Lubricants News and Updates

Antifreeze prices will be going up for all major suppliers this Spring due to the rising price of Ethylene Glycol. Ethylene Glycol is the main componant of automotive antifreeze - but it is also used in the manufacture of plastics and resins, including plastic soda bottles and it is also used in some medical applications. The increase in demand, especially for manufactured plastics as a result of economic expansion in countries like China has made global prices continue to climb.

As an effect of this, antifreeze manufacturers bear a higher cost of production for finished product, so costs are continuing to rise on the supplier level as well.

Most suppliers have set their increases to take effect on April 1 - we are holding off til April 12th to try and give you an opportunity to beat the increase if you can. If you would like to place an order before the prices increase dont hesitate to contact us at 617-884-7800 or email us at lubeorders@burkeoil.com

Well of course I can only think of one place that can cover all your propylene glycol needs and that is Dennis K Burke.  This stuff is the best environmentally friendly antifreeze on the planet.  

Propylene Glycol can be used in all industrial applications including chiller systems, ground thaw units, hvac systems and for food grade applications. We stock concentrate as well as 50/50, 60/40, and 40/60 blends in bulk, 55 gallon drums, and 5 gallon pails.  We are also one of the only distributors that can distribute this in bulk with our dedicated antifreeze delivery truck.

If you use propylene glycol (or would like to) and would like DKB to perform a plant walk-through, email me (john.presti@burkeoil.com).

(As an aside: Some customers prefer to have propylene glycol tinted so they can easily detect leaks in their systems, if you prefer tinted product we are happy to oblige, just tell your customer service rep when you place your order.)

So what is propylene glycol, exactly?

Propylene Glycol is basically the alternative to Ethylene Glycol, which is the most common type of antifreeze. Ethylene Glycol works great but the problem is you can't use it anywhere where a leak could come into contact with potable water or food processing systems. Propylene glycol is chemically compatible with ethylene glycol, but far less toxic and that allows it to be used in a broader variety of applications because there is less concern with leaking causing dangerous contamination.

Propylene Glycol is actually in almost everything. Pharmaceutical grade propylene glycol is used in deodorant, soda, pet food, cough syrup, even lipstick.  Industrial grade propylene glycol is used in everything from plastics resins, paint, in dishwashing detergent and obviously as a heat transfer fluid (it drops the freezing point of liquids) - so everything from the electrical components and dishwashing detergent in your home, to the solar panels on the roof of our office contains some level of propylene glycol. (This website's brochure has some interesting info on all the things propylene glycol does Propylene-Glycol.com/Brochure )

If you want to learn more about antifreeze in general, including propylene glycol, this website has a really awesome FAQ section that covers everything you'll ever need to know and then some - from how to know youre using the right stuff to how to recycle it. This link will take you to the FAQ section: Antifreeze FAQs

Again, if you use propylene glycol (or would like to) and would like DKB to perform a plant walk-through, email me (john.presti@burkeoil.com). Or you call 1-800-289-2875 to speak to a customer service rep or place an order. Know what you want? Just submit your order online to lubeorders@burkeoil.com

Have a great day!