Bosch Rexroth and PETRONAS Lubricants International partner to develop bio-based hydraulic and UTTO fluids

• Bosch Rexroth and PETRONAS Lubricants International form a partnership to develop sustainable bio-based hydraulic and UTTO fluids.

• The collaboration targets off-highway and agricultural vehicle industries focusing on energy efficiency and emission reduction.

• Bosch Rexroth handles fluid requirements, testing, and qualification, while PETRONAS manages fluid development, production, and distribution.

• The partnership introduces a biodegradable bio-based ester formulation for UTTO fluids, aiming to match the performance of traditional mineral oils.

• The cooperation is planned for five years with potential to evolve into a joint sustainable fluids business model.

Further step in sustainable fluids strategy of Bosch Rexroth

• Goal of the cooperation: more sustainable fluid solutions for off-highway and agricultural vehicle industry where energy efficiency and emission reduction play a key role

• Bosch Rexroth responsible for definition of fluid requirements, testing and qualifying for the specific target applications

• PETRONAS Lubricants International responsible for fluid development, production and distribution

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Bosch Rexroth and PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) have signed an agreement to accelerate the adoption of more sustainable fluid solutions in the off-highway and agricultural vehicle industry in Turin, Italy, on September 22, 2025. With an emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency, the collaboration will focus on the technical development, qualification, and possible future market introduction of bio-based and re-refined alternatives to existing mineral hydraulic fluids and Universal Tractor Transmission Oils (UTTO) according to the high requirements of the Rexroth Fluid Rating.

The first-of-its-kind addition to PLI’s portfolio is to see a biodegradable, bio-based ester formulation for UTTO fluids – mainly used in hydraulic systems, gears and wet brakes – that delivers greater energy efficiency while retaining performance comparable to the mineral oils that currently dominate the industry.

“This partnership with PETRONAS Lubricants International shows our broad understanding of responsibility as a leading hydraulics technology specialist and marks another step in driving the development towards sustainability also in the field of hydraulic fluids. Our goal is to expand our support for customers through more sustainable alternatives to mineral oil-based hydraulic and UTTO fluids”, said Dr. Steffen Haack, CEO of Bosch Rexroth.

“The development of bio-based hydraulic and UTTO fluids is a step forward for PETRONAS Lubricants International’s growth strategy to diversify and expand our portfolio in the industrial segment. Through the combined strengths and expertise of both companies, we will develop advanced solutions that address the increasing need for energy efficiency and low carbon footprint, not only for the agricultural and construction machine applications, but also for stationary hydraulic systems. This is also part of PLI’s efforts to accelerate adoption for sustainable energy and contribute to the larger shared goal of a cleaner energy future,” said Khalil Muri, Managing Director and Group CEO at PETRONAS Lubricants International.

In the partnership, Bosch Rexroth will define fluid requirements and take responsibility for the testing and qualifying stage, while PLI will be responsible for fluid development, production and distribution.

Beyond the five-year scope, the partnership is positioned to evolve with a joint development of a business model for sustainable fluids, built on the foundations established over the course of the technical collaboration.