When three specialists pool their expertise, true innovation is the result. Rollstar was looking for a sustainable lubrication solution, MOTOREX developed the right biodegradable industrial gear oil, and SKF provided its sealing expertise. The result: the first rapidly biodegradable industrial gear oil – technically impressive and a measurable contribution to greater sustainability.
The idea of developing a new product together was an obvious one. Rollstar and MOTOREX share a long-standing partnership – two Swiss companies located less than 50 kilometers apart. Within a short period of time, the idea turned into a proven, practice-ready product. This was made possible above all by the strong commitment of everyone involved – and the shared goal of bringing environmental awareness, quality, and future viability into harmony. In conversation, the representatives of Rollstar, SKF, and MOTOREX share more about the project.
How did this exciting development project come about?
Lukas Ziegler, CEO at Rollstar: The initiative stemmed from our own understanding of sustainability. Specifically, we were looking for a biodegradable industrial gear oil, with the highest possible proportion of renewable raw materials – without having to compromise on performance. We knew that MOTOREX has been deeply committed to researching sustainable products for years and shares similar values. That’s why we approached our long-term partner with this idea.
The new product is intended to be officially approved in our assembly and operation manuals. Our customers should be able to use it directly – without detours, and with all necessary approvals. The demand is clearly noticeable, especially in sensitive areas such as offshore installations, drilling technology, or rail transport. Biodegradable products are increasingly in demand in these sectors.
How was the implementation process?
Sandro Gissi, Product Manager at MOTOREX:
It was a very demanding and ambitious project. Together with Rollstar, we first held intensive development discussions, defined target parameters, and carried out numerous laboratory tests – long before the first test bench trials began. Our proven synthetic high-performance gear oil, GEAR SINTEC CLP – which we’ve been supplying to Rollstar and their customers for years – served as the reference. Additionally, we also considered the mineral oil-based alternative from our existing product range.
The goal was to develop a biodegradable industrial gear oil with the highest possible share of renewable raw materials. It needed to significantly reduce the carbon footprint while matching – ideally even surpassing – the performance of the current top product. For the test bench trials, we were able to count on the support of Rollstar. They set up two identically configured test gear units to compare the products under precisely the same conditions.
In parallel, we developed the GEAR SINTEC ECO CLP in the lab. At first, it was uncertain whether the concept would actually work. But the test bench showed: the new product not only meets the benchmark’s performance level – thanks to its optimized heat absorption and dissipation capabilities, the oil helps maintain a consistent operating temperature in the gearbox. This reduces wear, extends component life, and delivers clear added value – technically, economically, and ecologically.
When did SKF come into the picture?
Sandro Gissi: A development test is only reliable if all system-relevant materials are taken into account – especially sealing materials. With biodegradable oils in particular, the interaction with elastomers is a key aspect, since these formulations can have different chemical properties compared to conventional oils. To rule out any potential incompatibilities early on, we sought direct collaboration with SKF (Switzerland) AG. They immediately embraced our project and supported us with extensive elastomer compatibility tests according to established testing standards.
What was the result?
Michael Arnold, Technical Sales Consultant at SKF (Switzerland) AG: The result was clear across all our components: the tested seals performed excellently with the biodegradable oil. We were positively surprised by how well the compatibility turned out. This is by no means a given. SKF has conducted numerous tests worldwide, and each one is unique – especially when it comes to new developments of individual system components, as in this case. All the more gratifying was that there were no unexpected reactions: the seal compatibility was excellent.
What challenges did you encounter during the development process?
Andreas Reinbold, Seals Sales Manager at SKF (Switzerland) AG: From a technical perspective, there were no major hurdles in the collaboration. The challenge was more in the complex and highly regulated procedures within our corporation: finding the right departments for the tests, obtaining approvals for materials, and clarifying legal frameworks. Especially when tests involve multiple parties, this is a complex process. However, communication with the project partners was very open and efficient. It was interesting for us to see how agile collaboration can work in Switzerland. As a large company, it was quite challenging for us to keep up in this agile environment. We plan everything well in advance, and many projects run worldwide.
Michael Wacker, Deputy Head of Engineering at Rollstar: For us, it was quite the opposite. Our processes are shorter, which simplifies many things. Our challenge was more technical in nature – particularly in setting up the test mechanics. Every test brings new requirements. Our test bench is new. We are continuously establishing and optimizing the processes, which is why there are still some unpredictable events.
Markus Kurzwart, Head of Laboratory at MOTOREX: Our toughest task was to combine high performance, seal compatibility, and biodegradability according to OECD 301B standards in one product. In the end, this is exactly what makes the project so special – and so successful.
What do you take away from the project?
Patrick Rauch, Head of Engineering at Rollstar: From a technical standpoint, we have seen that GEAR SINTEC ECO CLP performs very well in terms of temperature behavior. We can now officially offer it as an option to our customers. For us, this is a real step forward.
Andreas Reinbold: What was particularly exciting for us was discovering the exact temperature limits of the MOTOREX oil. But also, the collaboration with two seemingly small partners in a global context showed the innovation potential that exists in Switzerland. Despite our corporate structure, this was a project on equal footing – fast, open, and with clear results. Such projects are rare in Switzerland, especially in the gear sector, which makes it extremely interesting. The fact that we were able to realize such a sustainable project in such a short time speaks for the quality and dynamism of our partnership. That’s exactly what excites us about collaborations like this.
Sandro Gissi: For us, the project was a prime example of successful, practical development – together with the end users, through a short and direct process, and with a strong impact.
Rollstar – Hydraulics and Gearboxes from Switzerland
Rollstar is a specialist in high-performance hydraulic motors and compact planetary gearboxes. The Swiss company manufactures robust drive components for demanding applications such as tunnel construction, offshore installations, and drilling technology, covering torque ranges from 1,500 Nm up to 6.5 million Nm. With a high level of in-house manufacturing, flexibility, and a focus on practical solutions, Rollstar offers technology proven worldwide – made in Switzerland.
SKF – Sealing Expertise on a Global Scale
As a world-leading supplier of bearings, seals, and vibration technology, SKF develops innovative and sustainable solutions for industrial applications of all sizes. The Swedish technology group brings extensive material expertise, modern testing systems, and a strong focus on reliability. This enables SKF to support its partners across diverse industries – from original equipment manufacturing to long-term testing. Sustainability and technical precision go hand in hand.
More about MOTOREX gear oils.