Sustainability in the GWW

biodegradable lubricants better for environment and equipment

More and more companies are going for sustainable. Even within GWW we see that vehicle and machine fleets and their maintenance are being scrutinized. Companies are increasingly willing to invest in this. "Investments that definitely pay off," says Henk Jan Keuter, marketing and sales manager at Duport Lubricare. The Dedemsvaart-based company is the exclusive importer in the Netherlands of environmentally friendly lubricants from the Swiss brand Panolin and of Cardev filtration equipment.

Biodegradable oil

Panolin's lubricants are so special because they are biodegradable. "That makes their use permissible in sensitive areas such as forests, water and land bodies. Dredgers, Staatsbosbeheer, water boards and Rijkswaterstaat all already use them. And importantly, without sacrificing performance."

"Panolin now has a global reputation in environmentally friendly lubricants." Henk Jan Keuter, Duport Lubricare. (Image: Panolin)

GWW and agricultural sector

Keuter finds that more and more customers in the GWW and agricultural sector want approved bio-oil in their machines. "This results in the fact that many large suppliers and factories are therefore already filling the machines with 'our' lubricants. Although the oil is slightly more expensive to purchase, more and more companies are opting for environmentally friendly, but it also saves them a lot of money in the long run because it is more sustainable." According to Keuter, HLPSYNTH is the best-selling product. "This synthetic ester oil has a long service life and is applicable in earth moving, offshore, bridges and locks, shipping and other hydraulic applications."

Filtration equipment

In addition to Panolin lubricants, the company is also an importer of Cardev filtration equipment. "That is suitable for any hydraulic system and keeps the oil clean. An important added value," Keuter knows. "If the oil stays clean, the quality of the hydraulic equipment is also guaranteed."
The high-quality filters remove dirt particles and water from the oil, preventing damage to pumps or valves.

When using multiple eco-friendly products from Panolin, a machine earns the designation "GREEN Machine.

The combination makes it genius

The combination of the environmentally friendly Panolin products and the Cardev filtration systems makes it genius, according to Keuter. "Because the oil stays clean and guaranteed, we can promise these huge service lives. It's a pretty expensive product so you have to deal with that differently. Looking at current practice with 'regular' oil, a hydraulic system can last an average of 1,500 hours with the same oil before it has to be replaced. Within the GWW sector, many companies have their machines located far away on jobsites, which require a complicated hydraulic change every 1500 hours. Thanks to Panolin oil combined with the Cardev filter system, our oil is still like new after 10,000 hours and only needs to be changed after 15,000 hours. So there is no need for an interim complicated hydraulic change, there is no need for trucks to drive up and down as a result and it also prevents downtime. Pure advantages, in other words."

GREEN machine

The Greenmachine concept, also from Panolin, was developed with a focus on the environment. When using several of Panolin's environmentally friendly products, the machine earns the "GREEN Machine" designation. Not only is the machine then user-friendly, but also CO₂-saving thanks to the unique properties of Panolin lubricants. This is because the longer service life means less maintenance. "We as Duport Lubricare are only too happy to do our part in this," concludes Keuter.