Polish Automotive Workshops Make Green Investments – Mobil 1 Survey Results

Over half of automotive workshops (52%) rate their efforts to reduce the automotive industry’s environmental impact as good or very good. 7 out of 10 mechanics are making green investments – according to the nationwide Mobil 1 survey, the results of which were published on June 5, World Environment Day, established by the UN and celebrated in over 100 countries worldwide.

9 out of 10 respondents believe that there have been positive changes in the approach of automotive workshop owners to running their businesses in a more environmentally responsible manner over the past decade. Importantly, 69% of mechanics participating in the Mobil 1 survey have made environmentally beneficial investments in their workshops. Among examples of “green changes,” respondents most commonly mentioned the installation of photovoltaic panels and heat pumps, purchasing energy-efficient machines, waste segregation, choosing products that generate less waste or come in larger packages, and replacing lighting with energy-efficient LEDs.

3 out of 4 respondents (77%) in the name of better environmental protection would support the introduction of a ban on drivers changing engine oil themselves. Oil service outside a workshop is allowed, but it imposes the obligation on a private person to dispose of the waste at a local waste collection point (PSZOK). Failure to comply with this poses a potential environmental risk. Just a liter of engine oil can contaminate a million liters of water, which is why proper disposal of used oil and containers is so important. 

According to the Mobil 1 survey, mechanics are very receptive to industry innovations that help in their daily work and reduce the negative impact of the automotive industry on the environment. Over 2/3 of respondents (69%) rate the introduction of the Mobil Boxx concept, which includes cardboard packaging with a 20-liter plastic bag containing oil, as good or very good.

“The main goal of introducing this innovative packaging solution was to reduce the amount of waste and simplify waste management by mechanics. Mobil Boxx contains 85% less plastic than a traditional 20-liter engine oil container. Thanks to its easy-to-dispose construction, made of recyclable cardboard and plastic, mechanics can reduce the amount of waste produced in their automotive workshops,” emphasizes Przemysław Szczepaniak, Field Engineer from ExxonMobil.

According to mechanics, the most significant factors in deciding to completely stop using oils in traditional packaging would be: the ability to reduce waste (63%), easier disposal (55%), significant, as with Mobil Boxx, reduction in plastic usage (54%). Other priorities include saving space in the workshop (44%), the practicality of the new 20L package (35%), easier maintenance of cleanliness in the workshop (35%), and clear labeling of the new package (14%).

Despite a positive attitude towards ecology and a conviction about the necessity of green investments, workshop employees approach the benefits of electromobility with skepticism. 73% of mechanics believe that the popularization of electric cars will increase the environmental burden. They expressed this opinion based on their own assessment of waste generation over a 20-year period of electric car operation.

The Mobil 1 survey “How do automotive workshops minimize their environmental impact?” was conducted in May 2023 using both paper and online surveys among 460 owners and employees of automotive workshops in Poland.

If you’re interested in the issue of lubricants in the context of ecology and you’re looking for innovative, more environmentally friendly solutions for your business, contact us.