Achieving big things sustainably through small steps
July 25, 2024
News
ROXOR TERRA CIRCULAR HV 46 is the first mineral hydraulic oil made from 100% base oils sourced from the circular economy. Its uniqueness lies in its revolutionary resource conservation and longevity.
Compared with conventional mineral hydraulic oils, it offers up to four times the service life and reduces CO2 emissions by 45% from the very first hour of operation compared with fresh oil from the well.
We spoke to Renato Blunier, Head of Construction Logistics at Aarvia Bau AG, and the workshop manager, Simon Leutwyler, and asked them what motivated them to switch to ROXOR TERRA CIRCULAR HV 46 and what advice they would give to prospective customers who are still undecided.
Marketing: Which aspects of the circular economy and resource conservation are most important for your company?
Renato Blunier: As a company, it fundamentally makes sense to keep everything that can be reused within the circular economy. The concept of sustainability is at the forefront here, which, from my personal point of view, was actually the most important reason for the changeover. This has less to do with costs and is primarily about our responsibility to operate sustainably as a company. With the ROXOR TERRRA CIRCULAR HV 46, we are adding another piece to the jigsaw that contributes to improving sustainability and, in combination with resource conservation, supports environmental considerations. We must look after our planet.
Simon Leutwyler: The circular economy is important, but from a business perspective, the crucial aspect is that you operate in an environmentally conscious manner and can make that a key part of your brand identity.
Marketing: Put it on your banner – or rather, on your machines. Have you seen our circular economy stickers?
Simon Leutwyler: Yes, we’ve received them and have already fitted them to the first machine that was retrofitted. This shows that the machine is running on circular lubricants.
Marketing: You are one of the first customers to have switched to the ROXOR TERRA CIRCULAR HV 46. What prompted you to take this step?
Renato Blunier: Because the product is recycled and can be easily poured into the machine without any changeover effort. Even though it takes a certain amount of time to fill the tank completely, it is still the better option than conventional hydraulic oil.
Simon Leutwyler: Lifetime lubrication is a major advantage as it helps to save on servicing time. Another reason may be the advantage it offers in construction tenders. Certain clients may then be more likely to favour construction companies that are committed to the responsible use of resources. This is a trend that will certainly receive even more attention in the future.
Marketing: When a company decides to purchase a new machine, does it have any influence over the factory’s production mix?
Simon Leutwyler: Yes and no. Usually, the procedure is that, for example, a crawler excavator is ordered and the oil is changed at the Swiss importer’s premises. This changeover is carried out very meticulously: first, the factory-filled oil is drained; then the entire system is flushed; and finally, the new oil specified by the customer is filled in. This is where the issue of resource conservation comes to the fore in a negative light. A good hydraulic oil, which has never been used, is needlessly disposed of so that the oil specified by the customer can be filled in. In this case, it is more sustainable to switch the machine over gradually over the course of its service life.
Marketing: How can you avoid having to change the oil when purchasing machinery and thus conserve resources?
Simon Leutwyler: As a customer, you would need to have the machine filled with ROXOR TERRA CIRCULAR 46 directly by the manufacturer or via the Swiss importer. That would then also make your argument about a lifetime fill absolutely correct.
Renato Blunier: Machines are only gradually filled with ROXOR TERRA CIRCULAR HV 46 over time; by the time the machine has been fully converted, it will probably have already been sold abroad again. Our role, whilst the machine is in use here, is to operate it as economically and resource-efficiently as possible. This ensures that the next owner will have used a sustainable hydraulic oil. We must strive to adopt this mindset. Making decisions in day-to-day operations for the good of the planet, moving away from self-interest.
Marketing: How do you assess the 45% reduction in CO2-emissions from the very first hour of operation compared with fresh oil from the well?
Simon Leutwyler: I refer here to my previous answer. This only applies if the machine is used exclusively with ROXOR TERRA CIRCULAR HV 46 as the factory-filled material.
Renato Blunier: I agree with Simon’s statement, but I would like to emphasise that, over the long term, even small, cumulative percentages contribute to achieving environmental targets.
Marketing: Do you see any problems with the waste oil recycling process in Switzerland?
Simon Leutwyler: It’s a shame that our waste oil is incinerated in Switzerland. Just like waste oil abroad, it should be integrated into the recycling process at oil refineries, but unfortunately this isn’t possible due to the Waste Ordinance (VVEA).
Renato Blunier: So, whilst with ROXOR TERRA CIRCULAR HV 46 we are sourcing a sustainable, resource-efficient hydraulic oil produced from recycled foreign waste oil, this waste oil is never, in this context, from Switzerland. When you look at the bigger picture, it naturally makes sense.
Marketing: Have you noticed any difference in your machinery fleet in Würenlingen since using the ROXOR TERRA CIRCULAR HV 46?
Simon Leutwyler: No, the machines are running as smoothly as ever. We don’t have any empirical data to draw on either. It will be interesting to see the results of the oil sample analysis next year.
Marketing: Although the recycling process and the reprocessing of these second-life oils are demanding, they are the better choice in terms of quality compared to conventional base oils. The product offers nothing but advantages across the board. In your opinion, what could be the reason why other companies are hesitant to switch to this more sustainable option?
Renato Blunier: I’m convinced that many people believe a recycled product must be cheaper than a new one, but that’s not the case. If the purchase price is higher than before, this is a reason not to switch to a more sustainable solution. The price issue should not be underestimated; one can debate whether it makes a difference on balance or not. On the other hand, it can be argued that if the machine had been filled with ROXOR TERRA CIRCULAR HV 46 from the outset, the matter would have been settled. Consequently, no further orders for hydraulic oil are required, which helps to reduce costs. Added to this is, in part, a lack of innovative spirit within the industry, which also influences such decisions; what has been done in the past is simply continued. Another reason may be a lack of decision-making authority and the associated hurdle, or rather a lack of motivation, to approach superiors with an innovation, a new product or a change in practice.
Simon Leutwyler: The higher price – even if it’s not by much - is clearly the main reason, as is the fact that people are reluctant to embrace change and tend to adopt a short-term mindset. In our industry, this topic tends to be met with a wry smile, as a rather conservative attitude prevails.
Marketing: What advice would you give to other companies that haven’t yet switched to reused oils?
Renato Blunier: Not to focus on the costs, but to consciously engage with the topic of the circular economy and look at the bigger picture. The benefits of entrepreneurial, long-term thinking are clear, and the time will certainly come when standard hydraulic oil will cost more.
Simon Leutwyler: Thinking in the long term and making a contribution for the next generation. We’re saving the world with this hydraulic oil (laughs).
Marketing: Did you communicate the switch to the ROXOR TERRA CIRCULAR HV 46 internally? If so, how did your team react?
Simon Leutwyler: We discussed this amongst a small group.
Renato Blunier: No, we didn’t make a big fuss about it; we simply got on with it. Whilst a positive reaction is certainly desirable with a change like this, day-to-day operations show that most people don’t care what’s inside, the main thing is that there are no breakdowns or damage and the machines are running.
Marketing: Mr Blunier and Mr Leutwyler, thank you very much for your time and your valuable insights.
Interview: Marketing and Renato Blunier, Head of Construction Logistics at Aarvia Bau AG and workshop manager Simon Leutwyler
Photo: from left to right: Simon Leutwyler and Renato Blunier