Industrial greases: their color, use, and applications

There is a lubricant so significant in the industry that, without being considered to its full extent, it keeps everything running smoothly. This is industrial grease. A semi-solid substance that is the result of thickening agents in base oils and has evolved into a sophisticated protection tool that goes far beyond what we think is its basic lubrication function. 

However, there exists a variety of vibrant colors for them: red, blue, green, white, black, and gray. Have you ever wondered why this color variety? The answer takes us to functionality that meets needs, where a simple color can be the difference between operational success and costly maintenance errors.

The economic impact of industrial greases 

First, we must understand that, in appearance, grease does not offer significant profitability when evaluating processes. However, to truly comprehend the importance of industrial greases, we must first examine their global economic impact.

Did you know that the global grease market reached a value of $5.84 billion in 2023, with projected growth of 4.1% annually until 2030, according to Grand View Research, 2024? Other sources estimate the market at $6.36 billion, with a projected growth of 4.6% through 2032 (Fortune Business Insights, 2024). These figures represent only the tip of the iceberg when we consider the total impact of proper lubrication in the industrial economy.  

In fact, repair costs due to friction and mechanical wear in industrial equipment account for 6% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), representing trillions of dollars in potential annual losses (Advanced Technologies, 2024). However, the average industrial maintenance budget allocates only 1-3% to lubrication, creating a fascinating economic paradox.

Typically, companies categorize this input as a consumable with little impact. However, implementing proper lubrication programs generates substantial savings, as automatic lubrication systems can reduce maintenance costs by 50% and triple the lifespan of critical bearings (ISOHitech, 2024).

Furthermore, between 15 and 40% of maintenance costs are caused by incorrect lubrication (Machinery Lubrication, 2024), meaning that a relatively small investment in appropriate greases can yield significant savings. 

What does color mean in industrial greases? 

Since we are talking about industrial greases, you may have noticed that greases in the market today come in various colors. The question many professionals ask when observing the color variety is fundamental: What does the color actually mean? The answer is both simple and complex. The color in industrial greases primarily serves as a visual identification tool and brand differentiation, rather than an absolute indicator of technical properties.

As knowledge deepens about materials, their resistance, and wear during operation, manufacturers have opted to use synthetic dyes, typically based on azoquinone or anthraquinone chemistries, to create this diverse palette of uses and applications. These dyes are applied in low concentrations that generally do not affect the performance characteristics of the grease but provide significant operational benefits. 

Despite what might be the ideal use of this lubricant when selecting grease for its function, the reality is that there is no universal standard for grease color coding. Each manufacturer is free to choose its own system, meaning that a blue grease from one supplier may have entirely different properties from a blue grease from another. This lack of standardization makes selecting based solely on color potentially dangerous for machinery.

Types of industrial greases according to their formulation

Lithium grease and white lithium grease 

Lithium grease is, without exaggeration, one of the favorites in the industrial world. Its lithium soap thickener gives it remarkable thermal stability and water resistance, making it a real “wild card” for multi-purpose applications. 

Now, its white version not only meets the same properties but also incorporates whitening agents like titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and zinc oxide (ZnO). What’s the result? A grease designed for scenarios such as equipment in visible use or facilities where appearance matters almost as much as performance. 

Multi-purpose grease 

This is also one of the best-selling and most commonly used greases in the industry. Multi-purpose grease is a practical resource for addressing multiple needs within a plant, simplifying inventory management and reducing confusion. 

Synthetic and high-temperature grease 

When it comes to extreme conditions, synthetic grease comes into play, with a base of oils formulated to outperform conventional ones. Its performance is stable, even when the environment seems to work against it. Meanwhile, high-temperature grease has been designed not to lose consistency or lubricating ability in applications exceeding 150°C. It is used in industrial furnaces, demanding engines, and machinery subjected to intense heat processes.

Automotive grease

The automotive sector also demands the appropriate lubrication for functionalities ranging from wheel bearings to universal joints or suspensions. It is often found in colors like blue or red, although the shade can vary significantly depending on the brand.

Common color associations and their applications

Grease Color	Typical Applications	Perceived Characteristics
Blue	Multi-purpose applications, wheel bearings, electric motors	High temperature, synthetic formulations
Red	Multi-purpose synthetic applications, high temperature	Extreme pressure, superior performance
Gray/Black	Contains molybdenum disulfide (moly) or graphite	Extreme pressure, heavy-duty work
White/Uncolored	Food-grade, clean applications	Food compatibility, clean appearance
Green	Agricultural and heavy industrial equipment	Extreme pressure, wet conditions

It is important to understand that these associations are based on industry perceptions and common practices, not universal standards. Returning to the previous example: the blue grease from one manufacturer can have entirely different properties from that of another supplier.

What are the benefits of color-coding systems? 

If there’s one thing we cannot overlook, it’s how a simple color-coding system can make a significant difference in the day-to-day operations of an industrial plant. 

Prevention of errors and cross-contamination 

This is no minor detail: 43% of equipment failures are due to incorrect lubricant use (Advanced Technologies, 2024). In this regard, colors help avoid confusion that can result in costly and, in many cases, disastrous outcomes. 

Standardization of procedures 

The remarkable thing about colors is that they go beyond languages. When a well-applied system is established, it facilitates training and allows teams to work with a shared understanding, without the need for endless technical explanations. 

Improved equipment reliability 

When each grease is used in the correct application, the lifespan of machinery is extended, and unexpected shutdowns are drastically reduced. In other words, a decision that translates into more production hours and less money spent on unnecessary repairs.

Interpretation of color changes during use 

Changes in grease color during its lifespan provide valuable information about its condition and potential issues:

Color change	Possible cause	Recommended action
Darkening	Thermal degradation, oxidation	Immediate evaluation, possible replacement
Milky Appearance	Water contamination	Seal inspection, drainage if necessary
Unexpected Mixture	Cross-contamination	Identify source, clean system
General Discoloration	Prolonged exposure to high temperatures	Review operating conditions

The importance of technical specifications 

It is very important to note that color never substitutes for technical specifications. That’s why manufacturers usually detail some aspects that should not be overlooked in their data sheets, such as: Operating temperature range. Seal material compatibility. Water and chemical resistance. Extreme pressure properties, and Estimated lifespan under specific conditions. 

Future trends and innovations 

The industrial grease market does not stand still. In fact, it is advancing rapidly. For example, consider that the clean energy generation segment—especially wind energy—is expected to be the fastest-growing sector from 2024 to 2029, with a growth rate approaching 5% (Mordor Intelligence, 2024). 

Today, we talk about biodegradable greases, long-lasting greases, and even intelligent systems capable of monitoring the lubricant’s condition in real-time, alerting when its properties begin to degrade (Interflon, 2025).

Conclusions

Ultimately, industrial greases represent much more than simple colored lubricants. By understanding their components and manufacturing, we can say that, in essence, they are strategic elements that, when selected and applied correctly, can generate significant savings and improve operational reliability. Simply put, color serves as an identification and function tool but should never be the sole criterion for selection. 

Furthermore, implementing lubrication programs based on technical specifications, combined with color-coding systems, represents the best practice to maximize and improve the return on investment in industrial maintenance. Color can guide us to the correct grease, but it is the technical specifications that guarantee optimal machinery performance. This distinction can mean the difference between efficient operations and costly downtime.

References

1. Fortune Business Insights. (2024). Grease Market Size, Share, Growth, Industry Report, 2032. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/grease-market-110042
2. Grand View Research. (2024). Grease Market Size, Share, Growth & Trends Report, 2030. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/grease-market-report
3. Advanced Technologies. (2024). Manufacturing Equipment Lubrication: Fact vs. Fiction. https://www.advancedtech.com/blog/equipment-lubrication-fact-fiction-manufacturing-production/
4. Interflon. (2025). Unlock hidden savings with better lubrication maintenance. https://interflon.com/us/news/good-lubrication-maintenance-can-be-better
5. Machinery Lubrication. (2024). Controlling Costs with Proper Lubrication. https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/29561/lubrication-controlling-costs
6. Mordor Intelligence. (2024). Grease Market – Industrial Grease Manufacturers. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/grease-market
7. ISOHitech. (2024). Automatic Lubrication Systems: Complete Guide to Industrial Applications & ROI. https://isohitech.com/automatic-lubrication-system/