemistry for durable protection, fluid formulators can deliver reduced downtime and total cost of ownership for critical machinery.  
•    Extended drain intervals. With advanced oxidation protection and thermal stability, Lubrizol AH933ZF can extend service intervals for more efficient operation.  
•    Precise operation and increased productivity. Lubrizol AH933ZF delivers air release and foam control, contributing to smooth and efficient hydraulic control.   
•    Formulation flexibility. Lubrizol AH933ZF maintains a wide base oil read-across window, allowing formulators to deliver high-performance finished fluids with many Group II base oils, enabling fast, low-cost development and enhanced speed to market.  

Lubrizol AH933ZF arrives as demand for zinc-free solutions continues to rise. Zinc-free hydraulic fluids in North America and Europe are projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.25 percent from 2024-2029, whereas demand for traditional zinc-based fluids is expected to decrease over that same time, at -0.43 percent CAGR, according to research from Kline & Company.  

“In a world demanding cleaner solutions with enhanced performance, Lubrizol continues to lead the way,” said Jared Cornett, product manager, Industrial Oils, Lubrizol. “Lubrizol AH933ZF is a demonstration that high-performance, zinc-free hydraulic fluids are not only possible, but that they can outperform conventional formulations with the right science.”  

lubrizol.com

Lubriplate Introduces New Style Aerosol Spray Cans

Introducing Lubriplate's new style aerosol spray cans with secure straw dual spray nozzle. These spray cans offer a dual spray nozzle with a permanently attached straw, a comfort trigger recessed to help prevent accidental discharge and a dual position spray with the straw in the up position for precision pin-point applications. Highlights include:

Chain & Cable Fluid - Penetrating Oil, a superior, cleansing, non-gumming penetrating oil for wire rope, chains, cables and general lubrication. It prevents rust and corrosion.

Gear Shield Extra Heavy, a tough, tacky, extreme pressure lubricant developed for the lubrication of open gears, slides, pins and other applications where an adhesive lubricant is needed.

X-357 Extreme Pressure Lubricant, an extreme pressure lubricant that penetrates and adheres. Water resistant and unaffected by temperature extremes. For use on pintle hooks, slide axles, open gears, fifth wheels and more.

Metalworking Fluid, a specially developed product designed for metalworking operations. Excellent for drilling, tapping, cutting and grinding.

Biodegradable Penetrating Oil, an eco-friendly, bio-based, biodegradable (Pw1), lubricating oil for general lubrication. Provides a long-lasting protective film that prevents friction, wear, rust and corrosion.

Spray Lube 'A' - White Lithium Grease, a super multi-purpose, white lithium-based grease of medium density. Sprays like a fluid, congeals to a grease. Excellent for latches, locks, hinges, tools, battery terminals and other hardware.

Marine & Auto Guard, a multi-purpose penetrating oil. This “wet start” product can be used on wet plug wires and distributor caps. It provides excellent moisture displacement properties and prevents rust and corrosion.

Additionally, Lubriplate offers ten different NSF H1 registered food grade lubricants with the new style aerosol spray cans.

lubriplate.com

STLE Introduces Interactive Lubrication Training Experience at Southwest Research Institute

The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) — the technical society for individuals in the field of tribology and lubrication engineering — introduces its new Interactive Lubrication Training Experience on February 10-11, 2026, at Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas. Registration is now open for the training.

STLE’s Interactive Lubrication Training Experience is a two-day hands-on course designed for those who are new to the industry and those who want to solidify their skills that will combine classroom and laboratory training. The classroom focus will be basics of lubrication, components used to formulate oils and greases, application and lubricant selection. The laboratory portion of the course will focus on lubricant testing, which will supplement the classroom training to assist with growing knowledge by experiencing the analysis first-hand and further understanding how lubricants are selected and analyzed. 

“The new STLE Interactive Lubrication Training Experience is a unique opportunity to learn the fundamentals of lubrication through hands-on experience in the lab as well as classroom instruction,” said Rebecca Lintow, CAE, STLE executive director. “We are excited to offer this training at the world-class laboratory environment of Southwest Research Institute.”

stle.org/handsontraining