LEVROIL Biodegradable Lubricants

Biodegradability Defined:

There is no single definition of biodegradability. Throughout the United States and internationally, there is a wide range of environmentally preferable definitions. The ASTM 6064 has defined biodegradable as a function of degree of degradation, time, and test methodology. 

Despite the definition, there are two widely used designations for biodegradable, READILY and INHERENTLY.

Readily biodegradable is defined as degrading 80% within 21 days as measured by the decrease of a test sample. This type of degradation is preferable because in most cases, the fluid will degrade long before environmental damage has occurred. Because of this, they require little in terms of long-term bio-remediation. Vegetable-based lubricants and some synthetic ester-based products exhibit readily biodegradation.

There are several petroleum-based lubricants that claim "inherent biodegradability". Inherent biodegradable is defined as having the propensity to biodegrade, with no indication of timing or degree. These types of products can persist in the environment for years, continuing to cause substantial damage. They require long-term remediation due to the environmental persistence. Typically, these products are petroleum-based, like conventional lubricants.

ASTM Test Methodology