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Description
The primary goal of this project is to enhance Promaxsys EOOD''s competitive edge and expand its market presence by introducing a groundbreaking, nationwide technology for treating and monitoring industrial oils. This pioneering technology is a unique and promising addition to the market. By providing this innovative green service, the company aims to reduce CO2 emissions through several mechanisms:
- Ensuring the use of high-quality oils that are essential for the efficient operation of machinery and equipment, ultimately leading to energy savings.
- Decreasing the demand for new oils, which typically require significant resources and energy for production.
- Slowing down the wear and tear of aluminum components, reducing the need for replacements.
Introducing this new venture will enable the company to boost its production capacity significantly. The mid-term outlook includes doubling the service capacity, resulting in increased profits and the creation of sustainable job opportunities.
In April 2023, the project received additional support for procuring state-of-the-art equipment, consisting of an insulation oil purification system (the initial step) and an insulation oil regeneration system (the subsequent stage of the process).
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several interrelated challenges affecting both industrial efficiency and environmental sustainability in Bulgaria. The core issue identified was the widespread degradation and premature disposal of lubricating and hydraulic oils used in industrial machinery, which leads to unnecessary resource consumption and environmental pollution. The oils, though often still viable, are typically discarded due to contamination and additive breakdown, contributing significantly to environmental harm - especially considering that a single litre of oil can contaminate up to a million litres of water.
Promaxsys EOOD recognised that a significant portion of used industrial oils - up to 60% - were unaccounted for, with many likely being improperly disposed of in the environment. The degradation process not only leads to increased oil waste but also accelerates the wear of machine components, particularly those made of aluminum, necessitating frequent replacements and thus further resource use and emissions. At the same time, the lack of available technologies and services for oil purification and analysis in Bulgaria meant that companies had few alternatives to discarding and replacing oils prematurely.
To tackle these challenges, the project sought to introduce and implement an innovative technology for the purification and analysis of industrial oils, which would extend oil life, reduce environmental impact, and lower operational costs for industrial clients. This would contribute to greener industrial practices, decrease CO₂ emissions, and reduce the consumption of crude oil and aluminum. The initiative was also seen as an opportunity for Promaxsys to increase its competitiveness and market share by becoming the first in Bulgaria to offer such comprehensive and green oil treatment services.
The project undertaken by Promaxsys EOOD focused on the introduction and implementation of an innovative technology for the purification and analysis of industrial oils, with the goal of extending their life cycle, improving industrial efficiency, and reducing environmental harm. To achieve this, several key activities were carried out.
First, the company invested in a comprehensive system for oil treatment. This included the procurement of filter aggregates, vacuum dehydrating aggregates, and supporting equipment designed to remove contaminants and restore the functional quality of oils. In parallel, laboratory equipment was purchased to perform detailed analysis of oil samples before and after treatment, ensuring that only oils meeting the necessary standards were reused in industrial machinery.
To support on-site service capabilities, a methane-driven specialized vehicle was acquired and equipped with mobile oil treatment and analysis tools. This allowed Promaxsys to deliver its services directly to clients’ facilities, particularly those with large-scale or immovable machinery, ensuring flexibility and wider coverage of service delivery.
The project also involved the creation of an educational and consulting program. A trade representative was designated to engage with potential clients, raise awareness about the benefits of oil treatment, and provide guidance on best practices for oil use, monitoring, and maintenance.
As outputs of these activities, the company successfully launched two new services: one for oil treatment and another for oil monitoring. By the end of the project period, Promaxsys aimed to deliver these services at scale - up to 300 units of oil treatment and 1,000 units of oil monitoring annually, with planned growth over the subsequent years. Additionally, the project led to the creation of three new full-time jobs and the application of two innovative technologies, alongside measurable environmental benefits such as reductions in CO₂ emissions and industrial waste.
The project achieved notable results that generated wide-ranging benefits for multiple stakeholders, including Promaxsys EOOD, its industrial clients, and the broader environment.
For Promaxsys EOOD, the project resulted in a significant transformation of its service portfolio and market position. By successfully implementing innovative technology for the purification and analysis of industrial oils, the company became the first in Bulgaria to offer a comprehensive and environmentally responsible solution for oil treatment. This enabled Promaxsys to strengthen its competitiveness, diversify its revenue streams, and enter a promising market niche with no direct competitors. The project led to measurable business outcomes, including an estimated 91% increase in turnover and a 133% rise in net operational profit by 2024. It also supported internal growth through the creation of three full-time jobs, contributing to the company’s long-term sustainability.
For industrial companies across Bulgaria, the project introduced a high-quality, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to the routine disposal and replacement of lubricating and hydraulic oils. Clients benefited from extended equipment lifespan, reduced operational costs, improved energy efficiency, and a lower risk of equipment failure due to contaminated or degraded oil. Moreover, the consulting and educational services delivered by Promaxsys helped these companies better understand oil maintenance and environmental compliance, encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices across diverse industries.
For the environment and society at large, the project produced substantial ecological benefits. The reduction in oil waste and the extended reuse of oils contributed directly to lowering pollution risks, particularly in water bodies and soil. The project also supported a decrease in the use of crude oil and aluminum, resulting in the conservation of natural resources and a projected reduction of 227 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. These outcomes align with broader environmental protection and climate goals, supporting the transition to a greener industrial sector in Bulgaria.
Overall, the project created a model of environmentally sustainable industrial servicing, combining technological innovation with practical outcomes for businesses, the environment, and the economy.