Context
The Venturi Tribe partners with a scale-up having a proprietary process for the modification of vegetable oils. The process allows for the modification of their rheological properties including increasing viscosity and the introduction of shear thinning phenomena. The process is intrinsically sustainable as it does not involve the use of any catalysts and requires little energy. As the final products are by definition biobased and maintain their biodegradable properties, this technology is a key enabler to replace today’s fossil fuel based options like mineral oils, poly-isobutylene and silicones. To set to scene, today, approximately 50 % of all lubricants used worldwide end up in the environment via total loss applications, volatility, spills or accidents. More than 95 % of these materials are mineral oil based. Their high eco-toxicity and low biodegradability, make mineral oil-based lubricants considerable threat to the environment.
Involvement
We develop the European market in applications where the sustainable character on one hand and the unique rheological properties on the other hand play a differentiating role. Business has been set up in the world of total loss lubricants. Evaluations are ongoing in many other domains like adhesives, inks and cosmetic applications.