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India needs a structured, phased approach that integrates regulatory reforms with technological advancements to revamp its fragmented and largely informal used oil recycling sector, according to a new report by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC), and Deloitte.

Castrol Unveils New Cyltech Lubricant Range for Two-Stroke Marine Engines

Castrol, a global leader in lubricants, has introduced its new Castrol Cyltech 70f, 100f, and 140f range to meet the evolving needs of the slow-speed two-stroke engine market.

India's Largest Solar Cell Gigafactory Launched in Gujarat

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, inaugurated India’s largest solar cell gigafactory, a 5.4 GW advanced manufacturing facility by Waaree Energy, in Chikhli, Gujarat. The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Union Minister for Jal Shakti Shri C. R. Patil, Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, and senior state officials.

The FICCI-RECEIC-HUL report projects that India’s chemical industry will grow to $300 billion by 2030 and expand further to $1 trillion by 2040.

Meanwhile, India’s recycling sector is expected to reach $3 trillion within the next two decades, according to Ved Prakash Mishra, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC). Speaking at the Global Symposium on Resource Efficiency & Circular Economy, organized by the Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC) in partnership with FICCI and MoEF&CC, Mishra stressed that adopting a circular economy is no longer optional but a pressing necessity.

Canada-based Klean Industries and Australian energy infrastructure company Viva Energy are collaborating on a new tyre recycling initiative at the Geelong Refinery. The project aims to convert end-of-life tyres into valuable materials, supporting Australia’s circular economy and sustainability efforts. The plan involves developing a Melbourne-based facility capable of processing up to 80,000 tonnes of used tyres annually.

Richful Xinxiang Company, a major Chinese producer of lubricant additive components and packages, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Farabi Downstream Petrochemical Company to form a joint venture. This collaboration aims to establish Saudi Arabia’s first lubricant additive manufacturing facility.

A recent survey conducted by Castrol reveals that industry experts believe existing data centre cooling systems will struggle to manage the rising demand for computing power. As AI and big data continue to drive increased workloads, many industry leaders stress the need for rapid adoption of immersion cooling technology within the next three years to maintain performance and competitiveness.

The ongoing trade dispute between the United States and China has created a favorable environment for Indian chemical manufacturers, according to a report by Prabhudas Lilladher. The U.S. has imposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports, prompting American companies to seek alternative suppliers, potentially benefiting Indian exporters.

Shell and BMW M Motorsport have extended and broadened their collaboration, reinforcing their joint commitment to innovation in energy and motorsport technology. This renewed agreement positions Shell as the Premium Technology, Innovation, and Energy Partner of BMW M Motorsport, supporting factory racing programs in prominent series such as the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA).

TotalEnergies Lubrifiants has successfully integrated an immersion-cooled battery into the Renault Mégane E-Tech, marking a major advancement in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology. This innovation demonstrates the viability of immersion cooling on a large scale, offering significant benefits in efficiency, safety, and cost reduction.

TotalEnergies has inaugurated BioNorrois, its second-largest biomethane production facility in France, situated in Fontaine-le-Dun, Normandy. This plant is set to inject 153 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of biomethane annually into the natural gas network, equating to the average yearly gas consumption of over 30,000 residents.

Repsol, a Spanish multinational energy and petrochemical company, has expanded its footprint in Asia by acquiring a 40% stake in Unioil Lubricants, Inc. (ULI), the lubricants manufacturing and distribution arm of the Unioil Group of Companies. This strategic partnership aims to bolster Repsol's production and distribution capabilities in the Philippines, aligning with its long-term growth objectives in Southeast Asia—a region with annual lubricant sales of 3 million metric tonnes and a 4% growth rate.

WICHITA, Kas., Feb. 28, 2025 – Lubrication Engineers, Inc. (LE), a leading manufacturer of industrial lubricants, has signed an agreement to acquire the industrial brands and products of Royal Purple (RPI), a top provider of synthetic performance lubricants. Following the transaction, LE will exclusively manufacture and sell Royal Purple® industrial products, while Calumet, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLMT) will retain the consumer segment and related manufacturing assets.

BP Plc is reportedly evaluating the sale of its Castrol lubricants division, potentially valued at approximately $10 billion. This consideration emerges as part of a broader strategic overhaul influenced by activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which has acquired a nearly 5% stake in BP. Elliott has been advocating for significant cost reductions and asset divestitures to enhance BP's financial performance and shareholder returns.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India has issued a directive on February 17, 2025, mandating all producers of base oils, finished lubricants, importers of used oil, recyclers, and collection agents to register on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Portal for Used Oil within 15 days.

Petro-Canada Lubricants, a brand under HF Sinclair Corporation, has taken over the global management, marketing, and distribution of the Suniso® brand as of September 2024. This strategic move involves acquiring Suniso's trademark and technology from Sonneborn, another HF Sinclair brand.

Shell Lubricants and Ducati have unveiled the Shell Advance Ducati Genuine Oil 15W-50, a co-branded motorcycle engine oil specifically formulated for Ducati's next-generation engines. This oil incorporates Shell's PurePlus Technology and offers advanced wear protection, meeting the latest API SP and JASO MA2 standards to enhance performance, reduce engine wear, and optimize gearbox functionality.

The International Lubricants Standardization and Advisory Committee (ILSAC) has formally requested the American Petroleum Institute (API) to initiate the development of a new gasoline engine oil specification, designated as ILSAC GF-8. This proposed standard aims to succeed the forthcoming GF-7 specification, with first licensing for GF-7 scheduled on March 31, 2025. ILSAC's proposal targets the completion of GF-8's initial licensing by the end of the third quarter of 2028.

German specialty chemicals company LANXESS has inaugurated its India Application Development Centre (IADC) in Thane, Mumbai, to bolster innovation and customer support in the Indian market.

TotalEnergies Marketing USA has entered into a three-year lubricant sponsorship agreement with the Meineke Dealers Purchasing Cooperative (MDPCI), aiming to enhance automotive services across Meineke's extensive network of over 900 car care centers in the United States.