In the food and beverage industry, selecting the right lubrication supplier is not just about ensuring smooth machinery operation—it’s about food safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. With stringent guidelines like NSF, BRCGS and HACCP in place, choosing a supplier who understands the industry's unique needs is critical. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting a lubrication supplier for your food production facility.
1. Compliance with Food Safety Regulations
Food-grade lubricants must meet strict standards to prevent contamination risks. When evaluating a supplier, ensure they provide lubricants that comply with:
• NSF-registration - Lubricants that are safe for incidental food contact.
• BRCGS and HACCP Standards - Ensuring alignment with global food safety practices.
A supplier with a strong understanding of these regulations can help keep your facility audit-ready and compliant.
Using Activate Lubricants guarantees 100% audit compliance with BRC Global Standard and individual retailer audit requirements.
2. Proven Industry Expertise
Not all lubrication suppliers have experience in the food industry. Look for a partner with:
• A strong track record in food production lubrication.
• In-depth knowledge of processing environments (e.g., high-moisture, extreme temperature conditions).
• Case studies or testimonials from food industry clients that demonstrate strong Return On Investment.
Activate is the only company in Europe to focus 100% on foodgrade applications. Our expert team has unrivalled experience in food, food packaging, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and animal feed production environments. We work with global brands to enable maintenance culture change for maximum profitability.
3. Product Range and Performance
A high-quality lubrication supplier should offer:
• A full range of food-safe lubricants, including greases, oils, and sprays.
• Products that withstand harsh processing environments (e.g., washdowns, high loads, temperature variations).
• Sustainable lubricant options to support environmental initiatives, e.g. MOAH/MOSH and PFAS free.
Activate’s range of mineral oil-free synthetic lubricants are specifically formulated for foodgrade applications. They are NSF-registered, of the highest quality, allowing for significant inventory rationalisation, and colour-coded for visual management.
4. Technical Support and Training
The right supplier does more than just sell lubricants; they provide expert guidance and training. Consider whether the supplier offers:
• Lubrication training for staff to enhance best practices and compliance.
• Condition monitoring and oil analysis services to optimise lubricant usage and equipment health.
• Customised lubrication audits to identify areas for improvement and cost savings.
Activate’s Lubrication Excellence Academy is the first-of-its-kind food industry-specific training program, setting a new standard for best practices in lubrication. Our Asset Care programmes enable a best-practice, reliability-centred culture that minimises downtime and maintenance costs.
5. Reliability and Supply Chain Assurance
Consistent product availability is crucial for food manufacturers. Ensure that your lubrication supplier has:
• A reliable supply chain with minimal risk of disruptions.
• Efficient delivery and distribution channels.
• Contingency plans in place to prevent shortages.
Employing Activate’s innovative foodgrade lubrication solutions maximises product availability while guaranteeing audit compliance and the highest standards of food safety.
6. Cost-Effectiveness and Long-Term Value
While price is a factor, focusing on the long-term value is key. The best suppliers offer:
• High-performance lubricants that reduce machine wear and downtime.
• Solutions that optimise energy efficiency and extend equipment lifespan.
• Transparent pricing and tailored solutions to maximise your operational budget.
Activate Lubrication Excellence and Asset Care programmes revolutionise maintenance costs. We guarantee a minimum 3:1 Return On Investment on our programmes but have had customers achieve 10:1. Ask to see our documented Lubewins™️ to see innovations and savings across a wide range of engineering scenarios.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lubrication supplier is a strategic decision that impacts food safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. By prioritising regulatory adherence, industry expertise, product performance, technical support, and supply chain reliability, food manufacturers can ensure a safe and efficient production environment.
For expert lubrication solutions tailored to the food industry, contact Activate Lubricants today.
