Viva Energy Australia showcases how renewable diesel and Shell PANOLIN can reshape the construction materials sector to be more sustainable.
As customer expectations evolve and the push towards a more sustainable future intensifies, the construction industry finds itself at a defining moment- balancing the demands of productivity while aligning with increasingly urgent environmental goals.
Diesel-powered equipment has long been the backbone of the sector, but with the growing demand for cleaner solutions, renewable diesel – also known as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) – presents a promising alternative.
Lubricants also play a vital role in keeping machinery operating efficiently, and businesses and consumers can expect to see more high-quality environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) being introduced to the market.
An alternative to traditional diesel
Viva Energy Australia can enable customers to meet the demands of challenging conditions in the construction industry by bringing renewable diesel within reach.
Viva Energy Australia carbon solutions manager Robert Cavicchiolo said it as a “game-changer” for the construction industry.
“Renewable diesel offers performance comparable to conventional diesel but with lower emissions,” Cavicchiolo said. “It’s a simple, drop-in solution that allows companies to continue their operations while reducing their carbon footprint.”
The key advantage of renewable diesel is its seamless compatibility with existing diesel engines and infrastructure due to its similar hydrocarbon composition to traditional diesel. This allows construction companies to use it in current machinery, fleet and generators without costly modifications and approvals from respective original equipment manufacturers (OEM).
Expansive solution
As demand for construction and infrastructure continues to grow, so too does the construction sector’s shared responsibility to meet this rising demand while reducing the environmental impact of lubricants.
The correct choice of lubricants is vital which is where the range of Shell PANOLIN lubricants can help quarry operators. The range can allow for reduced environmental impacts in an event of a leak, or accidental spillage when compared to conventional mineral oils.
Available through Viva Energy, the Shell PANOLIN portfolio includes a broad choice of readily biodegradable and low-ecotoxicity lubricants for hydraulics, gears, engines (HDEO) and greasing for machine lubrication, including leading OEM- approved products.
“Shell PANOLIN S4 HLP Synth 32, 46, 68 for example were the first Bosch Rexroth-approved biodegradable hydraulic oils, designed for uninterrupted equipment operation,” Viva Energy technical specialist Silvana Farrugia said.
“The Shell PANOLIN portfolio, is technically well-balanced with high biodegradability and is designed for long life, with high performance and protection contributing to equipment longevity.”
Moreover, Shell PANOLIN provides uncompromising performance.
Shell PANOLIN’s high viscosity index ensures performance across all temperature ranges, providing shear stability, wear protection and robust load-bearing capabilities.
“Shell PANOLIN S4 hydraulic range is a great example of this. Its good cold flow behaviour reduces the risk of metal-on-metal wear,” Farrugia said.
Biodegradable lubricants are not new to the construction industry or related industries like quarrying.
“In fact, Shell PANOLIN products have been trusted by customers in other industries like marine, forestry and others, for more than 40 years,” Farrugia said.
“This is largely being achieved through the reformulation of more balanced lubricants with higher tier synthetic ester base stocks and the development of better additives.”
As the construction, quarry and Australia’s heavy industries navigate the dual pressures of increasing productivity and reducing environmental impact, solutions like renewable diesel and biodegradable lubricants are no longer optional, they are essential.
With proven performance, approvals from leading OEMs, and a strong track record across several key heavy industries, Shell PANOLIN and Viva Energy’s renewable diesel offerings empower Australian operators in the quarrying sector to take meaningful steps towards greater sustainability in their operations without compromising on performance, efficiency or reliability. •
For more information, call 1300 134 205 or email technicalhelpdesk@vivaenergy.com.au or carbonsolutions@vivaenergy.com.au
