Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Launches Plant-Based Lubricant to Cut Air Compressor Emissions

Tokyo, March 24, 2026: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd. (HIES), part of Hitachi, Ltd.’s Connective Industries (CI) sector, has introduced “GREEN SCREW OIL”, a plant-based lubricant designed for oil-flooded screw air compressors, aimed at reducing carbon emissions across the product lifecycle.

According to the company, the new lubricant uses plant-derived raw materials that absorb carbon dioxide during growth, enabling a reduction of approximately 90% in CO₂ emissions during the manufacturing stage. When considering the entire lifecycle—from production to disposal—the product is estimated to lower emissions by around 40% compared to conventional synthetic oils.

Air compressors are widely used in manufacturing and infrastructure sectors, where lubricants play a critical role in reducing wear and cooling components. Traditionally, such lubricants are petroleum-based, contributing to carbon emissions during production. The newly launched solution offers comparable performance to synthetic oils and supports a two-year replacement cycle.

The development aligns with Hitachi’s broader sustainability strategy, “PLEDGES,” under its “Inspire 2027” management plan, which focuses on decarbonisation and environmental responsibility. The product is also integrated into the company’s digital ecosystem, including “HMAX Industry” solutions that leverage AI, predictive diagnostics, and generative AI-based maintenance support.

HIES stated that the adoption of plant-based lubricants across the group’s air compressor portfolio, including products under the Sullair brand and oil-free compressors, could potentially reduce CO₂ emissions by over 2,000 tonnes annually.

The initiative is part of the Connective Industries sector’s focus on integrated industrial automation, combining digital technologies, domain expertise, and advanced AI to improve operational efficiency and sustainability in industrial environments.