TOKYO, Mar 24, 2026- Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd. (hereinafter HIES, part of Hitachi, Ltd. Connective Industries (CI) Sector) has launched “GREEN SCREW OIL”, a plantbased lubricant for oil-flooded screw air compressors. Because the plant-derived raw materials absorb CO₂ during growth, the new lubricant cuts manufacturing-stage CO₂ emissions by approximately 90%. Even including emissions at disposal, its CO2 emissions across the entire lifecycle can be reduced by approximately 40%(estimated value) compared to conventional synthetic oils.
Air compressors are widely used manufacturing and social infrastructure fields. HIES' air compressors form a significant part of the installed base for “HMAXTM(*1) Industry”, a digital service that embodies Lumada 3.0(*2), offering predictive diagnostics powered by machine learning and operational/maintenance support through generative AI. Delivered via “FitLiveTM(*3)”. These solutions support efficient and sustainable operations. Aligned with Hitachi’s sustainability strategy “PLEDGES(*4)”, which is based on the management plan “Inspire 2027,” and promotes decarbonization under the P: Planet pledge, “GREEN SCREW OIL” further enhances the environmental value of digitalized assets and supports the creation of more sustainable industrial sites.
Product Overview
Oil-flooded screw air compressors require lubricants to prevent component wear and provide cooling, as a pair of screw rotors rotate at high speeds to compress air. Conventional lubricants are derived from crude oil, and CO2 is emitted during their manufacturing process. “GREEN SCREW OIL” uses plants as raw materials that absorb CO2 through photosynthesis. This means that during manufacturing, CO2 emissions are reduced by 90%. Even when considering the disposal stage, total emissions are reduced by 40%. Its performance is equivalent to conventional synthetic oils, and it can be used with a two-year replacement cycle.
Going forward, we also plan to expand this initiative to Hitachi Global Air Power's oil-flooded screw air compressors, which are under Sullair brand within Hitachi Group, and HIES’ oil-free air compressors. Hitachi Group air compressors hold a significant global market share. We estimate that replacing all lubricant used in the Group's air compressors with plant-based alternatives could reduce CO2 emissions by over 2,000 tons annually.
Hitachi’s Connective Industries (CI) Sector, to which HIES belongs, focuses on “Integrated Industry Automation”, which aims to expand “HMAX Industry” into growth industries horizontally. HMAX Industry provides next-generation solutions for the industrial field that combines data from an abundant installed base of products (digitalized assets), domain knowledge, and advanced AI.
