Biodegradable lubricants for the civil engineering sector

It has been more than two years since Van Meeuwen Lubrication of Weesp added the biodegradable lubricants of the Swiss brand Shell PANOLIN to its product portfolio. In the meantime, it can be said that the joint future philosophy of both companies is beginning to bear fruit in ground, road and hydraulic engineering, among others. Especially when it comes to using biodegradable lubricants to increase machine performance, protect the environment and reduce CO2 emissions. 

The decision to enter into cooperation with Shell PANOLIN is based on a clear reason, according to Technical Director Taco Mets of Van Meeuwen Lubrication. "We had and have the explicit desire to strengthen our position within the market of high-quality biodegradable lubricants. The cooperation with Shell PANOLIN fits this ambition perfectly. After all, we share the same vision of the future and are pulling out all the stops to make customers in the market more aware of the benefits that such lubricants offer. And that is necessary, since the plus points of high performance bio-lubricants are not yet known to everyone in the industry. Despite the fact that lubricants and greases can lead to profits in several ways, their use is often not at the top of the priority list. It is precisely in this situation that we would like to change. Together with Shell PANOLIN. We are therefore very pleased to be able to offer this specialist's range of high performance oils and greases. We do this in combination with providing expert advice. Indeed, based on the Shell PANOLIN product range, we are perfectly placed to inform our customers about that lubricant that best suits that specific machine, the required performance and working conditions."

Oil changes

The use of biodegradable lubricants not only has a protective effect on the environment. Such products also bring happy faces in terms of costs. Two hard facts of which, it turns out, too many users are still insufficiently aware. "Standard oil changes every 500 or 2,000 hours still seem to be the norm, whereas today they can easily be postponed up to sometimes as much as 20,000 hours," Mets believes. "Under optimal conditions, in some cases with the use of high-quality lubricants, 'filled for life' is even achievable. Practice shows that with regularity."

Cost reductions

But it does not stop there. The application of bio-based lubricants also increases the reliability of the machines deployed by equipment owners. Furthermore, fewer breakdowns and unplanned downtime result in significant time savings. Another appealing benefit that goes hand-in-hand with cost reductions in terms of repair time and the purchase of replacement parts. "Moreover, you can achieve a much longer relubrication and replacement interval," said Mets. "Fortunately, more and more rental companies are also recognizing the benefit of this. After all, it provides them with considerably less hassle and red tape. And therefore more satisfied customers."

Perfect match

Also at Shell PANOLIN, which over the years has become a renowned and globally active supplier of oils and greases, there is plenty of satisfaction about the match with Van Meeuwen Lubrication. Especially when it comes to jointly marketing the most important asset of the lubricant producer, which has been active for more than 70 years: its high performance biodegradable lubricants. Variants that have enormous market potential in the Netherlands and Flanders.  

Versatile lubricant specialist

Van Meeuwen Lubrication has been providing the GWW sector, among others, with reliable and customized lubrication solutions for 90 years. Within the company, innovation is leading. A quality that is emphasized with knowledge, the performance of lubrication maintenance and a wide range of high-quality lubricants from leading own and international brands. The Swiss Shell PANOLIN is one of them.