Biobased Lubes Ooze Potential

摘要

In Section 9002 of the 2002 Farm Bill, federal agencies were ordered to purchase biobased products whenever possible ― even if they cost a little more. Now, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has published draft guidelines that define and spell out what these products are, including lubricants made from crops and forestry products. The proposed regulation, published Dec. 19 in the Federal Register, would require government agencies to buy materials such as motor oils, hydraulic fluids and metalworking fluids made from plants as long as they perform adequately and do not cost significantly more than conventional alternatives. Proponents said it should help create a critical mass for vegetable based lubes.