Abstracts
Michael D. Holloway
President, 5th Order Industry LLC
Global Energy Transition and Its Impact on Fuel and Lubrication
The global energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the urgent need to address climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This shift towards renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, is reshaping the fuel and lubricant industry in significant ways. This keynote paper will delve into the implications of this energy transition on the fuel and lubricant sector, including:
Market Dynamics: The paper will analyze the evolving market dynamics for fuels and lubricants as the demand for fossil fuels declines. It will explore the potential growth areas for alternative fuels and lubricants, such as biofuels, synthetic fuels, and electric vehicle lubricants.
Technological Advancements: The paper will discuss the technological innovations required to support the transition to renewable energy sources. This includes advancements in energy storage, power electronics, and lubrication systems for renewable energy equipment.
Regulatory and Policy Implications: The paper will examine the regulatory and policy frameworks that are shaping the energy transition. It will analyze the impact of government incentives, carbon pricing mechanisms, and emissions standards on the fuel and lubricant industry.
Supply Chain and Logistics: The paper will discuss the potential disruptions to the supply chain and logistics of fuels and lubricants as the industry transitions to new energy sources. It will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with the shift towards decentralized energy production and distribution.
By understanding the implications of the global energy transition, the fuel and lubricant industry can proactively adapt to the changing market landscape and position itself for long-term success. This keynote paper will provide valuable insights and recommendations for industry stakeholders to navigate this transformative period.
Ravi Tallamraju
Group Technology Officer, Petronas Lubricants International
Navigating Regulatory Challenges and Hardware Advancements in Asia : The Imperative for Higher Quality Lubricants and Better Standards
Reducing Green House Gas (GHG) emissions is an urgent priority for governments worldwide. Stringent CO2 reduction initiatives, emission, and fuel economy regulations are being imposed globally by governments.
These strict regulations impact not only developed countries but also apply equally to developing countries across Asia. These modern engine technologies and hardware require very different types of lubricants and are highly sensitive to lubricant quality.
However, the quality of lubricants in Asia is still lagging, with low-quality lubricants co-existing in the market across the region. The wrong application of poor-quality lubricants from older technology can damage the emission control systems on modern engines and reduce engine life.
Lack of access to credible information and poor enforcement of standards across Asia makes it very difficult to ensure the right quality of lubricants for the right applications. Concepts of “Total Cost of Quality” are still not understood by many consumers.
Balancing the needs for lower costs, faster development time and higher quality in a diverse and emerging Asian market is not easy. No single solution meets the needs of all markets within Asia. Most solutions from developed countries can’t be automatically adopted as the duty cycles, operating environment and affordability are very different in emerging markets like Asia.
There is a definite need for industry to come together to adopt and enforce minimum viable standards of quality across the region, based on the level of industry maturity. Industry associations like ALIA have a bigger role to play to address this urgent need.
Ravi Tallamraju from PETRONAS Lubricants International will highlight the urgency for action in upgrading the lubricant quality across Asia. He will be stressing the role of industry associations like ALIA in increasing awareness, bridging the knowledge gap and advocacy to adopt minimum quality standards across the region.
Dr. H. Ernest Henderson
Technical Director, Base Oils & Lube Products, Pentas Flora SDN BHD
Re-Refining: A Rags to Riches Story
The role of used motor oil, or UMO, and re-refining continues to evolve and improve on a global and regional basis. The combination of improving UMO feedstock quality and advancing process technologies has created the opportunity for re-refining to produce premium quality base oils, including Group II and most recently Group III. These base stocks are now capable of formulating low SAE grade engine oils and marketed as semi- and full synthetic with approvals at both the market general and OEM performance levels.
Re-refined base oils are sustainable. The process is part of a closed loop system where used motor oil is collected, processed, formulated, and used in high performance applications. Because the original base oil in the used motor oil is Group II and Group III, it can be continually processed through the same closed loop process because the highly saturated base oil components do not degrade. This is good for the environment.
The future of re-refining remains bright at the global and regional level. This presentation will look at the past and present state of the re-refining industry with a focus on Asia-Pacific. It will include results from recent life cycle analysis on re-refined base oils produced in Malaysia for the regional market.
Kevin Delaney
Vice President, Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE)
Sustainability Opportunities for Tribology
The most frequently quoted definition of sustainability, not just in terms of tribology and lubricants but across all aspects of human life and technology, is the following United Nation’s (UN) definition: “…meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This guideline was set up in 1987 by the UN Brundtland Commission. The 2023 STLE Report on Emerging Issues and Trends in Tribology and Lubrication Engineering addressed sustainability, concluding that energy savings can be achieved through appropriate tribology practices, which have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Tribology will play a major role in implementing sustainability and achieving climate change mitigation goals.
Stephan Baumgaertel
Managing Director, Association of the German Lubricant Industry (VSI)
Future Regulatory Landscape for Lubricant Manufacturers in Europe: Opportunities and Risks
“After nearly twenty years, the European chemical legislation, REACH, is set to undergo extensive revision. This revision will focus, among other aspects, on new hazard classifications and criteria, such as persistent, mobile, and toxic substances (PMT). Several key chemicals used in lubricants may be affected and could fall under new regulatory measures. Instead of individual substances, groups of substances will now be regulated, potentially reducing the available alternatives for lubricant formulations and impacting the import and export of lubricants.
The European GHS regulation, CLP, has also been revised, introducing new criteria specific to Europe that may impact free trade. Additionally, the ESPR Sustainability Directive and other new regulations, such as the Deforestation Directive, will bring significant changes for lubricant manufacturers and additive suppliers. However, these regulations also bring clear benefits for human health and the environment, supporting a more livable world. The crucial task here (and our role as an association) is to find the right balance.
Overall, the regulatory landscape for lubricant manufacturers and importers in Europe will change dramatically in the coming years. This presentation will discuss the opportunities, risks, and implications of these changes.”
Mattia Adani
President, Union of the European Lubricants Industry (UEIL)
Europe: Regulatory Update and Implications for Lubricants Trade Flows
This presentation examines the current state and challenges of the European lubricants industry within the evolving landscape of European manufacturing and policy trends. It also explores the potential impact on trade flows in our sector between Europe and Asia.
Key topics include the European Union’s push for sustainability, decarbonization, and competitiveness, highlighted by initiatives such as the European Green Deal and Industrial Deal.
The lubricants sector, driven by advancements in electric mobility, bio-based lubricants, and re refining, faces significant regulatory challenges that affect both innovation and market competitiveness. A central theme is Europe’s “impossible trilemma”—balancing high social and environmental standards, free trade, and a robust domestic industry.
Concerns are raised about the effects of deindustrialization and declining vehicle production on Europe’s global position. Overregulation and policy inconsistencies are identified as barriers to the commercialization of innovations and the scaling of businesses. European institutions have sought to steer society and manufacturing toward sustainability, creating challenges for the lubricants industry directly (through sector-specific regulations) and indirectly (via impacts on related sectors like metalworking and automotive).
The costs of these policies are now being felt by citizens and businesses, prompting discussions about potential policy shifts. A recent European Parliament vote on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) signals a possible re-evaluation of certain approaches. This could have implications for trade flows, such as changes in the trade of fatty acid esters used in green lubricant production between Europe and Asia.
Inga Herrmann
Sales Manager and Sustainability Lead, Ergon International Inc.
Impact of EU Regulation on APAC Lubricant Industry
In response to increasing regulatory demands and the lubricant industry’s commitment to sustainability, ATIEL and UEIL have collaborated to develop a sector-specific Methodology for Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Calculations tailored for lubricants and other specialties. This technical presentation will provide an in-depth exploration of this groundbreaking methodology, which builds upon ISO 14067 principles but is refined to address the unique operational, environmental, and regulatory needs of the lubricant industry. The joint methodology clearly defines the scope and system boundaries for PCF calculations, detailing precise data requirements, calculation procedures, and reporting standards. Designed for accuracy, alignment, and third-party verification, this standardized approach promotes transparency and consistency within the industry.
A focal point of the presentation is the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), an EU framework that impacts the entire value chain—including manufacturers, importers, distributors, and service providers both within and outside the EU. By implementing new initiatives like the Digital Product Passport (DPP), Green Public Procurement, and policies governing unsold products, ESPR mandates significant transparency across global supply chains. Environmentally friendly products are incentivized with cost reductions and the elimination of trade barriers, setting a clear directive for non-EU producers to align with EU sustainability standards. Compliance with ESPR underscores the importance of robust PCF methodologies, as accurate emissions data are foundational for meeting these regulatory requirements.
Participants will gain insights into how the ATIEL & UEIL methodology fosters harmonization in PCF calculations, facilitating alignment across interconnected industries and supporting sustainability goals throughout the value chain. This certified, non-competitive methodology allows the lubricant industry to speak with one voice on sustainability metrics, enhancing the industry’s influence and ability to drive meaningful advancements.
This session is essential for industry professionals seeking to implement robust PCF practices and stay ahead of evolving regulatory demands, ensuring their organizations can contribute effectively to global ESG objectives.
Mikael Kruse
Group Product Manager, AXEL Christiernsson International AB
The Impact of Using Better Products: How Optimised Greases Can Empower Your Future
Lubricating greases are an essential component for machinery functionality, with their effectiveness significantly impacting equipment performance and operational costs. Proper lubrication reduces friction and energy consumption, minimizes wear, and protects moving parts, thereby extending the lifespan of equipment and reducing repair expenses. Additionally, efficient lubrication decreases the frequency of re-lubrication intervals and prevents unplanned stoppages, ensuring higher productivity, improved efficiency, and waste reduction.
This study explores the impact of optimized grease lubrication on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and sustainability. Key findings indicate that lubrication accounts for 1-3% of maintenance budgets, with improper lubrication responsible for 40% of maintenance costs. The presentation outlines the path of grease within a business, including purchase, administration, storage, management, equipment maintenance, downtime, power consumption, waste disposal, and environmental impact.
Examples will illustrate the potential benefits and strategies for improvement. Additionally, the impact on sustainability related to grease and machine use conditions will be clarified.
Despite the potential benefits, the implementation of better lubricants is not widely adopted in the modern industrial landscape. The reasons vary from case to case but often include a lack of lubrication knowledge, poor internal communication, and stakeholders with differing objectives along with a general reluctance towards change.
The real value of lubricant knowledge and improved lubrication is often overlooked and underestimated. To change this situation the monetary and sustainability gains need to be consistently clarified and highlighted.
Terry Dicken
Chairman, European Lubricating Grease Institute (ELGI)
Sustainability within the Grease Industry
I think it’s fair to say that when we discuss sustainability in the lubricants industry, greases provide the most challenging scenario of all lubricants.
Their life cycle analysis and carbon footprint, requires significant data processing and consideration, sourcing of raw materials, manufacturing procedures, user applications and end of life factors all give the grease manufacturer a complex set of issues to overcome.
This paper examines these challenges in detail and offers suggestions on how to navigate the issues and regulations, particularly in Europe. It will showcase the ELGISTC (the European Lubricating Grease Institute Sustainability Technical Consortium). Consisting of grease producers, raw material suppliers, equipment manufacturers, test houses, institutions and end users. Membership of the consortium spans the USA, Europe and Asia. The paper will focus on how new regulations and chemical restrictions will impact Asia and what it means to such companies currently operating in Europe.
This consortium offers help and clarification to meet the regulations being imposed on the lubricant industry not just in Europe but worldwide.
Dr. Tarunendr Singh
Director of Business Development, Siddharth Grease & Lubes Pvt. Ltd.
Sustainable Biodegradable Grease for Industrial Applications
Sustainable biodegradable greases are designed to break down quickly in the presence of biological environments without harming ecosystems. Sustainable biodegradable greases are designed to protect the environment and at the same time provide effective lubrication in rolling elements. Traditionally around 90% of greases are formulated with mineral base oils (derived from petroleum sources). Petroleum based oils are considered as non-sustainable sources and have very low biodegradability.
Vegetable Oils are from natural sources, which can work well as a lubricant and are readily biodegradable and non-toxic. Vegetable oils however have certain limitations which include relatively small viscosity range, poor oxidation and thermal stability at high temperatures, poor hydrolytic stability and poor low temperature flow characteristics due to the presence of double bonds in the molecular structure. Synthetic esters which are reaction products of fatty acids derived from natural sources and alcohols can be a viable alternative to mineral base oils.
In this paper we are reporting sustainable environmentally acceptable, non-toxic and biodegradable synthetic ester-based grease composition. The developed greases offer a sustainable biodegradable grease composition for a wide variety of environment sensitive applications, such as agriculture, marine, construction, railways, etc. The developed greases have biodegradability of over 70%.
This paper reported on simple, mixed and complex soap thickeners. The developed greases are evaluated for various general and performance parameters. The results are compared with the conventional mineral oil-based greases.
The developed greases are found to have excellent thermal-oxidation stability with excellent lubrication properties. The usage of these greases will solve the issues of environmental contamination & sustainability to a large extent.
Dr. Oliver Thordsen
Managing Director, ML-LUBRICATION GmbH
Sustainable Concepts for Watermiscible Metalworking Fluids
Sustainable developments have to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the future of the following generations. In 2015 the United Nations adopted the 17 goals for sustainable development in their 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The sustainable development goals (SDG) like 3 (good health & well being), 6 (clean water & sanitation), 8 (decent work & economic growth), 9 (industry, innovation & infrastructure), 12 (responsible consumption & production), 13 (climate action), 14 (life below water) and 15 (life on land) and their relevance for metalworking are explained.
Subsequently the steps of the life cycle of metalworking fluids are explained from cradle to gate and to grave with the impact of each step on sustainability. The formulation is shown as the major influence on sustainability as well as the decision for thermal disposal or recycling. A closer look into metalworking fluids reveals the types of raw materials especially focussing on available base oils. It can be shown that re-refined mineral oils provide a lower carbon footprint than virgin oils or esters in a cradle to gate approach. In a cradle to grave approach native esters can be advantageous, if a thermal disposal is applied. Synthetic esters show a high carbon footprint, increasing with rising degree of processing.
Due to the results in carbon footprint analysis a watermiscible metalworking fluid has been developed based on a re-refined mineral oil. derived from a modern semi-synthetic metalworking fluid. Trial results show a stable long-term behavior and excellent rinsing properties. Machining performance, skin compatibility and labeling are the same as of the respective product based on virgin oil, but the carbon footprint is reduced significantly.
Furthermore, a mineral-oil-free watermiscible metalworking fluid using an ester base oil has been developed. In a cradle to gate approach a reduced carbon footprint cannot be provided, but a higher machining performance, outstanding surface quality and an improved energy efficiency referring to SDGs 9 and 13. The customer trials show an excellent long-term stability, rinsing properties and foaming behavior.
The 3rd newly developed concept is a semi-synthetic watermiscible metalworking fluid without a hazard label aiming at the SDGs 3 and 8. This product has been developed using a new concept for pH stability and provides an extraordinary sump life as further aspect of sustainability referring to the SDG 6. The pH stability can be seen from trial results and exceeds all products tested previously.
In summary it can be said that focussing on different aspects of sustainability leads to different concepts for metalworking fluids. If the SDG 13 (climate action) is the main focus for emulsifiable metalworking fluids, the use of re-refined mineral oils leads to the lowest carbon footprint. As an outlook into further work it will be most important to combine the types above into a new concept, e.g. a label-free metalworking fluid with a re-refined mineral base oil technology to achieve a considerably lower carbon footprint.