Bio-lubricants are oil-based lubricants composed of either vegetable oil or animal fat. Linseed, soybean, rapeseed, canola, palm, and coconut are examples of vegetable oils that create biolubricants. Lubricants made from vegetable oil are mostly used in environmentally sensitive environments including forests, rivers, and mountains. In the case of animal fats, the oil collected as a byproduct of the meat packaging industry serves as a lubricant. Animal fat is obtained from fats extracted from sheep, cattle, and hogs. Animal fat lubricants are utilised in a variety of industries, including petroleum and metal processing, chemical manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. Lubricants frequently contain additives that improve their properties.
Europe Bio-based Lubricants Market Driving Factors and Challenges
Drivers: Europe has always been a leader in supporting sustainable and ecologically friendly approaches, as seen by the expanding market for bio-based products. The region's growing emphasis on sustainability and severe environmental regulations has fueled the expansion of the bio-based lubricants industry. To assist the double transition to a green and digital economy, the European Union has put in place strong laws and measures to encourage the use of bio-based products, including lubricants, as part of a circular economy framework. These rules have prompted businesses such as automotive, manufacturing, and agricultural to use bio-based lubricants in order to comply with requirements while also supporting sustainable practices. As a result, the desire for bio-based lubricants over conventional ones has contributed to overall market growth.
Challenges: Vegetable oil-based lubricants that are organic and biodegradable could be a viable alternative to standard lubricants. However, their low oxidative characteristics, thermal and hydrolytic stability, poor low-temperature qualities, and large range of accessible viscosities preclude their direct usage as base oils. These disadvantages can be mitigated by making proper chemical adjustments, including antioxidants in formulations, and combining mineral oils. However, they contribute to increased costs, pollution, and decreased biodegradability. Producing cost-effective bio-based lubricants with a unique combination of high lubricating properties and biodegradability is a big challenge. One significant barrier is the cost of these bio-lubricants. A bio-based lubricant costs $30 to $4 more than a conventional lubricant. The majority of bio-based products are priced to compete with medium to high-performance mineral oil products. Higher-priced commodities can also be justified for use in a wide range of applications that need biodegradability, lubricity, viscosity, and fire protection.
Impact of COVID-19 on Europe Bio-based Lubricants Market
COVID-19 spread across key worldwide economies, leading in countrywide lockdowns affecting a wide range of sectors. During the outbreak, the automotive industry was particularly heavily hit, affecting demand for bio-lubricants. During the coronavirus outbreak, demand for bio-lubricants decreased. One of the most important issues is a lack of raw materials, which will hinder firms' ability to meet consumer demands. During the outbreak, government rules reduced output for a lengthy period of time. Rising environmental concerns are putting pressure on governments to handle significant climate issues, thus they are investing in environmentally friendly functions and products. Furthermore, firms' various efforts to expand the bio-lubricants market size will have a favourable impact in the post-COVID-19 era and yield huge market returns.
Europe Bio-based Lubricants Market Key Players:
The market study provides market data by competitive landscape, revenue analysis, market segments and detailed analysis of key market players are; Shell group of companies, BP, Chevron Corporation, Exxon Mobil Corporation, CASTROL LIMITED, FUCHS, Green Earth Technologies, Inc, Magna International Pte Ltd, Polnox Corp, KLÃœBER LUBRICATION INDIA Pvt Ltd, MMXIX DSI Ventures, Inc, Biosynthetic Technologies, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Novozymes, BASF SE.
Europe Bio-based Lubricants Market Segmentation:
By Raw Material: Based on the Raw Material, Europe Bio-based Lubricants Market is segmented as; Plant Oil, Animal Oil, Others.
By Application: Based on the Application, Europe Bio-based Lubricants Market is segmented as; Hydraulic Oil, Metal Working Fluids, Penetrating Oils, Grease, Transformer Oil, Crankcase Oils, Engine Oils, Elevator Hydraulic Fluid, Bar and Chain Oil, Firearm Lubricant, Others.
By End User Industry: Based on the End User Industry, Europe Bio-based Lubricants Market is segmented as; Power Generation, Automotive and Other Transportation, Heavy Equipment, Food and Beverage, Metallurgy and Metalworking, Chemical Manufacturing, Other End-user Industries.
By Region: This research includes data for Germany, France, Italy, UK, Russia, and the Rest of Europe.
This study also encompasses various drivers and restraining factors of this market for the forecast period. Various growth opportunities are also discussed in the report.