Within this category, certain applications are best suited for plant-based lubricants. These include hydraulic oils, total loss lubricants, metalworking oils and other general oils. There are a great number of mechanical systems with hydraulic components. Hydraulic oils are utilized in large quantities in a variety of applications and are susceptible to spillage. When spilled, they pose an immediate threat to the surrounding environment.
Spilled oil can contaminate streams, kill vegetation and harm wildlife and remediation is costly.
Vegetable oil-based lubricants are more expensive than petroleum based products. Because vegetable oil-based lubricants evaporate less quickly and adhere better to metal surfaces, end users often use less product per application. Other cost benefits associated with vegetable oils may include reductions in environmental and safety penalties in the case of spills, parts wear and maintenance costs and disposal fees. The report is the third the Carbohydrate Economy's Industrial Products from the Soil series. The program assembles information about these products and makes it available to specific agency users who can evaluate them and develop applications in County projects.