F+L Webcast

As the global fuels and lubricants industry accelerates its transition toward sustainability, ASTM International’s Committee D02 is at the centre of ensuring quality and performance standards keep pace. At the helm of this influential committee is Dr. James J. Simnick, chair of ASTM D02 and a veteran of the refining and fuels sector, who recently joined the F+L Webcast to discuss his four-decade journey and the future of fuels and lubricants standardisation.

The European Engine Lubricants Quality Management System (EELQMS) plays a crucial role in maintaining high-quality engine oils for European vehicles across global markets, including Asia and the Middle East. In a recent F+L Asia podcast, industry experts Mike Boyer, director of SAIL-Europe, and David Wright, chair of ATIEL’s Quality Management System Committee, discussed the importance of quality standards, compliance monitoring, and the evolving role of EELQMS in the lubricants industry.

With more than 30 years of industry experience, Matthew (Matt) Joyce, Corporate Senior Vice President and President of HF Sinclair’s Lubricants & Specialities, has focused on driving innovation, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship across HF Sinclair’s operations. HF Sinclair, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, U.S.A., produces a wide range of high-value products, including renewable diesel, jet fuel, and speciality lubricants. Its Lubricants & Specialities segment is among North America’s largest producers of white oils and Group III base oils, exporting to more than 80 countries and serving industries such as pharmaceuticals, personal care, construction, and mining. Notable brands under this segment include Sonneborn, Petro-Canada Lubricants, and Red Giant Oil. Sustainability is at the core of HF Sinclair’s strategy. Products like SonneNatural, a 100% plant-based lubricant, exemplify the company’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and supporting renewable feedstocks. These solutions meet growing global demand for environmentally friendly products while ensuring high performance and reliability. The division also invests heavily in innovation, with advancements such as immersion cooling fluids for data centres and renewable lubricants. These efforts align with HF Sinclair’s vision to be a trusted global partner for sustainable solutions, helping businesses navigate regulatory pressures and achieve their environmental goals. Looking ahead, HF Sinclair aims to expand its market presence in Asia and Africa while maintaining its leadership in innovation and sustainability. Joyce emphasises the company’s mission: “Our focus is on delivering innovative, sustainable solutions that create value for our customers while making a positive environmental impact.”

In the male-dominated world of lubricants, Daiane Spadari has emerged as a trailblazer. Currently, the research and development executive manager at Iconic Lubrificantes, a joint venture between Chevron and Ipiranga, Spadari oversees the innovation pipeline for Texaco and Ipiranga lubricants in Brazil. With more than 17 years of industry experience, she is driving advancements that position Iconic as a leader in Brazil’s USD1.3 billion lubricant market. Spadari’s journey began humbly at Brazil’s first biodiesel company, where she gained her first exposure to innovation and leadership. “It was my first chance to lead, and it taught me the importance of being a good leader,” she shared in a recent podcast. Her early career inspired her to pursue advanced education, including a Master’s in Chemistry and an MBA in Personnel Management, paving the way for her leadership in R&D. Returning to the industry in 2010, Spadari joined Ipiranga and later transitioned to Iconic Lubrificantes, where she played a pivotal role in its formation in 2018. Today, Iconic is the largest lubricant supplier in Brazil, holding over a quarter of the market share.  Ipiranga is Brazil's second-largest fuel retailer. Under Spadari’s leadership, Iconic has achieved several milestones, including the establishment of Latin America’s largest private R&D lab. The facility boasts more than 300 state-of-the-art lab equipment and more than 50 professionals dedicated to developing cutting-edge solutions. Spadari believes in tailoring products for regional needs. “Brazil’s unique conditions, such as high biodiesel and ethanol content, require robust formulations to handle oxidation and corrosion challenges,” she explained. Her team’s solutions not only meet international standards but are also optimised for local markets, ensuring better performance and sustainability. While Spadari acknowledges the historical challenges women face in technical fields, she notes progress within Iconic. “Three of our four managers are women. In my team, the sole man is the ‘diversity’ member,” she jokes, highlighting a significant shift in gender dynamics. She encourages more women to pursue careers in R&D and views diversity as a driver of innovation. Sustainability is a cornerstone of Iconic’s strategy under Spadari’s guidance. From exploring bio-lubricants made from renewable sources to evaluating circularity in used oils, her team is pushing boundaries. “We’re committed to not just creating better products but also reducing emissions and extending machinery life,” she said. As the Brazilian lubricant market grows, Iconic and Spadari are positioned to shape its future. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and diversity, Spadari exemplifies leadership that inspires. “Innovation and sustainability are at the core of everything we do,” she said. Spadari’s journey from a budding chemist to a leader at the forefront of Brazil’s lubricant industry underscores the impact of resilience, education, and vision. As she continues to challenge norms and drive change, the industry will undoubtedly benefit from her fearless approach to innovation.

In a recent interview on F+L Webcast, Michael Holloway, president of Fifth Order Industry, highlighted the importance of global collaboration in developing and applying industry standards on fuels and lubricants. Holloway is recognised as a subject-matter expert in failure analysis, reliability engineering, and designed experiments, holding 16 professional certifications and a patent. He has a Master’s degree in Polymer Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in both Chemistry and Philosophy. Over his 40-year career, he has held roles in research and product development with companies such as Olin Chemical, WR Grace, Rohm & Haas, and GE Plastics. Additionally, he has specialised in reliability engineering and failure analysis for companies like NCH, ALS, and SGS. Fifth Order Industry, based in Houston, Texas, U.S.A., provides training and consultancy. Holloway discussed how international standards, such as those established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), create a shared foundation for industries worldwide. “Standards allow industries to speak a common language,” he explained. “They are essential not only for compliance but for creating opportunities for innovation and collaborative problem-solving.” Holloway believes that this unified approach enhances safety, quality, and environmental practices, benefiting industries and consumers alike. Holloway further underscored the need for flexibility in implementing these standards. He noted that while standards offer a foundational framework, they must be adapted to meet regional and operational specifics, ensuring that they are effectively applied rather than serving as mere compliance checklists. This adaptable approach, he argued, is crucial to fostering genuine operational improvements and advancing innovation. With industries becoming increasingly interconnected, Holloway sees global standards as the key to meeting today’s challenges and paving the way for future sustainable practices. As companies adopt and refine these collaborative standards, Holloway envisions a future where international partnerships drive the next wave of industrial growth and innovation.

In Episode 41 of F+L Webcast, Ping Zhu, vice president of Technology at Lubrizol Additives, shared insights into the company’s forward-thinking approach to sustainability and innovation in the lubricant industry. Zhu, who has dedicated 30 years to the company, highlighted the critical role of chemistry in creating solutions that balance performance and sustainability. Zhu emphasised the importance of collaboration within the industry, pointing out that advancements in technology, particularly in hybridisation, electrification, and hydrogen fuels, have transformed the landscape. Lubrizol is at the forefront of this change, working closely with suppliers and OEMs to ensure their chemistry supports the latest hardware innovations while reducing carbon footprints. A key takeaway from the interview is Lubrizol's commitment to sustainability as an integrated part of its strategy, not just a separate initiative. The company is focused on lifecycle analysis, aiming to minimise carbon emissions from cradle to gate. Lubrizol’s efforts extend beyond lubricants to include innovations in other divisions, such as cooling and refrigeration solutions and bio-based polymers. As the industry continues to evolve, Zhu believes that Asia-Pacific is at the cutting edge of these changes. The region's diverse market needs, combined with rapid innovation, make it a challenging yet exciting landscape for Lubrizol to navigate. Zhu’s message is clear: the lubricant industry must embrace a circular economy and work together across the value chain to achieve sustainability goals.

In Episode 40 of F+L Webcast, Uday Kumar, the industrial managing director of PETRONAS Lubricants International, shared his extensive journey and insights into the evolving world of industrial lubricants. The conversation with F&L Asia Editor-in-Chief Vicky Villena-Denton unfolded like a narrative of passion, expertise, and vision, shedding light on the intricate role of lubrication in industrial machinery and its future trajectory. Kumar's story began in Bangalore, India, where he pursued a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering His interest in tribology, the study of friction, wear, and lubrication, was ignited by a meeting with Professor S.K. Biswas, a renowned expert in the field. "Talking to Professor Biswas, I was amazed by how lubrication plays an important role between friction and wear," Uday reminisced. This fascination led him to join Castrol India as a sales engineer, where his deep understanding of tribology set him apart. Kumar's career trajectory saw him taking on various roles across India, South Asia, and China, ultimately managing BP's industrial lubricant business in Shanghai. His expertise was further recognised when he became the Global Key Account Director, managing relationships with key clients like Tata Group. In 2020, he joined PETRONAS Lubricants International, bringing more than three decades of experience to the table. Tribology, often a lesser-known field, became Kumar's specialty. He explained how tribology's principles are crucial in maintaining industrial machinery. "Most industrial machinery is always under maintenance and breakdown, often due to inadequate lubrication," he noted. Engineers, with their technical background, are best suited to diagnose these issues and recommend solutions that improve machinery performance and longevity. The conversation then shifted to the differences between industrial and automotive lubricants. Kumar highlighted how industrial lubricants are closely tied to OEM specifications to ensure machinery runs smoothly, especially during the warranty period. This precision contrasts with the broader industry standards often seen in the automotive sector. One of the significant advancements in the industry is the adoption of Industry 4.0. Kumar discussed how modern factories, especially in China and India, are embracing smart manufacturing. "Modern machinery operates at higher speeds and with greater precision, demanding continuous lubrication monitoring," he said. This technological shift is transforming how maintenance is conducted, with real-time monitoring and predictive analysis becoming standard practices. Discussing current trends, Kumar emphasised the growing focus on sustainability. Companies are increasingly looking for lubricants that are renewable, biodegradable, and have a lower carbon footprint. "Energy transition is a big topic now, with a shift towards wind and solar energy," he remarked, highlighting how lubricants also play a crucial role in these renewable energy sectors. Automation, Kumar explained, is reducing the quantity of lubricants required, though the demand for high-quality, specialised lubricants is rising. This trend is seen in robotic manufacturing, which uses advanced synthetic greases, compared to older, more lubricant-intensive machinery. Looking ahead, Uday sees a future where the focus will be on integrating services with products. "The future is about helping our customers reduce downtime and maintenance costs by incorporating the service element with the product," he predicted. This shift from product-centric to service-centric solutions will be pivotal in meeting the evolving needs of the industry. Uday's insights painted a vivid picture of an industry in transition, driven by technological advancements and a commitment to sustainability. His journey from an engineering student fascinated by tribology to a leader in the lubricant industry serves as an inspiration for those looking to make a meaningful impact in this field. In closing, Kumar reflected on the enduring importance of lubricants. "From a pin to an aircraft, lubrication plays an essential role. This industry offers a vast scope, and it's here to stay for a long time," he concluded, leaving the audience with a sense of optimism about the future of industrial lubricants. The importance of tribologyEmbracing Industry 4.0The future of industrial lubricants

In an exclusive interview with F+L Webcast, Adnaan Emeran, marketing and business development manager for Commercial Fuels and Lubricants at Engen Petroleum, shared insights into the company's strategy to strengthen its brand positioning in South Africa. Engen Petroleum is a major South African oil company that focuses on the downstream refined petroleum products market and related businesses. Emeran, who has over three decades of experience in the industry, highlighted the importance of understanding the unique pain points faced by key customers in sectors such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. "By conducting research into the challenges our customers face, we are better equipped to tailor our offerings and improve our brand positioning," he explained. One of the significant challenges discussed was the requirement for local partnerships in various sectors due to South African legislation. While these sectors share common pain points, Emeran noted that each industry also faces unique obstacles. For example, in mining, incorporating local communities into the supply chain is a significant hurdle, while in agriculture, unpredictable weather patterns and inadequate transportation infrastructure pose significant challenges. Emeran, who holds a background in chemistry, emphasised his role in marketing and business development, ensuring that products reach their destinations safely and efficiently. He also highlighted the need for accessible and secure facilities for truck drivers, a crucial aspect of the company's operations. Engen Petroleum, a subsidiary of PETRONAS, has a strong presence in the South African retail market, with a market share of around 27%. The company aims to enable sectors like transport and agriculture to overcome common pain points and keep businesses moving. Its new B2B tagline is 'Always Moving'. Engen Petroleum has six affiliates across Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, Mauritius, and Swaziland, and exports lubricants to various markets, working with distributors to reach a wider audience. Engen is currently majority owned by Malaysian state-owned oil and gas company PETRONAS (74%), with the remaining equity held by the Phembani Group (20%) and a Phembani-led consortium (6%). On April 25, 2024, South Africa's Competition Tribunal gave the greenlight for Vitol to acquire PETRONAS' stake. The deal was originally announced in February 2023. The acquisition will result in a change of control from PETRONAS to Vivo Energy, a joint venture between Vitol, Helios Investment Partners, and Shell, created in 2011. As Engen Petroleum continues to navigate the evolving fuel and lubricants industry in South Africa, its focus on understanding customer pain points, localising partnerships, and leveraging its strong brand positioning will be crucial in driving growth and maintaining its position as a leading player in the market.

Vincent Minard is a seasoned veteran with two decades of experience within TotalEnergies’ Marketing & Services. His journey with TotalEnergies has taken him across continents, from the bustling cities of Europe to the dynamic markets of Asia, shaping his expertise in lubricants, OEM partnerships, and retail management. He is currently vice president of Lubricants, Specialties & BtoB, responsible for Asia Pacific and the Middle East based in Singapore. One of the crown jewels in TotalEnergies' portfolio is their state-of-the-art lubricant blending plant in Singapore. As the largest of its kind within the company, this facility serves as a central hub for the Asia Pacific and Middle Eastern markets. The strategic choice of Singapore as its location was influenced by the city-state's existing infrastructure and its pivotal position for accessing surrounding markets. The COVID-19 pandemic tested the resilience of industries worldwide, and the lubricants sector was no exception. Minard recounts the challenges faced during this period, from supply chain disruptions to demand fluctuations. However, TotalEnergies' centralized production in Singapore proved to be a competitive advantage, allowing them to maintain a steady supply to their customers despite global uncertainties. In the global arena, TotalEnergies holds the fourth position among lubricant players, with leadership in regions such as Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The company's brand strategy has been a key factor in this success. By leveraging its Total and Elf brands, TotalEnergies continues to cater to a wide range of market needs, from high-end automotive products to specialized industrial applications. The Asian market, with its contrasting mature and rapidly developing economies, presents unique challenges and opportunities. Minard observes a trend towards premiumization, as consumers gradually recognize the value of higher-quality lubricants. Minard emphasizes the importance of innovation, customer education, and sustainability in driving TotalEnergies' success in the lubricants market. Despite the challenges posed by market dynamics and the shift towards electric vehicles, the company remains committed to delivering high-quality products and services while contributing to a greener future.

Flavio Kliger, who was appointed president of Lubrizol Additives in January 2023, reflects on his first year at the helm of one of the leading global additive suppliers to the fuels and lubricants industry. Born and raised in Brazil, Kliger's fascination with economics and an unexpected love for the lubricants industry led him to a pivotal role at Lubrizol, a company he admires for its industry leadership and innovation. In a recent conversation on F+L Webcast, Kliger shared insights into his personal journey, Lubrizol's strategic direction, and the future of the additives industry. His leadership is characterized by a strategic approach that is not just reactive but anticipatory, readying Lubrizol Additives for the next wave of industry evolution. As the automotive world stands on the brink of a technological revolution, his insights provide a valuable perspective on what lies ahead. A Journey from Economics to Lubricants Kliger’s career trajectory is a testament to his belief in the power of serendipity and passion. Initially drawn to economics due to Brazil's hyperinflation, his career took a significant turn when he was "chosen" by the lubricants sector. His journey with Lubrizol started in 2017, and he credits the company for its role in fostering his growth, culminating in his role as president of Lubrizol Additives in January 2023. Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities Reflecting on his first year as president, Kliger highlighted the unforeseen challenges, such as market de-stocking, that tested the company's resilience. Yet, it's Lubrizol's response—focusing on what can be controlled and ensuring customer needs are met—that underscores the company's adaptability and forward-thinking approach. He observed that, following the Covid-19 pandemic and the Texas freeze, the industry at large has significantly enhanced the resilience of its global supply chain. The Global Landscape and Local Solutions With a global footprint that includes significant operations in China and collaborative relationships with OEMs worldwide, Lubrizol is poised to meet regional demands with localized solutions. Kliger emphasized the importance of understanding and adapting to diverse market needs, a strategy that has become even more relevant amid shifting trade relations and the push for sustainability. Sustainability: Transforming the Industry Sustainability is not just a goal but a transformative force at Lubrizol, he said. Kliger passionately discussed how the additives industry is uniquely positioned to address the evolving demands of fuel efficiency, electrification, and reduced emissions. For Lubrizol, this era represents an opportunity to leverage its technological prowess and deep understanding of complex customer needs to drive innovation and sustainability forward. Looking Ahead: Innovation, Agility, and Customer Focus As for the future, Kliger envisions a Lubrizol that remains at the forefront of addressing the industry's most pressing challenges through innovation, agility, and a relentless focus on customer needs. The company's commitment to advancing mobility, improving well-being, and enhancing modern life remains steadfast, driven by a global team that values diversity, expertise, and a shared vision for a sustainable future.