ICER BRAKES and SKF are collaborating in a project with a significant impact on sustainability. The initiative, called SKF RecondOil, is an innovative solution implemented at ICER BRAKES’ production facilities in Tudela (Navarra, Spain). The project focuses on recovering and reusing the industrial oil used in the factory’s presses.
To achieve this, they use an oil reconditioning process up to nanometric level, with the Double Separation Technology DST, which purifies the used oil, allowing it to be reused, and promoting a circular economy model within the production process.
This project reflects the commitment to sustainability shared by both companies. Since its implementation in 2023, they have successfully reused 5,000 litres of oil at ICER’s plant in Tudela.
The Spanish brake manufacturer estimates that, starting from 2025, it will no longer be necessary to purchase new oil for its production facility, thereby eliminating the generation of hazardous oil waste, which, after being used, must be managed by specialised companies.
Thanks to this project, ICER BRAKES significantly reduces raw material consumption, lowers CO2 emissions associated with the production of new oil, and eliminates hazardous waste, along with the environmental costs related to its management.
This collaboration originated from the III RSCapital Awards 2023, where SKF won the Environmental CSR award for the SKF RecondOil Project, and ICER came second in the same category with its ICER Goes Green project. This initiative is an example of resource optimisation and circularity, as well as close collaboration between companies that share a strong commitment to sustainability.
A project that also improves productivity
One of the main causes of premature failures in manufacturing machinery is lubricant contamination. In fact, up to 40% of maintenance costs are related to this issue, making proper lubrication management crucial for profitability as well.
It goes without saying that, as all machines use this oil for lubrication, industrial companies are also highly sensitive to crude oil prices. However, lubrication management is not costly solely due to the price of the oil. The downtime associated with oil replacement and its disposal is also a significant cost.
Therefore, maintaining a rational approach to lubrication management from both a financial and environmental perspective becomes a true challenge. This is why being able to reuse the same oil repeatedly, without the risk of it containing contaminants that could affect the machinery’s performance, is a highly significant innovation
The SKF RecondOil technology represents a significant breakthrough for the industry. Through this initiative, ICER BRAKES demonstrates not only its commitment to sustainability but also its dedication to providing the best service to its customers worldwide.