Sustainability: The Pilar of the Circular Economy
Learn about Metalub's positive impact on our planet. Through our sustainable practices, we've saved thousands of gallons of precious resources from being wasted, burned, or ending up in landfills. This proactive approach has not only reduced environmental pollution but also safeguarded vital ecosystems and paved the way for a more resilient and vibrant Earth.
liters of used oil collected
and re-refined by Metalub
tons of CO2 emissions avoided,
protecting the ecosystem
vehicles that use Metalub lubricants,
reducing its carbon footprint
Every time you choose Metalub and return your used oil to be re-refined, you become a catalyst for a more sustainable world.
We have rigorous and safe processes for collecting and transporting used lubricants, utilizing certified special equipment and taking all necessary sanitary measures to prevent environmental contamination during transport. The used lubricants are taken to our plant in San José, La Uruca, and then transported to state-of-the-art facilities in La Ceiba, Orotina, for re-refinement, where the base oil is recovered.
This superior, highly refined base oil is mixed with next-generation additives to produce Metalub products, resulting in high-quality oil for engines, gears, hydraulic systems, and grease products that not only protect engines and equipment but also the environment.
With our service and the use of Metalub lubricants, greater efficiency in reducing CO2 emissions is achieved. From the manufacturing process, the supply chain, to the collection and treatment of used lubricants, our main objective is to close the lifecycle of lubricants, which inevitably contributes to reducing our carbon footprint.
Meet the very first and only Re-Refinery Plant in Central America.
Metalub is proud to present the first and only plant of re-refinement and manufacture of oil products in Costa Rica and Central America, with mitigation of carbon footprint and best practices in waste management (ULO, UOF, AF).We transform what was previously discarded or burned into an added value product, premium lubricant based on a circular model made in Costa Rica.
The Metalub plant reduces 15,000 tons of CO2 emissions in Costa Rica annually
The plant already in operation represents a 2% of the objective for Carbon Neutrality Country Program
First and only plant for re-refinery, formulation of lubricants in Central America
Best practices in the management of polluting waste from the automotive industry
Oil re-refinery process
in our plant at Orotina, Alajuela
2. Used oil recovery system
A distillation process is carried out at high temperatures and under vacuum where the following are recovered:
Oil-Water Mixture: Discarded through authorized waste managers.
Fuel: Used to power machinery.
Worn Additives: Used as an ingredient for asphalt layers.
3. Solids extraction system
A solvent is injected and then extracted to further purify the lubricant.
1. Used oil collection
The collected oil is sent to our re-refining plant where it is analyzed and stored in storage tanks
1. Used oil collection
The collected oil is sent to our re-refining plant where it is analyzed and stored in storage tanks
2. Used oil recovery system
A distillation process is carried out at high temperatures and under vacuum where the following are recovered:
Oil-Water Mixture: Discarded through authorized waste managers.
Fuel: Used to power machinery.
Worn Additives: Used as an ingredient for asphalt layers.
3. Solids extraction system
A solvent is injected and then extracted to further purify the lubricant.
4. Lubricant polishing system
The oil passes through multiple filters with special clay that remove color and odor, while also improving viscosity index.
5. Formulation system with additives and packaging process
Additives are formulated with the obtained base oil, resulting in lubricants of the highest quality for engines, hydraulics, and transmissions, certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
Why in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has always been a leader in environmental conservation and protection with initiatives such as the payment for environmental services and the National System of Protected Areas. Costa Rica has now added to these historical strengths a new approach to waste management and circular economy. Metalub is a perfect fit. We convert toxic waste into valuable products, all here in Costa Rica.
We want to make Costa Rica an exemplary circular economy model from which the rest of the world can learn.
Metalub impacts 6 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
Re-refined infinite cycle:
Sustainability in action
Discover the complete metalub process: an example of sustainability. From the collection of used oil, the processing in our plant, the mixture with quality additives and the packaging of new products, until its return to the market as lubricants for the automotive industry, heavy and industrial use. Metalub is a sustainable and infinite cycle.
1. Collection
The used lubricating oil is collected following high safety and management standards applying reverse logistics.
2. Re-refination
In the Metalub re-refinery plant, the oil is processed until it is obtained base oil, raw material to produce lubricants.
3. Mix with additives
In the formulation area of Metalub, the base oils are mixed with high quality additives to produce a diverse set of products
4. Back to the market
The oil returns to the market in the form of motor, transmission and hydraulic lubricants.
Our products meet the highest quality standards under the API license (American Petroleum Institute)
Advantages of re-refined oil vs virgin oil
According to the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) Re-refined oil must comply with the same strict standards of refining, composition and performance as virgin oil for use in automotive engines, heavy diesel engines, hydraulic systems and gears.Extensive laboratory tests and field studies conclude that re-refined oil is equivalent to virgin oil: it exceeds all prescribed tests and, in some situations, even exceeds virgin oil.
The re-refined oil fingerprint is 6 times smaller compared to virgin oil.
The base oil is mineral, it is never degraded only dirty, our process recovers the oil to turn it into new products infinitely.
The burning or discharge of the used and contaminated oil is avoided taking advantage of the resource and protecting the environment.
Our process is governed in the circular economy, contributing to the Objective Country Carbon Neutral 2050.