A case study demonstrated that Heineken Brasil could cut 20 tonnes of lubricant use and save up to hundreds of millions in worker expenses per year by adopting polymer bearings at its 160 worldwide locations.
Such a move would also cut CO2 emissions by 28,814kg, the equivalent to saving more than 12,000l of petrol.
According to Ian Hewat of Igus South Africa the study is pertinent to local industries as the same principles apply.
He said the study emphasises the substantial reduction in CO2 emissions when using polymer bearings.
Heineken Brasil alone could cut CO2 equivalents by 180 kg annually at 600 bearing points.
“This highlights the increasing pressure on manufacturers to disclose the carbon footprint of their products,” Hewat explains.
“The study offers a scientifically validated assessment of the environmental benefits of Igus's self-lubricating bearings, making a strong case for their adoption across various industries.”
Conducted by WBA Werkzeugbau, the study involved expert interviews with companies from sectors including automation technology, construction machinery, agriculture, food, packaging, and bottling.
The research was carried out in collaboration with the Laboratory for Machine Tools (WZL) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology (IPT) on the RWTH Aachen Campus.
