Paris Agreement on Climate Change and its CO2 reduction policy

However, in this context, most of the CO2 in industry is produced by burning fossil fuels. This is necessary for propulsion. Given that 20% of the world's energy consumption is 'lost' to friction, it is clear how important it is to reduce it. Just follow the chain reaction: less friction, less energy consumption and ultimately less CO2 emissions.

Friction in industrial machines and plants is responsible for 20% of the world's energy consumption and up to 40% of industrial maintenance costs. These two figures underline the importance of optimal lubrication: a maintenance fundamental that through the right choice of lubrication techniques and lubricants can reduce energy losses in the long term by about 25%, a percentage that affects costs, production and climate.

Several things are important in reducing friction. Firstly, the base of a machine or plant must function properly. This means using components that are suitable for the environment (temperature) and the application (load). In addition, proper alignment and seating are essential. If this is the case, the possibilities to further reduce friction lie in good lubrication maintenance.

Although there are still many companies that consider maintenance as the last thing and "greasing" as a task for the youngest employee, the majority of companies are taking lubrication maintenance more seriously and realise that a new integrated approach is needed for CO2 reduction, but also because good lubrication maintenance reduces costs and increases efficiency.

In concrete figures: insufficient lubrication during technical maintenance is responsible for as much as 15% to 40% of maintenance costs. These are caused by the hours needed to resolve unplanned downtime, but also by materials and components that have to be replaced early. Finally, insufficient lubrication maintenance leads to loss of production due to downtime and shorter maintenance intervals. The latter can in turn be linked to the development of temperature and frictional wear. 

In summary: by applying a proper lubrication maintenance plan, friction can be reduced in terms of cost, efficiency and climate.

It is important to understand, however, that the business case for cost savings through lubrication maintenance is a long-term and continuous process of "reform" that requires a paradigm shift in the players involved (maintenance, production and purchasing departments), a specific but integrated implementation of a lubrication maintenance plan, resources skilled in lubrication techniques and knowledge of tribology (the influence of materials, motions, forces and lubricants on each other).

You won't change your entire field reality in an afternoon. And you don't have to. You can focus on the 'low hanging fruit' first to ensure that the basics are in order in terms of components (such as bearings) and machine or plant alignment.

By then applying the right lubricants in the right place and in the right quantities, friction will decrease (significantly), as will energy consumption and the need for maintenance. In the longer term, you can also consider the use of new materials and components; for example, when purchasing a new machine.