KYB Announces Environmentally Friendly Hydraulic Shock Fluid

Ride control, hydraulic and electronic products KYB Corp. has introduced a sustainable hydraulic shock fluid that is both carbon-neutral and recyclable.

The newly developed SustainaLub aims to be a truly environmentally friendly shock absorber hydraulic fluid that eliminates the environmental risks associated with petroleum, according to the company. Full release to the market is planned for 2026.

“As a specialized global manufacturer of hydraulic equipment, KYB has long been involved in maintaining and improving the safety and comfort of automobiles. Using that experience, we are striving to achieve environmental balance without compromising performance or reliability,” the company stated in a press release announcing the new fluid. “Not only does SustainaLub improve maneuverability and stability by applying it to the various damping force valves that we already offer, but it also improves the feel of the product by applying friction control technology.”

KYB said the fluid contributes to carbon neutrality by switching from petroleum oil to naturally derived base oil. It absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere during cultivation of the plants used for the base oil raw materials, also reducing CO2 emissions during transportation, and is biodegradable up to 60% or more according to the Eco Mark certification standard (OECD301).

The base oil and additive formulation are also recyclable, reducing environmental issues in the long term.

The KYB team participating in the All Japan Rally Championship JN-2 class introduced SustainaLub to its vehicles from round 6 onwards, analyzing and verifying its performance and durability in the harsh race environment. In addition, the fluid was trialed in the vehicle used in the LEXUS ROV (Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle) Concept customer experience program.

KYB plans to apply the technology to all hydraulic products involved in realizing a sustainable mobility society, the release noted.