UNSPSC 12162501: Water in oil emulsion breakers

UNSPSC 12162501 Water in oil emulsion breakers is a Commodity code that encompasses a narrow product category within lubricant procurement, though the recent state and local solicitations tagged under this code reveal that governments are actually buying a far broader range of lubricating products — engine oils in multiple viscosities (5W20, 5W30, 15W40, 0W30), synthetic and mineral formulations, gear oils, transmission fluids, greases, diesel exhaust fluid, and biodegradable degreasers. The actual procurement activity under this code does not isolate emulsion breakers as a distinct line item; instead, the code appears to be tagged when issuing bodies solicit mixed lubricant portfolios that may incidentally include emulsion-related products. State and local governments purchasing under this code span state fleet maintenance agencies (Washington State Department of Enterprise Services, Columbus Consolidated Government for transit), county operations (Collier County, Florida; Brazoria County, Texas; Washington County, Maryland), city transit authorities (Detroit Department of Transportation), and county infrastructure departments. Washington State Department of Enterprise Services is the most active recent buyer, managing a statewide cooperative contract for bulk lubricants used across state agencies, institutions of higher education, and political subdivisions.

Recent activity clusters in Washington, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and Texas. Washington State Department of Enterprise Services issued a reissued statewide solicitation (09225-02, due July 30, 2026) for bulk engine lubricants, greases, gear oils, and DEF across four product categories, with historical annual sales of approximately $5.1 million and a forty-eight-month contract term beginning September 1, 2026; awards will be made to all responsive and responsible bidders within 55 percent of the highest-scoring bid. Collier County, Florida issued a Notice of Intent to Single Source from Schaeffer Manufacturing Company (PUR17431, May 12, 2026 protest deadline) for fleet maintenance oils, transmission fluids, and greases under a five-year term through September 2031. The Columbus Consolidated Government in Georgia solicited oils and lubricants for METRA Transit (RFB 26-0030, due March 11, 2026) requiring delivery within 24 hours of order with annual volumes totaling approximately 21,300 gallons across eight product lines. The City of Detroit Office of Contracting and Procurement on behalf of the Detroit Department of Transportation issued an RFQ (540901.3, due March 10, 2026) for bio-based degreaser in 275- or 330-gallon totes with Detroit equalization credits up to 5 percent for Detroit-headquartered businesses and a $100,000 cap. Brazoria County, Texas conducted ITB #26-05 (opened February 3, 2026) for general oils and lubricants through the Bonfire platform.