Biolubricants and Biofuels - a contribution to sustainability

Fuels and lubricants made from vegetable oils are not only biodegradable and CO2-neutral, they are advantageous in quality, too. Technically, they are equivalent to mineral oils. Due to their better durabilty they do even have the edge on them in some fields of application.

Biolubricants are best to be applied to usages, where one has to go easy on the environment, so where lubricants can get in contact with soil, water and air.

Although 450 different biolubricants are available right now, they are just a niche so far. That is because they are still too expensive compared with mineral oils. This disadvantage in the market competition is because of the relatively little demand and accordingly low production. 

The German Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture (BMELV) introduced the Market Introduction Programme (MIP) "Biolubricants and Biofuels" in 2000 to balance these disadvantages. Consumers, willing to use products from domestic agriculture, can get financial support to convert their machines.

• Summary and Graphs MIP (pdf, 314 kB)

The FNR, having its department in Gülzow, is responsible for the implementation of the programme.

On these pages you will find numerous facts and data about lubricants and fuels made from renewable resources.