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Tokyo – A Japanese company has launched a revolutionary racing engine oil that could change the way we think about sustainability in high-performance vehicles. The product, called Idemitsu IFG Plantech Racing, is an innovative oil made from more than 80% plant-based materials, relying primarily on palm oil, and meets the strict standards of the American Petroleum Institute's SP certification.
It is the world's first plant-based engine oil suitable for racing, offering 194% greater protection.
This product seamlessly combines environmental awareness with high racing performance. The company behind this innovation is Idemitsu Kosan, headquartered in Tokyo.
The new engine oil is based on sustainable palm oil as its core ingredient, alongside esters derived from rapeseed and sunflower oils, ensuring high performance while significantly reducing environmental impact.
According to the company, the carbon footprint of Idemitsu IFG Plantech is 82% lower than conventional mineral oils. This estimate is based on data from the Japan LP Gas Association, covering the product's entire life cycle, from production to disposal.
The company said in a statement: "We want to push the boundaries of what is possible in both sustainability and performance."
This plant-based oil is not just environmentally friendly, it also delivers exceptional results under harsh conditions. Tests conducted by Idemitsu revealed:
✅ 194% greater durability compared to other leading oils, ensuring reliability in high-pressure scenarios.
✅ 50% less friction, translating into reduced energy loss and improved fuel efficiency.
✅ 169% enhanced protection for vital engine parts.
✅ 124% improved piston cleanliness, helping engines run smoothly and efficiently.
The new oil has also proven its effectiveness in the real world. During the Super Taikyu Series, a competitive professional racing series, Mazda Spirit Racing's Roadster CNF used Idemitsu IFG Plantech Racing oil in an intensive five-hour race, where the oil delivered outstanding performance without any issues, reinforcing its status as a groundbreaking product in the world of motor racing.
The oil is based on Molybdenum Ester Technology, an exclusive blending process developed by Idemitsu. This technology combines molybdenum, which reduces friction, with high-viscosity plant-based esters that create a thicker, more protective oil film. The result is an engine oil that not only improves performance but also reduces wear and damage to vital components.
A company representative said: "Our technology blends innovation with environmental responsibility. Idemitsu IFG Plantech Racing truly embodies our brand's mission: enhancing performance while protecting the planet."
The product was launched as part of Idemitsu Kosan's new flagship category, surpassing even its predecessor, the IFG 7. The company believes this new category reflects the future of sustainable solutions in the automotive sector, particularly in high-performance environments such as racing.
In the first phase, Idemitsu IFG Plantech Racing will be made available to customers in Thailand, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia through the company's online store. Idemitsu also plans to expand distribution to the United States, Brazil, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, China, India and other markets, with specific dates to be announced soon.
This innovation represents more than just progress in motor racing, it offers a glimpse of how the automotive industry can embrace sustainability without sacrificing performance. By demonstrating the potential of plant-based engine oils under extreme conditions, Idemitsu is paving the way for wider adoption of eco-friendly lubricants in everyday vehicles.
This development proves that high performance and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. As more companies join this trend, plant-based solutions could become a standard feature in efforts to reduce the automotive industry's carbon footprint.
📌 Source: happyeconews.com