Coming soon: a new lithium grease alternative

As the world strives for more electric vehicles and less gas and oil fuelled equipment, so the extraction of lithium and copper, used to make batteries, has gone into overdrive.

The consequence of this is twofold; firstly, supplies of lithium and copper are limited and the global demand is far outstripping the ability to supply. (see graph below). This potential puts all the transport and automotive net zero ambitions in jeopardy, if batteries are not around to supply the vehicles with power.

Secondly there are also ongoing concerns about the environmental and social impacts of extraction on such a huge scale, even if the materials are central in the battle against climate change.

For example, extracting one tonne of lithium from hard rock generates about 15 tonnes of carbon, and generating one tonne of lithium from brine uses about two million litres of water, which is the roughly the amount of water one person living in the UK might use over a period of 35 years. The mining industry is in the process of developing new ways of extracting from different sources but of course can do nothing about the actual availability of lithium and other minerals that are slowly running out.

As well as batteries, Lithium is also used to make greases. You will be aware perhaps that Lithium grease is one of our best selling products. Lithium grease is the most commonly used lubricating grease around the world, accounting for 75% of lubricating applications across all industries. It is commonly used as a lubricant in wheel bearing and chassis applications and demonstrates excellent water resistance and high temperature resistance and excellent adhesion to metal. However, Lithium prices are set to continue to rise and environmental challenges mean alternative solutions are required.

Non Lithium Solution

To combat this problem, we are now looking to source a new high quality grease range made from Calcium which is in greater supply and has easier extraction processes. We are working with the supplier and our technical teams to develop a range of greases that are much more sustainable and yet will also contain no Lithium and have outstanding water resistant properties.

Watch out for the new range in due course. We believe this will be in great demand and offer a streamlined link to existing products.

To read more about our environmental initiatives and how we’re working to reduce our impact on the environment, visit our website here.