Shell PANOLIN – Frequently Asked Questions
What is biodegradability?
Biodegradability is a measure of the breakdown of a chemical or a chemical mixture by microorganisms.
Biodegradability classifications for lubricant components are based on the percentage biodegradation achieved in recognised test methods1.
Under OECD 301B, biodegradation is measured over 28 days with components achieving:
- ≥60% biodegradation considered readily biodegradable;
- ≥20% but <60% considered inherently biodegradable;
- <20% are considered non-biodegradable.
The overall lubricant biodegradability claim is then determined from the biodegradability profile of its component and no longer from a finished-product test.
What is ecotoxicity?
Ecotoxicity is a measure of the toxic potential of chemicals towards the environment2.
Ecotoxicity is assessed through short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) tests using model organisms considered to be representative of different trophic (food chain) levels present in environmental compartment such as aquatic, terrestrial, sediment and sewage treatment plants. For lubricants we generally only test aquatic environment.
Aquatic ecotoxicity is assessed through short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) tests using model organisms considered to be representative of different trophic (food chain) levels present in water systems such as streams, rivers, lakes and seas.
What is an EAL?
Environmentally Acceptable Lubricant (EAL) is a term defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for lubricants that meet specific criteria for biodegradability, minimal aquatic toxicity, and low bioaccumulation potential, as established under the 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP).3
Shell uses the EAL designation within selected product names to help customers easily identify lubricants that meet these requirements. These products are typically supported by independent third-party certifications, such as the EU Ecolabel, which verify their environmental performance.
Shell PANOLIN EAL lubricants are designed to comply with VGP requirements for marine and offshore applications and are also used in certain environmentally regulated applications onshore, particularly in regions such as the Nordics and Germany where demand for environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) is well established. 4
How do you measure biodegradability?
Shell’s approach to assessing biodegradability is not changing. We continue to rely on recognised biodegradability test methods and standards, including OECD test methods and industry standards such as ISO 15380. What is changing is how we communicate biodegradability information, with a greater focus on precision, transparency and evidence-based claims, each product now has a biodegradability profile.
What is the difference between a ‘biodegradable’ and an ‘environmentally acceptable’ lubricants (EAL)?
Biodegradability describes the extent to which microorganisms can break a substance down under specific conditions and within a defined time. Biodegradability classifications for lubricant components are based on the percentage biodegradation achieved in recognised test methods.
Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EAL) are defined in US EPA VGP 2013 Appendix A: Biodegradable*, minimally or non-toxic (towards algae, invertebrates and fish in the aquatic environment) and non-bioaccumulative1 – all while still being capable of meeting minimum requirements for technical performance.
*Biodegradable means the following for purposes of the VGP: lubricant formulations that contain at least 90% (w/w (weight in weight concentration)) or grease formulations that contain at least 75% (w/w) of a constituent substance.
Disclaimers
[1] Our lubricant biodegradability claims are determined from the biodegradability profile of its component and no longer from a finished-product test. For example the biodegradability profile of Shell PANOLIN S4 HLP Synth EAL 46 is at least 98% by mass of this lubricants’ components are readily biodegradable, achieving a passing result of ≥60% according to OECD 301B.
[2] Our finished lubricants are assessed for their low aquatic ecotoxicity, and classified as 'not harmful' to species according to the OECD test guidelines, all Shell PANOLIN products are tested against OCED 202 as a minimum, please see each product Technical Data Sheet for full ecotoxicity test profile and threshold, thresholds measures against includes EU Ecolabel, EN 16807 or ISO 15380 > 100mg/L for acute toxicity tests and CLP Guidance > 1mg/L for chronic toxicity studies.
[3] Example Product Claim: Shell PANOLIN S4 HLP Synth 46 Low ecotoxicity, classified as 'not harmful' to algae, freshwater invertebrates, fish and bacteria when tested to Industry Standard by 3rd Party Lab as water-accommodated fractions (WAFs) according to OECD test guidelines 201, 202, 203 and 210 meeting the requirements of EN 16807 > 100mg/L for acute toxicity tests and CLP Guidance > 1mg/L for chronic toxicity studies.
[4] https://www.epa.gov/vessels-marinas-and-ports/commercial-vessel-discharge-standards-frequently-asked-questions#EALs. For reference only -VGP Appendix A - https://eu001-sp.shell.com/:w:/r/sites/UGDSGlobalB2BLubricantComms9/Shared%20Documents/General/CAT%20%26%20Disclosure%20process/Products/PANOLIN/Disclosure%20Audit%20Trails/VGP/VGP%202013%20Appendix%20A.docx?d=wdb9cf70a5b944e869ee3fa78795350b2&csf=1&web=1&e=Gio2Ia (DOCX)
