6R Supply shifts to bio-based industrial supply product line

6R Supply Inc. has announced the transition to a wholly bio-based industrial supply product line. This line offers clients additional options for industrial hydraulic fluids, lubricants and solvents that are readily biodegradable, non-hazardous and non-petroleum based.
6R Supply is a Denver-based sales and distribution company that provides bio-based hydraulic fluids, lubricants and solvents to Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region.
“This shift opens two new markets in Colorado – Federal BioPreferred purchasing and the energy industry”, said Michael Logan, president of 6R Supply. “We can now replace a number of drilling fluids, greases and hydraulic fluids with high lubricity, readily biodegradable alternatives that reduce wear and can decrease accidental spill risk.”
The USDA’s BioPreferred Program was adopted through the 2002 Farm Bill to promote the increased purchase and use of bio-based products that provide opportunities to increase domestic demand for renewable commodities and decrease dependence on foreign oil. The program has recently re-opened its BioPreferred Bioproduct Certification and Labeling program after discontinuing the process in January 2013 due to lack of funding.
Biodegradability measures the decomposition of organic matter when exposed to sunlight, water and microbes. It greatly reduces long term spill cleanup issues, said Logan. There are generally two categories of biodegradability – inherently biodegradable and readily biodegradable. Readily biodegradable matter will decompose to CO2 and H2O 60% – 100% within 28 days. Inherently biodegradable matter will decompose 20% – 60% within the same period.
The decision to shift to a bio-based product line was not difficult, said Logan. “We had some products that were GreenSeal approved but contained SARA reportable chemicals and products that were petroleum based. We wanted to support the transition to bio-based economy; however we needed to provide our clients with products that didn’t compromise performance. We believe the new product line accomplishes these goals,” Logan said.
A bio-based economy uses multiple biological feedstocks to replace base chemicals, fuels and fluids that were previously derived from petroleum. These feedstocks can include crop waste and other non-food sources while providing the same level of value. Bio-based feedstocks put less carbon in the atmosphere, thus changing the industrial carbon cycle and bringing the world closer to a net zero GHG contribution.
(August 8, 2013)