Application of ECLs and Today's Legislation

Environmentally considerate lubricants (ECLs)—the so called “bio oils”—were introduced in the mid 80s to minimize impact of lubrication on the environment. In the early 1990s the German RAL (Blue Angel) and the Swedish Standard organisations defined corresponding specifications for ECLs, other Eco-Labels followed. In 2005 the European Community released the directive 2005/360 defining the toxicity and ecotoxicity profile for ECLs, which qualifies them for the Euro-Marguerite. For more than 20 years top tier ECLs were used in mobile and stationary hydraulic equipment. Well documented field experiences not only demonstrate these lubricants contribute to the fulfillment of the new laws but also meet technical requirements for this equipment. In this paper important EC Directives related to lubricants and the protection of the environment are discussed and how they are implemented into national laws. In addition the benefits of ECL in hydraulic equipment are addressed.