LEAX Rezekne's experience in introducing safer metalworking fluids

Environmental management is not just a requirement for businesses, it is also an opportunity to seek increasingly sustainable solutions. With this objective in mind, SIA LEAX Rezekne, operating in compliance with several management systems, including the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, joined the LIFE Fit for REACH-2 project.

Metalworking fluids play a crucial role in the company's manufacturing processes, particularly cutting and cooling oils used in metal machining operations. In its search for a more environmentally friendly alternative to the Berucut 15 oil it used previously, the company sought to identify a solution that would not only be safer for the environment but would also maintain the required technical performance.

Initially, the challenge was to identify the most suitable alternatives. In collaboration with project experts, the company assessed its specific needs, analysed potential risks, and identified promising substitute products.

As a result, the biodegradable oil Harolbio 2 PPL was selected as the most promising option for testing. To evaluate its suitability, the company established specific performance criteria and implemented a detailed data collection process. After a two-month testing period, the results demonstrated that the new oil performed as effectively as the product used previously while significantly reducing consumption.

Additional benefits were also observed, including a more neutral odour in the workplace and improved fire-safety properties. As a result, based on the data collected, the company decided to switch to the use of Harolbio 2 PPL in its production processes.

This positive experience encouraged the company to extend this approach to other applications. The new oil is now gradually replacing additional products previously used in production, including Berucut XC 5002. 

“We encourage other companies to regularly review the chemicals and processes they use. By clearly defining the most important performance parameters and systematically collecting data on both existing and alternative solutions, it is possible to identify safer and more efficient without incurring additional costs.”

The LEAX Rezekne team acknowledges that initially the search for safer alternatives appeared to be a complex and challenging process. However, the experience the company gained over the course of the project demonstrated that a well-structured approach, data-driven decision-making, and expert support can help businesses to make informed choices and derive benefits for both business and the environment.