From Fossil to Biobased: A Life Cycle Assessment of Commercial-Scale Polyol Ester Lubricant Base Oils

Abstract

Lubricants are essential to industrial and transportation systems but remain predominantly petroleum-based, raising significant environmental concerns. Biobased alternatives offer promising pathways to reduce fossil fuel use; however, their environmental benefits remain relatively underexplored and lack future-oriented assessments. Here, we present a cradle-to-gate and prospective life cycle assessment (pLCA) of a novel biobased secondary polyol ester (SPE) lubricant base oil developed by VBASE Oil Company, using highresolution primary data from a commercial-scale facility. The assessment incorporates Shared Socioeconomic Pathway scenarios (SSP1 and SSP2) modeled with the IMAGE integrated assessment model.Results show that VBASE SPE base oils reduce GHG emissions by up to 41% compared to fossil-derived polyol ester (DITA), and up to 84% when biogenic carbon uptake is considered. They also outperform or match both DITA and the European biobased ester LIGALUB 19 TMP across several categories, including acidification and eutrophication potentials. However, the analysis also reveals burden shifting: while GWP and cumulative energy demand decrease, freshwater ecotoxicity and ozone formation impacts remain elevated due to upstream agricultural and chemical inputs, particularly from proprietary polyols and fatty acids. Geospatial and prospective modeling further show that regional electricity grid composition and global decarbonization pathways can moderately affect outcomes, with SSP1 scenarios offering additional reductions. These findings underscore the need for integrated feedstock optimization and clean energy sourcing to fully realize the environmental potential of biolubricants. This case study advances the life cycle understanding of industrial biobased intermediates and highlights the promise and complexity of transitioning toward low-carbon, sustainable lubrication systems.