Strengthening Global Collaboration in Lubricant Testing: Insights from the ALIA Webinar on ASTM GLTST
The Asian Lubricants Industry Association (ALIA) recently hosted a webinar exploring the role and impact of the ASTM Global Lubricant Test Standards Team (GLTST), held on 24 April 2025. The session featured Greg Miiller, vice president of new business and engineering at Savant Incorporated and chair of ASTM GLTST, with moderation by Paul Nai, senior director of product management at Lubrizol and chair of ALIA’s Technology and Information Subcommittee.
The GLTST was established to address fragmentation in the development and application of lubricant test standards across global regions. While standards development organisations (SDOs) such as ASTM and the Coordinating European Council (CEC) work to produce standardised test methods, and specification setting organisations (SSOs) such as API, ACEA, and JASO define requirements for lubricants, the lack of cross-regional collaboration has historically created inefficiencies, redundancy, and trade barriers.
Miiller opened the session by explaining that while many SDOs and SSOs develop similar tests, these efforts often occur in isolation. As a result, identical or nearly identical equipment and methods can be classified under different standards—leading to confusion, duplication, and, at times, logistical and supply chain challenges. He cited the example of high-temperature high-shear viscosity tests, where ASTM D4683 and CEC L-36-A-90 employ the same equipment but differ in method specifics, causing inconsistencies in global application.
The GLTST was formed to foster international communication and collaboration among organisations involved in lubricant testing and specifications. Sponsored—but not governed—by ASTM, the GLTST serves as a neutral forum for SDOs and SSOs to share information, coordinate efforts, and discuss challenges in lubricant test development and application. It aims to avoid duplication, reduce the cost of developing new tests, and enhance the global availability of testing services.
Miiller emphasised that the GLTST does not set specifications or develop new standards; rather, it facilitates communication, identifies potential conflicts or overlaps, and promotes solutions by connecting the appropriate organisations. Membership is limited to SDOs and SSOs, although there are ongoing discussions about expanding participation to include certain industry trade associations, such as ALIA.
The webinar highlighted practical outcomes already achieved through GLTST’s work. For instance, a mismatch between CEC and ASTM test methods for oil shipments caused delays at ports, due to differing precision standards for otherwise identical tests. By raising the issue within GLTST, a liaison was formed between ASTM and CEC, leading to harmonisation of the relevant standards through updated inter-laboratory studies (ILS).
Another success story involves the development of new test methods for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid technologies. Responding to industry needs highlighted during GLTST meetings, ASTM formed a new subcommittee focused on EV lubricants. Similarly, an issue raised by the South African Centre (SAC) regarding foam and aeration in lubricants led to the development of a new test procedure now progressing through validation stages.
A particularly important topic discussed during the webinar was the benefit of global collaboration in reducing testing costs. Miiller noted that aligning test requirements across regions enables bulk purchasing of parts and materials, reducing supply chain costs and making testing services more affordable and accessible.
The GLTST operates with a defined structure: a steering committee composed of representatives from ASTM, ALIA, the Energy Institute, the Heavy-Duty Engine Oil Classification Panel (HDEOCP), and the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI). It holds semi-annual face-to-face meetings alongside virtual meetings and quarterly updates to maintain momentum.
During the Q&A session, Paul Nai raised the issue of how ALIA, as an industry association rather than a formal SDO or SSO, could contribute. Miiller confirmed that while current membership rules focus on SDOs and SSOs, changes to the GLTST bylaws are under consideration to allow industry associations to bring forward issues. In the interim, ALIA can channel member concerns through its representative on the GLTST Steering Committee, ensuring that important topics are brought to the group’s attention.
The webinar concluded with a reminder that all ALIA members have access to a repository of GLTST meeting minutes and presentations via the ALIA Member Platform, offering valuable insights into ongoing technical developments and opportunities to engage with the global lubricant testing community.
As the lubricants industry faces increasing demands for harmonisation, transparency, and cost efficiency, the work of the ASTM GLTST stands as a significant step forward. Greater global collaboration promises not only to enhance the effectiveness of lubricant testing but also to better support the industry’s evolution in an era of rapid technological change.
