News, Events & Resources

Greenbackers Deal of the Week Profile: NEOL Copper Technologies

Machinery aging, wear, and efficiency loss, which result in excessive energy consumption, resource depletion, and unnecessary emissions are a big problem – but also a massive business opportunity.

The global lubricants industry still relies on toxic phosphorus and sulphur compounds for anti-wear properties. Neol’s copper filming technology can transform the industry in the way it approaches anti-wear of machinery, allowing sustainability at no extra cost. Neol produce lubricants with exceptional anti-wear, detergency and fuel efficiency properties, while being free from sulphated ash, phosphorus, and sulphur.

Neol sell finished lubricants to equipment owners and operators and provide lubrication as a service. They also license out their additive technology to other lubricant manufacturers to be used in their products (Gortex model).

As a lubricant manufacturer, Neol operate in the B2B segment, catering to equipment owners and operators in transportation, mining, energy generation, and manufacturing. As a technology provider (B2B2B/C), they serve OEMs and other lubricant companies.

You can see Neol over a nine page spread in Lube Magazine on hydrogen wear. They have completed successfully completed tests of no-SAPS diesel engine oils in Cummins X12 engine and Ford Transit. Neol have eight patent applications filed in 5 territories and traction from major lubricant companies and OEMs.

Noel Copper Technologies logo

Greenbackers is pleased to introduce Neol Copper Technologies (Neol), a woman-founded engineering business based in the UK. They have remarkable commercial potential and are Greenbackers pick for ‘Cleantech Deal of the Week’.

Why Neol: 

  • Innovative technology: Neol’s copper filming technology transforms the global lubricants industry in the way it approaches anti-wear of machinery, allowing sustainability at no extra cost. Neol produces lubricants with exceptional anti-wear, detergency and fuel efficiency properties, while being free from sulphated ash, phosphorus, and sulphur (no-SAPS).   
  • Commercial traction: Two successfully completed bench tests of no-SAPS diesel engine oils in Cummins X12 engine and Ford Transit; eight patent applications filed in five territories; traction from major lubricant companies and OEMs. Nine pages in Lube Magazine on hydrogen wear*
  • Market: As a lubricant manufacturer, Neol operates in the B2B segment, catering to equipment owners and operators in transportation, mining, energy generation, and manufacturing. As a technology provider (B2B2B/C), Neol serve OEMs and other lubricant companies.
  • Neol Products: Neol products have use cases across transportation, industrial technology, EV, wind turbines and hydrogen.

Neol Products for commercial vehicles, marine and railroad will be deployed as:  • Engine oils • Gear oils • Hydraulic oils • Greases • New lubricants for EVs/H2 ICE • Application greases • Zinc-free high-performance hydraulic oils • Reductor and gear oils • Energy-saving lubricants for stationary diesel generators

For the industry Neol offers a comprehensive range of products tailored to various sectors. These products serve as a no-SAPS alternative to conventional oils, providing users with an effective alternative that aligns with decarbonisation and climate preservation commitments.   

Investment Snapshot:

  • Type: Series A Round 
  • Target amount:  £5m
  • Minimum contribution:  £500k

See NEOL’s Pitch Video >

See NEOL’s Pitch Deck >

For further information or to speak with Neol directly contact: Annika Borrmann at [email protected]

Further information – Why copper based lubricants matter:

Copper-based lubricants offer several advantages over traditional lubricants, particularly in high-performance and demanding industrial applications.

  1. Enhanced Lubricating Properties: Copper-based lubricants, often incorporating nanoparticles, can significantly improve the lubricating performance compared to traditional lubricants. These copper nanoparticles can reduce friction and wear by creating a protective layer on the metal surfaces, which enhances the machinery’s lifespan and efficiency. This is particularly beneficial in high-temperature environments where traditional lubricants might degrade or fail​(
  • Improved Thermal Stability: Traditional lubricants often struggle with thermal stability, especially in high-temperature applications. Copper-based lubricants, on the other hand, provide better thermal stability, ensuring consistent performance and reducing the frequency of lubricant changes. This stability is crucial in preventing breakdowns and maintaining smooth operation under varying temperature conditions​(
  • Environmental and Cost Benefits: While many copper-based lubricants might have a higher initial cost due to the added expense of nanoparticles, their long-term benefits can lead to cost savings. These include lower maintenance costs, reduced energy consumption due to better efficiency, and less frequent lubricant replacement. Moreover, these lubricants tend to have a lower environmental impact, as they often require less frequent changes and produce fewer waste products compared to traditional lubricants​(

In summary, copper-based lubricants are highly effective in demanding applications where superior lubrication, thermal stability, and environmental considerations are critical. Despite a potentially higher upfront cost, their performance benefits make them a compelling choice over traditional lubricants in specific industrial settings.