Abstract: A process includes adding an effective amount of a calcium lignin sulfonate to a thickened base grease to form a lubricating grease wherein the calcium lignin sulfonate has a molecular weight of at least 10,000 g/mol; the calcium lignin sulfonate has a water content of less than about 0.5 wt %; the effective amount is from about 1 wt % to about 20 wt % based upon the weight of the lubricating grease; the thickened base grease is obtained from a grease forming process or a lubricating paste; and the lubricating grease has a water solubility below about 3 wt %, as determined by a water wash out-test.