Lithium is a metal that has become increasingly important in recent years due to its use in rechargeable batteries for a wide range of applications, including electric vehicles and consumer electronics. As demand for lithium has risen, the cost of this metal has increased, which has had a significant impact on various industries, including the grease and lubricant industry. 

Lithium is used in grease formulations to provide excellent high-temperature stability and performance. Lithium-based greases are commonly used in a wide range of applications, including automotive, industrial, and marine. With the increase in the cost of lithium, the price of these products has also risen, making them more expensive for consumers. 

The increase in the cost of lithium has had a knock-on effect on the grease industry. Manufacturers have been forced to find alternative raw materials or to raise prices to cover the increased cost of production. This has put pressure on the industry to find cost-effective alternatives that can still deliver high-quality performance. 

In response to the increase in the cost of lithium, grease manufacturers have turned to alternative materials such as calcium, aluminium, or sodium. These materials can be used to produce grease that may be comparable in performance to lithium-based products and in some cases can be less expensive. However, careful choices dependent on the application is critical to ensure performance and equipment protection is maintained.