DoD Sustainable Products Center

Biobased Multipurpose Lubricants

Demonstration Overview

The DoD STED Program is currently in planning to demonstrate biobased multipurpose lubricants for use in maintenance operations at Department of Defense (DoD) Installations.

Multipurpose lubricants have been designated for Federal procurement preference by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) BioPreferred Program. The BioPreferred Program defines multipurpose lubricants as:

For more information regarding the biobased multipurpose lubricants demonstration, please Contact Us.

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โ€œProducts designed to provide lubrication under a variety of conditions and in a variety of industrial settings to prevent friction or rust. Greases, which are lubricants composed of oils thickened to a semisolid or solid consistency using soaps, polymers or other solids, or other thickeners, are not included in this item. In addition, task-specific lubricants, such as chain and cable lubricants and gear lubricants, are not included in this item.โ€

The BioPreferred Program established a minimum biobased content of 88 percent for multipurpose lubricants.

Before these biobased products are utilized by the Military Departments and DoD Components, their performance must be proven to meet DoD requirements.

Demonstration Products

Potential demonstration technologies are being identified.

Demonstration Sites

Demonstration sites and site-specific requirements are currently being identified.

Demonstration Details

Multipurpose lubricants are designed to lubricate and protect components, loosen rusty/frozen parts, and displace moisture in various conditions and industrial settings. Biobased options can offer improved lubricating efficiency, reduced hazards and toxicity, and lower risk of environmental contamination from spills.