The UN SDGs and the lubricant industry: Broadening the sustainability perspective
Sustainability within the lubricant industry has often been discussed through the lens of environmental impact. While reducing environmental harm is crucial, the industry’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) extends beyond just environmental considerations. The 17 SDGs and their 169 targets provide a roadmap that encompasses economic, social, and environmental aspects, all of which are critical for a sustainable future. The lubricant industry has recognized this broader framework, acknowledging key goals such as Good Health & Well-being (SDG #3) and Decent Work & Economic Growth (SDG #8). However, the recent industry-wide focus has been predominantly on environmental aspects, particularly Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) calculations. This focus is justified, as obtaining transparent and standardized data is essential for setting sustainability goals and developing effective roadmaps to achieve them.
Understanding the interconnectedness of sustainable development
The complexity of sustainable development lies in the interconnected nature of economic, social, and environmental factors. Studies have demonstrated that elements such as business freedom, education, digital services, and continuous learning play a significant role in driving sustainability. Recognizing these connections allows industries to adopt more holistic approaches rather than viewing sustainability through a singular lens.
Surveys conducted by the European Lubricating Grease Institute (ELGI) and the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) indicate that the lubricant industry is broadening its sustainability efforts. While environmental impact remains a priority, the industry is also increasingly addressing social and economic dimensions. However, despite this growing awareness, much of the tangible progress has centered around environmental impact measurements—particularly PCF methodologies—as industries seek reliable and harmonized data frameworks to guide their sustainability efforts.
Advancing data accuracy and standardized methodologies
Although the lubricant industry has made strides in recognizing a wider range of sustainability issues, challenges persist in measuring and tracking progress across all UN SDG areas. Accurate data and standardized methodologies are critical for assessing sustainability impact effectively. Without a common approach to measurement and reporting, it becomes difficult to fully understand and enhance the industry's role in sustainable development.
To address these challenges, industry-wide standardization efforts are gaining traction. One notable example is the harmonization of PCF calculation methodologies, such as those developed by UEIL and ATIEL*. These frameworks enable companies to assess their carbon footprint in a transparent and comparable manner, providing a foundation for setting clear sustainability targets. Collaboration across sectors further strengthens these initiatives by ensuring that methodologies are robust and widely accepted.
At Perstorp, we have embraced standardized PCF data collection, with nearly all our products covered by third party-certified methodologies. As a chemical company, we align with the Together for Sustainability** (TfS) initiative, which is recognized within the lubricant sector-specific methodology by UEIL and ATIEL. This alignment ensures that lubricant manufacturers can integrate our data seamlessly into their own PCF calculations, fostering a more unified approach to sustainability reporting. By relying on credible data and methodologies developed by recognized organizations, we promote transparency and encourage industry-wide collaboration.
Paving the way for a more sustainable lubricant industry
In conclusion, while the lubricant industry has acknowledged multiple UN SDGs, recent efforts have focused largely on environmental sustainability, particularly PCF calculations. This emphasis is well-placed, as transparent data is the cornerstone of effective sustainability planning. However, moving forward, the industry must continue to expand its focus, integrating economic and social aspects into its sustainability strategies. By strengthening cross-sector partnerships, standardizing methodologies, and ensuring data accuracy, the lubricant industry can contribute meaningfully to the broader sustainability agenda, ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable future.