Complex Greases Address the Need for Sustainable Alternatives to Lithium-based Lubricants
FUCHS Lubricants Co., the world’s largest independent lubricant supplier, highlights the RENOLIT CXS CRM/AM Series. Featuring the RENOLIT CXS CRM 1 and RENOLIT CXS AM 1, these high-performance, calcium sulfonate complex greases are engineered for the demanding needs of heavy duty industrial applications including those in steel and metal processing. Developed in response to evolving industry requirements and the growing need for sustainable alternatives to lithium-based lubricants, these products offer proven performance and set a new benchmark in mechanical stability, corrosion protection, and water resistance.
The RENOLIT CXS CRM/AM Series leverages a state-of-the-art calcium sulfonate complex thickening system paired with semi-synthetic base oils for extended drain intervals in centralized lubrication systems. This advanced formulation delivers outstanding mechanical stability, even in environments exposed to chemically treated water, acids, detergents, and other process fluids known to break down traditional greases. The greases retain their consistency under high water contamination and mechanical stress, ensuring reliable protection for critical equipment such as casters, hot strip mill back-up bearings, pickling lines, and galvanizing lines. An optimized base oil viscosity provides a thicker lubricant film, extending protection against shock loading and heavy loads, while a sophisticated additive package offers comprehensive corrosion, anti-oxidant, anti-wear, and extreme pressure protection. The series is engineered for excellent thermal and oxidative stability, supporting reliable operation across a wide temperature range and in high-temperature environments. Its exceptional water resistance and shear stability further ensure consistent performance and equipment longevity, even in harsh industrial settings.
As industries worldwide face increasing supply chain volatility and cost pressures due to the lithium shortage, FUCHS is committed to providing sustainable, high-performance alternatives. Calcium-based greases, particularly those utilizing calcium sulfonate complex technology, have emerged as a leading solution. These greases not only match or surpass lithium-based products in key performance metrics such as thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and water resistance, but also offer greater sustainability and supply security. The RENOLIT CXS CRM/AM Series supports both operational reliability and environmental stewardship, as calcium is a more abundant and environmentally responsible resource.
RENOLIT CXS CRM 1 is certified under the NLGI HPM standard. Additionally, a recent case study highlights the tangible benefits of RENOLIT CXS AM 1 in a steel mill’s cold rolling operations. After switching from a tacky lithium-complex grease to RENOLIT CXS AM 1, the customer eliminated water etching in bearings, reduced grease purge rates by 30%, and achieved annual savings of approximately $400,000 in purchasing costs and grease consumption.
About FUCHS Lubricants Co.
Founded in 1931 as a family business in Mannheim, FUCHS is now the world’s largest independent supplier of innovative lubrication solutions, covering almost every industry and application. Today, the company’s 6,000 employees in over 50 countries still share the same goal: to keep the world moving both sustainably and efficiently. To live up to this claim, we think in terms of perfection, not merely standards. When developing individual solutions, we enter into an intensive customer dialogue – acting as an experienced consultant, innovative problem solver and reliable team partner.
