Innovation in the management of lubricants
The demands placed on sustainability by the automotive industry are growing all the time. Medium-sized suppliers in particular are faced with the challenge of making their processes more environmentally friendly. BECHEM’s innovative recycling concept for cold forming oils means it offers a solution that offers both environmental and economic advantages.
Cold extrusion oils are essential, especially in cold forming, but having to dispose of them is complex and they negatively impact both the environment and one’s budget. We have risen to this challenge by developing an innovative recycling concept for used cold forming oils, which not only reduces costs but preserves the environment. It combines sustainable cleaning technologies with a logistics model that significantly extends the life cycle of lubricants while saving costs.
The challenge with cold forming
The cold forming process puts high demands on lubricants. Oils in the forming presses are heavily contaminated by bonders, phosphates, and soaps which are unintentionally deposited on wire surfaces. Although properties such as viscosity and additives are still in perfect condition, the lubricants need to be changed after just a few weeks—an expensive and unsustainable practice.
Two pillars for the sustainable use of lubricants
Our sustainability strategy is built on two approaches. To begin with, we substitute conventional base oils and additives in our cold forming oils with options that are carbon-neutral or have reduced carbon emissions. In doing so, we are powering the industry forward. Most customers, however, will only bear the extra costs for these more environmentally friendly lubricants when they are mandated by regulatory or industry standards.
Secondly, we have developed a circular system that cleans used process oils and makes it possible to reuse them. This system extends our lubricants’ service life almost indefinitely and greatly decreases waste quantities and costs.
The BECHEM recycling concept
The BECHEM recycling concept for process oil is based on a well-defined process chain and ensures maximum efficiency and consistently high quality. The first step is for the customer to collect the used cold forming oil according to type in specially marked containers. After analysis in the BECHEM laboratory to ensure purity, solids such as phosphates or bonders are separated in a settling process over several days. They are then cleaned and dirt particles and impurities are removed without adversely affecting the oil’s technical properties. After successful quality control, the recycled cold forming oil is returned to the customer.
Recycling—the solution for sustainability and efficiency
1. Cost savings on lubricants
The need for fresh oil is reduced by reprocessing cold extrusion presses. This provides a clear economic benefit, especially amid the rising costs of raw materials and supply chain constraints, while also providing savings to offset the additional costs for carbon-neutral lubricants.
2. Eco-friendly through less waste
Waste volumes are significantly reduced by extending the life cycle of oil. The consumption of fewer lubricants improves the environmental balance and also helps actively reduce the carbon footprint.
3. Lower disposal costs
The time and effort and costs of disposing of contaminated oils are reduced by the treatment. This includes both the direct disposal costs and the expenses for compliance with legal disposal requirements.
4. Raw materials independence and security of supply
Companies are less susceptible to fluctuations in the raw material markets when used lubricants are reused. Recycling ensures a reliable and consistent supply, even when there are supply chain issues.
Conclusion: another step toward sustainable production
We are creating real added value for the automotive supplier industry with our recycling concept for cold forming oils: Beyond the clear cost and environmental benefits, it offers a strategic competitive benefit for suppliers that need to navigate intense market competition. Driven by both automakers and tightening legal requirements, processes grounded in sustainability are becoming an increasingly important factor in the awarding of contracts. Our concept shows that innovative recycling technologies are not just environmentally beneficial but also economically convincing. Companies wanting to optimize their carbon footprint, lower costs, and use resources more efficiently are offered a solution.
Questions? Your BECHEM expert:
Andre Becker
Key Industry Manager Cold Forming
Metalworking