DIC Corporation announced the development of KS-519, the world’s first algae oil–based offering in itsDialube series of sulfurized extreme pressure (EP) additives. In addition to helping users curtail CO₂ emissions, thereby contributing to greater sustainability, the new product delivers a better performance than conventional vegetable oil–based alternatives, and is expected to be in particularly high demand in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Going forward, the Company plans to expand its selection of algae oil–based EP additives with a view to bolstering sales to manufacturers of automobiles—particularly EVs—and of metalworking fluids and gear oils, among others, in Japan, the United States and Europe. DIC has set a goal for annual sales of these products of ¥8.0 billion by fiscal year 2030.

EP additives are lubricant compounds used to prevent wear and improve durability for mechanical parts, and are conventionally manufactured using vegetable oil or lard as a base material. Sulfurized triglycerides additives help lower friction, control wear and prevent unacceptable surface damage at high temperatures or under heavy loads. Compared with conventional alternatives, DIC’s newly developed algae oil–based KS-519 offers a superior lubricating performance, additional benefits such as a light color and low odor, and a reduced environmental impact thanks to, among others, decreased CO₂ emissions.

Lard-based sulfurized EP additives boast greater load-bearing properties than their vegetable oil–based counterparts. However, lard production has declined in recent years, making it difficult to secure stable raw material supplies, while environmental and religious considerations have made the use of lard-based products difficult in certain parts of the world. Given rising demand for a shift to new materials, particularly from overseas customers, algae oil–based KS-519 is expected to gain favor as an acceptable replacement for lard-based products as it relates to supply chain security.