The history of Sustainalube AB
Sustainalube has its roots in research at Luleå University of Technology (LTU) in Sweden. In 2009, researchers at LTU began exploring the potential of developing lubricants based on glycerol, driven by a societal need to address the oversupply of glycerol – a by-product of RME-biodiesel production. At the time, the biodiesel industry even incurred costs to dispose of excess glycerol.
Between 2012 and 2014, development progressed significantly, leading to the establishment of Sustainalube in 2015. The first commercial product was a saw chain lubricant for harvesters, which quickly gained positive attention. Customers appreciated not only its fossil-free, non-toxic formulation but also its ability to eliminate “oil fog” – a common issue with traditional oil-based products. Sustainalube’s water-soluble technology allowed for cleaner machines and windshields without the need for strong solvents.
Sustainalube attracted recognition early on. In 2015, co-founder Professor Yijun Shi was awarded Swedbank’s “Future Award” at Almedalen. The company went on to win the national final of Venture Cup in 2016 and was listed on Sweden’s prestigious “33-list” of emerging startups in 2017. More recently, in 2023, Sustainalube won the regional final of SEB’s Next Awards.
Since its founding, Sustainalube has expanded its product portfolio to include hydraulic fluids, lubricating greases, sawmill lubricants, hydropower lubricants, and specialized products for fossil-free steelmaking and electric vehicles.
The company’s strategy focuses on building partnerships with key players in the industry. A notable example is the collaboration established in 2021 with Skoogs Bränsle in Piteå, which manages sales, blending, and delivery of saw chain lubricants for harvesters.
In the same year, Sustainalube relocated to new premises in Dalbo, approximately 5 km outside central Luleå. Here, prototype lubricants are produced ahead of large-scale production. Sustainalube conducts its research and development in close collaboration with Luleå University of Technology and has secured approximately 30 million SEK in research grants since its founding. Major contributors include Mistra Innovation, the Kempe Foundation, Vinnova, Formas, and Energimyndigheten.