Research and Development

The PFAS-free revolution:
Why lubricating greases based on calcium sulphonate complex soaps are the future of the food industry

Lubricating greases based on calcium sulphonate complex soaps are PFAS-free and fulfil the highest hygiene standards such as NSF H1 and ISO 21469, making them suitable for direct or indirect food contact. They offer exceptional water resistance, high wear resistance and strong load-bearing capacity, which extends machine running times and reduces the risk of failure. As a result, they enable sustainable, safe and reliable production processes in the food and beverage industry.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a synthetic substance used as an additive in many industrial lubricants, is about to be phased out. The European Union is tightening its stance on perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). These socalled "perpetual chemicals" are hardly degradable in the environment due to their extreme resistance, can accumulate in organisms (bioaccumulation) and are therefore considered substances of very high concern (SVHC) according to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

The impending, almost complete ban poses a considerable challenge for the food and beverage industry. The strictest hygiene standards apply in this sensitive environment: Only lubricants with NSF H1 certification may be used. This certification is awarded by the independent organisation National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and confirms that lubricants are safe even in the event of unintentional food contact.

PFAS-free alternatives from TUNAP

As one of the leading manufacturers of speciality lubricants, TUNAP reacted early and developed high-performance PFAS-free solutions. High-performance lubricating greases based on calcium sulphonate complex soaps, which do not require PTFE additives and fulfil the highest requirements of the food industry, have proved particularly successful.

One outstanding example is TUNGREASE CP-2/50, an NSF H1-registered grease that also fulfils the internationally recognised ISO 21469 standard. This standard goes beyond mere product evaluation and covers production, handling, packaging and storage, an important quality feature for maximum food safety.

Wasserbeständigkeitstext PFAS freie Schmiermittel

Superior water resistance in practice

In food production, machines are often exposed to water-based cleaning and disinfection processes. Even with well-sealed bearings, water can penetrate, reducing the performance of conventional greases and leading to premature failure.

High-performance lubricating greases based on calcium sulphonate complex soap offer a decisive advantage here: they are not only waterresistant but can also absorb water without impairing their lubricating performance.

In the case of the aluminium complex soap-based reference grease, the lubricating film detached slightly from the surface over time and water emulsification occurred, a sign of decreasing adhesion. TUNGREASE CP-2/50, on the other hand, showed no signs of disintegration or loss of adhesion even after 24 hours. The result: significantly lower risk of failure, longer relubrication intervals and greater operational reliability.

Robust under pressure: wear protection and load-bearing capacity

In the food industry, systems are often exposed to high loads, shocks and vibrations, for example in mills for mustard production, in dough mixing systems or on guides in filling and packaging machines. Lubricating greases must maintain a stable lubricating film to prevent wear.

The calcium sulphonate high-performance lubricating grease from TUNAP with 86.3 N/mm² has more than twice the wear resistance of the reference grease based on aluminium complex soap (36.2 N/mm²).

wear protection and load-bearing capacity

When determining the welding force in accordance with DIN 51350-4, the TUNGREASE CP-2/50 also impresses with a higher load-bearing capacity of 4400 N compared to the 3000 N of the reference product, clear evidence of the higher-pressure absorption capacity.

Conclusion: Sustainable, safe and future-orientated

With high-performance lubricating greases based on calcium sulphonate complex soaps, TUNAP offers a PFAS-free yet high-performance solution for the food and beverage industry. These greases combine exceptional water resistance, excellent wear protection and high-pressure absorption capacity with maximum safety in accordance with NSF H1 and ISO 21469.

The result: longer machine running times, lower maintenance costs, optimised production processes, and all without eternal chemicals.