Boron-Free Coolants: Why the EU is Transitioning and What It Offers

Why Boron in Coolants is a Story Coming to an End

Boric acid and borates have been a standard part of metalworking fluid (MWF) formulations worldwide for decades. They were a simple, cheap, and effective way to buffer pH and protect against corrosion. However, in 2009, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) classified boron as a category 1B reprotoxic substance under Regulation EC 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation).

This meant one simple thing: boron harms child development and fertility. Prolonged contact with boron-containing fluids over the years (for example, among metalworking shop employees) revealed statistically significant abnormalities in reproductive function.

The EU decision was final: since 2020, boron-containing coolants have been gradually phased out of the market in Scandinavian countries and Germany. Since 2023, many large European customers (automotive, aerospace) began requiring boron-free labeling as a mandatory contract condition. From 2025, the restrictions apply to the entire EU.

For Ukrainian manufacturers exporting metal products to Europe, this means: your coolant supplier must have boron-free certification. If not, you are on the verge of an export crisis.

For a general guide on selecting coolants for metalworking, see «How to Choose Coolant for a CNC Machine». For information on the PFAS ban and transition strategy, read «PFAS Ban in the EU».

What Transitioning to Boron-Free Coolants Offers Beyond Compliance

Let's be honest: transitioning to boron-free coolants is not just a regulatory requirement. When I first tested the boron-free SVK-BF 9000 formula at a plant near Dnipro in 2022, I did not believe the pH would hold for 6 months without boron. It did—and even better than its boron-containing counterpart. There are real economic and technical advantages.

1. Improved Working Conditions and Reduced Medical Burden

Prolonged contact with boron-containing coolants causes:

• Dermatitis and rashes — contact dermatitis when working with boron-containing fluids is 20–30% higher
• Respiratory issues — boron-containing aerosols irritate the respiratory tract mucosa during spraying
• Fertility problems — epidemiological studies show a correlation between prolonged boron exposure and reduced fertility in men

In practice: a factory with 100 workers using boron-containing coolants will have 15–20 cases of dermatitis per year, leading to a 5–10% loss in productivity, medical treatments, and conflicts with labor unions. Transitioning to boron-free coolants reduces dermatitis by 40–60%.

2. Simplified Disposal and Reduced Disposal Costs

Used coolants require disposal—this costs 50–200 UAH per liter depending on the type. Boron-containing coolants are classified as Category II hazardous waste, requiring special equipment for disposal and extensive paperwork.

Boron-free coolants are classified as standard waste, requiring less expensive processing—often just incineration instead of special procedures. Disposal savings: 20–40% of disposal costs.

Example: a plant consumes 100 tons of coolant per year. Disposal of boron-containing coolant = 100 × 100 UAH = 10,000 UAH. Disposal of boron-free coolant = 100 × 60 UAH = 6,000 UAH. Savings: 4,000 UAH per year on disposal.

3. Market Expansion and Access to European Customers

Products manufactured using boron-free coolants have higher negotiating power in European markets. You can apply labels such as:

• «Boron-free coolant»
• «EU-compliant metalworking fluid»
• «Suitable for exports to Scandinavia»

Scandinavian and German customers already routinely ask about boron-free status. If you say "yes," the door to the first meeting opens. If you say "no," the conversation usually ends.

Expanding the export market by 15–30% is realistic for plants that commit to boron-free coolants.

For definitions of key terms (pH buffer, EP additives, surfactants), see the industrial chemistry glossary.

Technical Challenge: How to Maintain pH Stability Without Boron

The main challenge when transitioning to boron-free coolants is pH stability. Boron in the form of boric acid (H₃BO₃) and borates acted as a universal buffer:

• Absorbed acidic components formed during oil oxidation while the machine was running
• Maintained pH in the 8.8–9.5 range for 6+ months
• Was cheap: 5–10 UAH/kg

Without boron, a substitute is needed to do the same job. The industry has found several solutions:

Solution 1: Aminosuccinate Complexes

Aminosuccinates (derivatives of amino acids and dicarboxylic acids) create chelate complexes that absorb heavy metal ions and acidic components. They provide pH buffering distributed across the 8.9–9.4 range.

Advantages: Efficiency almost matches boron, excellent environmental safety (biodegradable), can be added to food in small amounts for fortification (unlike boron, where "more = worse").

Disadvantages: More expensive than boron (20–40 UAH/kg), require more precise formulation, less researched long-term (boron-containing coolants have been tested for 40+ years).

Solution 2: Organic Carboxylates

Carboxylate corrosion inhibitors based on synthetic organic acids (citrates, succinates) provide buffering and pH distribution. They are often used in combination with polymers to maintain emulsion stability.

Advantages: Cheaper than aminosuccinates (10–20 UAH/kg), proven in passenger car cooling systems (one of the most demanding industries), simpler to formulate.

Disadvantages: Less universal, require individual selection for a specific type of metalworking, in some cases maintain pH worse over 6+ months.

Solution 3: Synthetic Inhibitors + Enhanced Detection

Some companies simply switch to synthetic inhibitors (without a special buffer) and rely on:

• Higher quality base oil (less oxidation means fewer acids)
• More frequent pH tests (testing once every 2 weeks instead of once a month)
• Automatic fluid replenishment systems with pH sensors

This requires production digitalization but allows maintaining a pH of 9.0–9.3 without special buffers.

What Testing Shows: Real Results of the Transition

SVK conducted detailed testing of its own boron-free coolants compared to boron-containing counterparts at facilities in the Dnipropetrovsk region in 2023–2024.

Results (over 6 months of operation):

• pH stability of boron-free coolant SVK-Boron-Free 9000: 9.15 → 8.95 (difference of 0.20)
• pH stability of boron-containing counterpart: 9.25 → 8.98 (difference of 0.27)
• Cutting tool life: identical (difference within the margin of error)
• Dermatitis among operators: boron-free coolant — 2 cases, boron-containing — 8 cases
• Disposal cost: boron-free is 35% cheaper

Conclusion: boron-free coolants demonstrate identical or better technical characteristics with significantly better environmental and medical results. These results confirmed the main point for me—boron is no longer needed in coolants; it is a legacy of the last century.

Transition Plan: How Not to Disrupt Production

Transitioning to boron-free coolants requires planning for 6–12 months:

Months 1–2: Testing

Request a test drive from the supplier. Test the boron-free coolant on one machine, on one operation for 4 weeks. Record all metrics: pH, temperature, machining quality, consumption. Compare with the baseline boron-containing fluid.

Months 3–4: Isolated Transition

Transition one shop or line to the boron-free coolant. Continue working with the boron-containing fluid on other equipment in parallel. Observe operator adaptation, and the adjustment of supply and filtration systems.

Months 5–9: Gradual Transition

Gradually transition other shops and machines. Do not do a "big bang" transition on all machines at once—an unpredictable number of problems will arise.

Months 10–12: Completion and Optimization

Complete the transition, set up pH testing, and separately order the disposal of the remaining boron-containing coolant.

FAQ

What are the dangers of boric acid in coolants?

Boric acid is classified by the EU as a category 1B reprotoxic substance (Regulation EC 1272/2008). Prolonged contact causes dermatitis (20-30% more often than boron-free formulas), respiratory issues, and reduced fertility. Since 2020, boron-containing coolants have been gradually phased out of the EU market.

Does the performance of boron-free coolant differ from boron-containing coolant?

No, modern boron-free coolants demonstrate identical or better performance. According to SVK testing results: pH stability of boron-free is 9.15→8.95 (difference of 0.20) vs boron-containing is 9.25→8.98 (difference of 0.27). Cutting tool life is identical. Dermatitis cases are 4 times lower.

How long does it take to transition to boron-free coolant?

A full transition takes 6-12 months: testing on one machine (1-2 months), transitioning one shop (2 months), gradual transition of other lines (4-5 months), optimization (2 months). Do not transition all machines at once.

What are the alternatives to boric acid in coolants?

The three main alternatives are: aminosuccinate complexes (pH buffering 8.9-9.4, more expensive than boron), organic carboxylates (cheaper, proven in the automotive industry), and synthetic inhibitors with automatic pH monitoring systems.

SVK Boron-Free Coolants: A Complete Line for Metalworking

SVK produces a complete line of boron-free coolants under the SVK-Boron-Free brand, developed and tested to meet EU Directive requirements:

• SVK-BF 9000 — semi-synthetic boron-free coolant for universal application
• SVK-BF 8500 — synthetic for high-speed milling
• SVK-BF 7500 — water-soluble for light machining

All formulas:

• Maintain a pH of 9.0–9.3 for 6+ months
• Have boron-free certification (declaration of conformity to EC 1272/2008)
• Show tool life identical to boron-containing counterparts
• Are environmentally safe during disposal

The SVK Test Drive program allows you to test a boron-free coolant on your equipment for free for a period of 4–8 weeks. You receive a calculated batch of fluid and technical support during the transition.

Fill out the form on svk.ua or contact our technologist—we will select a boron-free coolant for your type of machining and material, and prepare a transition plan with minimal risk to production.

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Read also:

• How to Choose Coolant for a CNC Machine: Complete Guide
• PFAS Ban in the EU: What It Means for Your Production
• Corrosion Inhibitors for Oil and Gas Pipelines
• Industrial Chemistry Glossary: 30 Terms