A Japanese company has introduced what it claims to be the world’s first racing engine oil made with over 80% plant-based raw materials in its base oil. The product combines top-tier racing performance with API SP certification.

Industry First
A market survey conducted from December 2023 to February 2024 confirmed that this is the first engine oil for four-wheeled vehicles to integrate plant-based oil, API certification, and high-performance racing capabilities. The survey was conducted by Trending Future Research Institute Inc., according to a press release from Idemitsu Kosan Company.
Extensive Testing and Exceptional Results
Before launching commercially, Idemitsu Kosan conducted rigorous testing of the product, yielding impressive results. The oil, named Idemitsu IFG Plantech Racing, uses palm oil meeting high sustainability standards as a primary raw material, along with esters derived from rapeseed and sunflower oils.

The company also reported that the carbon footprint of IFG Plantech is 82% lower than mineral oil, based on estimates by the Japan LP Gas Association for carbon dioxide emissions across the product’s lifecycle.
Performance Metrics
Internal tests revealed significant advantages of the plant-based racing oil compared to other flagship engine oils:
- 194% improved toughness
- 50% lower friction coefficient
- 169% better protection
- 124% enhanced piston cleanliness
Mazda Spirit Racing tested the oil in its Roadster CNF concept car during the Super Taikyu Series, a pro-am endurance racing event. The oil reportedly performed exceptionally during the five-hour race session.
Advanced Technology
The Idemitsu IFG Plantech Racing oil leverages nano-tailored technology to meet the precision demands of Japanese systems, enhancing engine performance while significantly reducing environmental impact. It utilizes the company’s proprietary Molybdenum Ester Technology, combining high-viscosity plant-based esters with molybdenum additives to minimize power loss from friction and improve oil film protection.

Global Availability
Idemitsu Kosan has created a new flagship category for this innovative oil, surpassing the capabilities of its earlier flagship, IFG 7. The product will initially be available online for customers in Thailand, Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia. Plans to expand sales to the United States, Brazil, Mexico, the UAE, China, India, and other markets are in progress, with announcements forthcoming as availability expands.
“Idemitsu IFG Plantech Racing embodies our brand message, ‘The Heart of Technology,’ enhancing engine performance while dramatically reducing environmental impact,” the company stated in a press release.