Multipurpose Grease Innovations: Increasing Performance While Lowering your Carbon Footprint with Lithium-Free Grease
In today’s climate, where supply chain challenges and sustainability demands shape every industry, the lubrication sector is no exception. With the increased usage of lithium for batteries, electric car manufacturers are driving demand and higher prices across multiple segments — leaving the grease industry searching for alternatives.
Anhydrous Calcium (ANH CA) grease has emerged as a cutting-edge alternative to traditional lithium-based greases. This innovation offers a modern solution to the limitations of traditional lithium-based greases. If you’re still relying on lithium-based greases, it’s time to rethink your strategy.
Let’s explore why ANH CA greases are the better choice — and not just for your operations.
Lithium Grease VS the Rise of EV Batteries
For decades, lithium-based greases were the go-to solution. Their versatility and balanced performance made them a staple across industries. However, the increasing demand for lithium in electric vehicle (EV) batteries has created significant supply chain pressures. Since 2023, global lithium grease production has dropped by 16%, with prices soaring as a result.
In response, calcium-based greases have stepped up, particularly in Europe, where their production share increased from 15% in 2021 to 18% in 2022. Anhydrous Calcium greases have proven to be not just an alternative, but a premium upgrade. They excel where lithium grease falls short, offering advantages in performance, sustainability, and availability.
Sources: 1/ Lithium Thickeners Dip in Europe — Lubes'N'Greases; 2/ Decline in participation impacts NLGI grease production survey — F&L Asia.
What Is Anhydrous Calcium (ANH CA)?
At its core, Anhydrous Calcium is a water-free thickener technology that forms the foundation of a high-performance grease. Its unique structure delivers exceptional resilience and reliability in challenging environments where water resistance, low-temperature performance, and mechanical stability are critical. ANH CA greases are the premium candidates to succeed a lithium-containing grease portfolio.
Originally developed for cold and wet applications, ANH CA greases are now widely used across segments, making them ideal multipurpose greases.
Typical ANH CA applications: wheel hubs, roller and plain bearings, chassis components, fifth wheel, crane slew rings, wire ropes, chainsaws.
How ANH CA Greases Outperform Lithium-Based Greases
The real measure of any grease lies in its performance. Here’s how ANH CA grease excels in comparison to traditional lithium-based grease:
1. Technical Performance: What’s Under the Hood?
ANH CA greases thrive in environments exposed to moisture, extreme temperatures, and high mechanical stress. This makes them ideal for applications like wheel hubs, roller bearings, plain bearings, chassis components, fifth wheel (pivot pin), crane (slew ring), wire ropes and chainsaws.
ANH CA vs LITHIUM: on metrics A–E ANH CA outperforms; on F–H it performs equal.
A) Water Resistance: Superior ability to lubricate in the presence of water.
B) Load Capacity: Increased performance with extreme-pressure additives and/or solid lubricants.
C) Multi-Purpose: Broad applicability across all segments.
D) Thermal Stability: Upper temperature limit of 120 °C — equivalent to a high-quality lithium grease.
E) Isolation: Seals off fluids, dust and debris, handling moderate water ingress without losing consistency.
F) Low Temperatures: Exceptional low-temperature properties, especially with polymer-enhanced base oils; easier to pump.
G) Shear Stability: ANH CA thickener resists shear and mechanical degradation well.
H) Adhesion: Generally better adhesion, particularly in moist conditions.
2. Environmental Benefits of ANH CA Greases
Sustainability is no longer optional — it’s a necessity. ANH CA greases offer significant environmental advantages over lithium greases, making them a forward-thinking choice for businesses aiming to minimise their ecological footprint.
3. Availability: A Stable Solution
Lithium supply volatility is a growing concern across industries. As battery production accelerates, the pressure on lithium resources will only increase. ANH CA greases, on the other hand, are readily available, reducing supply risks and improving cost stability.
ANH CA GREASE EP 2
At the heart of our range is ANH CA GREASE EP 2, a performant multi-purpose, cross-segment grease that delivers several improved performance properties compared to lithium-based alternatives. Key applications:
- Medium-loaded ball bearings in wet or corrosive environments.
- Multi-purpose applications across industries, from manufacturing to agriculture.
Performance metrics where ANH CA outperforms lithium greases:
- Exceptional water resistance
- Outstanding shear stability
- Superior adhesion
- High biodegradability
- Low-temperature lubricity
- Low toxicity
Applications That Demand ANH CA Performance
Anhydrous Calcium greases are built for versatility. Their superior performance characteristics make them ideal for a range of applications, including:
- Central lubrication systems
- Plain and roller bearings
- Ball bearings in wet and corrosive environments
- Industrial machinery exposed to extreme conditions
Wolf Lubricants’ Multipurpose Grease Innovation
Our updated grease portfolio reflects a commitment to both technological innovation and sustainability. By choosing ANH CA, you’re contributing to a cleaner, greener future, while improving operational efficiency and increasing performance.
Discover our comprehensive grease range and experience performance without compromise.
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