Irvine, California-based Biosynthetic Technologies is about to infuse some green into the world’s motor oil and industrial lubricants industry. The company last week announced that, in partnership with Albemarle, operations of their demonstration production plant within Albemarle’s existing Baton Rouge facility have commenced.

Working with the USDA, Biosynthetic Technologies has developed a new, high performance, bio-based “drop-in” synthetic alternative to petroleum used in motor oils and industrial lubricants. This biosynthetic oil, known as Estolides, has the potential to greatly reduce environmental challenges associated with petroleum.

The California Department of Health Services reports “over 40% of the pollution in America’s waterways is from used motor oil.” This urban runoff from car leaks or illegal dumping is carried away by stormwater to waterways, and ultimately to the ocean.

“Several of the world’s largest motor oil companies have invested heavily to test and validate biosynthetic oil in their labs, in engine testing and in numerous field trials. This third-party validation has effectively demonstrated that biosynthetic oils achieve very high scores in key areas, frequently outperforming the highest quality petroleum synthetic oils,” said CEO Allen Barbieri.

The new Plant incorporates and validates every aspect of the low-cost continuous-flow manufacturing process. Biosynthetic Technologies is now moving forward with development of a full-scale commercial production plant. Locations are being evaluated, including those in the company’s home state of California.

The world consumes almost 12 billion gallons of non-renewable, petroleum-based lubricants each year and nearly 90% enters the environment. A recent LCA shows this new oil offers an 83% to 88% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as compared to similar petroleum based synthetic oils.

“Our biosynthetic oils are a win-win for consumers, offering the cleanest engine possible and a cleaner environment,” said Barbieri. He also notes the economic and environmental advantage from using high performing biosynthetic motor oils that require fewer oil changes. “Now, billions of gallons of petroleum lubricant ingredients can be replaced with a safer, cleaner, high-performing alternative that will protect engines and the environment.”

According to the company, Biosynthetic Technologies holds exclusive rights to patented technology that converts fatty acids found in plant and animal oils into high performance synthetic oils that can be used in lubricant, personal care and other chemical sectors. Biosynthetic Technologies is a privately held company funded in part by multiple Fortune 500 companies.