“Bio-Based Formulations and Eco-Friendly Performance Additives”
- A significant trend in the global hydraulic fluids market is the rising adoption of bio-based and environmentally friendly formulations. Driven by regulatory pressures and increasing environmental awareness, manufacturers are innovating with biodegradable base oils and low-toxicity additives to minimize ecological impact
- For instance, in February 2024, Shell Lubricants launched a new line of EcoSafe hydraulic fluids for off-highway machinery and industrial equipment, made from renewable sources and optimized for high performance in sensitive environments
- The trend also includes increasing R&D investments into sustainable fluid chemistries that meet or exceed performance benchmarks of conventional fluids while being safer for both equipment and the environment. These fluids often comply with ISO 15380 and OECD biodegradability standards
- Furthermore, manufacturers are offering multi-application bio-fluids that work across industrial, marine, and agricultural settings, reducing the need for multiple products and simplifying inventory
- Companies such as ExxonMobil, Fuchs Petrolub, and TotalEnergies are also developing advanced fluid monitoring technologies to optimize the life cycle and reduce fluid waste, complementing sustainability goals
- This shift toward greener solutions is transforming procurement policies, especially in industries operating in eco-sensitive zones such as forestry, construction, and marine, thereby expanding the adoption of hydraulic fluids with low environmental impact
