Welsh hill farmers produce over 16,500 tons of wool each year, but much of it is too coarse for textiles and sells for next to nothing. The Wool2Lube project turns that low-value wool into high-performance, biodegradable lubricants by extracting lanolin—a natural grease—using liquid carbon dioxide and green solvents instead of harsh chemicals. Current methods recover only 20% of the available lanolin; this process aims to capture far more, with less water and energy. Why this matters: agriculture, marine, and metalworking industries must replace petroleum-based oils with biodegradable alternatives, especially for equipment used outdoors where leaks can contaminate soil and water. Lanolin-based lubricants resist rust and repel water, making them well-suited for these harsh environments. If successful, Wool2Lube creates a new revenue stream for Welsh farmers from wool that currently generates little income. It also reduces reliance on fossil-fuel-based lubricants and cuts pollution risks. The project aims to demonstrate a scalable process within one year, potentially establishing the UK as a leader in sustainable lanolin processing and biolubricant manufacturing.
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The **Wool2Lube Project** aims to address two critical challenges: the underutilization of Welsh sheep wool and the growing global demand for sustainable, eco-friendly lubricants. Welsh sheep farming is a cornerstone of the rural economy, producing over 16,500 tons of wool annually. However, much of this wool, particularly from hill and mountain sheep, is coarse and of low commercial value, leaving farmers with limited economic returns. **Wool2Lube** seeks to transform this underutilized resource into **a high-value product: lanolin-based biolubricants.** Through an innovative process using liquid CO2 and green co-solvents, we aim to extract lanolin from wool in a sustainable and efficient manner, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods that recover only 20% of available lanolin. This eco-friendly approach reduces water and chemical use, aligning with the UK's goals for sustainable development and carbon reduction. The **extracted lanolin will be refined and formulated into biolubricants** designed for industries such as agriculture, marine, and metalworking, where products used in open environments must be biodegradable and safe. These industries face growing regulatory demands to adopt eco-friendly lubricants, particularly for equipment exposed to open-air conditions where oil leaks could damage ecosystems. Lanolin-based biolubricants offer distinct advantages, including excellent rust resistance and hydrophobic properties, making them well-suited for use in harsh environments **Wool2Lube** will deliver multiple benefits: * **Economic Impact**: Create new revenue streams for Welsh farmers by adding value to low-market-value wool, supporting rural communities. * **Environmental Benefits**: Promote the use of biodegradable lubricants, reducing reliance on petroleum-based alternatives and mitigating pollution risks. * **Innovation and Growth**: Position the UK as a leader in sustainable lanolin processing and biolubricant development, opening new market opportunities domestically and internationally. By demonstrating the feasibility of this sustainable solution, the **Wool2Lube Project** will pave the way for future innovations in green chemistry and material valorization. This project is expected to deliver scalable results within one year, creating a model for similar applications worldwide.
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