ENEOS pioneers low-carbon lubricant base oil production
ENEOS Corporation has successfully produced low-carbon lubricant base oil as part of a demonstration project aimed at implementing lubricant base oil regeneration technology using used lubricant oil. This initiative aligns with ENEOS’s commitment to achieving a circular and sustainable society.
The project utilised used engine oil collected from the market, with cooperation from Toyota Motor Corporation, as the raw material. In the Sequence IIIH test, an international index for high-temperature oxidation stability, the gasoline engine oil formulated with the low-carbon base oil demonstrated stability equivalent to conventional gasoline engine oil derived from crude oil.
This technological advancement is part of a larger effort under the Ministry of the Environment’s “FY2022 Demonstration Project for a Plastic Resource Circulation System toward a Decarbonised Society” program. ENEOS is also exploring potential technical partnerships with overseas companies to further this initiative.
ENEOS’ commitment to sustainability
ENEOS’s Group Long-Term Vision includes the dual goals of maintaining a stable supply of energy and materials while realising a carbon-neutral society. The company aims to contribute to a decarbonised and recycling-oriented society by developing products that reduce CO2 emissions throughout their lifecycle.
Moving forward, ENEOS plans to establish a production system for low-carbon base oils using used lubricants as raw materials. This will involve scaling up the pilot project, leveraging existing facilities at refineries and plants, and engaging in active dialogues with stakeholders.
About the Project
– Low-Carbon Base Oil: Base oil produced with reduced CO2 emissions.
– Sequence IIIH Test: A high-temperature oxidation stability test specified in the GF-6 gasoline engine oil standard by the International Lubricants Standardisation and Approval Committee (ILSAC).
– Government Program: The project is part of the Ministry of the Environment’s program for fiscal years 2022 to 2023 aimed at creating a plastic resource circulation system towards a decarbonised society.
