(208b) Product Vs Process Sustainability: A Lubrizol Case Study

Many Lubrizol products are built on feedstocks derived primarily from petrochemicals. To meet growing consumer demands in emerging natural-based markets, Lubrizol is exploring feedstocks derived from biological sources. Consumer products with environmentally friendly, natural credentials may pass the initial “green sniff test” but further evaluation using quantitative criteria defined in Lubrizol’s Sustainability Scorecard can help deliver a process which is both natural and lower carbon intensity.

This presentation will review a case study in application of the Scorecard, using a novel development product. In this work, we will demonstrate how a holistic look at multiple angles of sustainability can lead to focused development in deficient areas to boot the overall positive impact of a product. We will also cover how the development team has resolved many technical challenges involved in scaling these types of products, including improving resource efficiency, reducing energy consumption, eliminating manual handling steps which reduce operator exposure, and evaluating of critical safety parameters. Additionally, the presentation will cover how use of natural based feedstocks have dramatic implications for the processing equipment required compared to their conventional, petrochemical contemporaries.

These efforts have ultimately demonstrated that naturally-derived labels do not equate to low-carbon labels on products, and only through thorough analysis and development activities can these two objectives be true simultaneously. Ultimately, this work will highlight the necessity of evaluating both the product (consumer facing) and the manufacturing process sustainability metrics within the Specialty Chemicals Industry.