PRESIDENT'S COLUMN


It is with much sadness that I start with news of the loss in February of two dear industry friends. Both Ron Battye and Peter Saunders, devoted their working lives to our industry and were well known to most of us. I have on your behalf offered the Federation's condolences to those dear to them. Elsewhere in this issue we include their obituaries. We will miss them greatly.


The year has started in controversy with the approach by Channel 4 TV to make comment on their "Food File" programme. The subject revolved around the continuing risks that the public were being asked to accept due to M.A.F.F. dragging their feet on the banning of White Oils throughout the food industry.


Knowing the investigative format of this programme it was agreed with the producer that the BLF on behalf of the industry, would issue a press release.


In this release we would outline the facts as agreed by all those associated in this product sector. We would also emphasise our determination as an industry to ensure the safety of our products.


STATEMENT BY THE BRITISH LUBRICANTS FEDERATION- WHITE MINERAL HYDROCARBONS


Hydrocarbon white oils and waxes are key components in such areas as food,


agriculture, with international plastics,


pharmaceutical. and cosmetics. They are produced to the highest standards of refining technology and in accordance


standards and


regulations. Their safety is continually monitored and assessed toxicologically by the refiners and marketers and their long term use has demonstrated a safe service in many applications.


Whilst feeding studies have shown some evidence of accumulation in certain tissues, there is no evidence that consumption at levels normally used in food applications has caused any health problems in humans.


Industry has worked closely with regulatory bodies to share and provide all relevant data, including sponsoring new studies on an extensive range of white oils and waxes via the British Industrial Biological Research Associates (BIBRA), a world renowned independent laboratory. BIBRA completed their studies during the summer of 1992 and their report was submitted to government authorities and regulators for their assessment.


The study indicated that for some lower viscosity products, and at high doses, there were some biological effects on rats. It is not known whether the effects observed have any significance to humans, especially considering the long history of safe use and also the fact that existing studies have indicated white oils and waxes to be non-carcinogenic.


A Toxicity Forum was also held in Oxford in September 1992 to review all health data available on this subject; industrialists, governmental and regulatory officials, toxicologists, and other interested parties were present. The comments and issues raised during the forum, together with the BIBRA study results are still under assessment.


Industry is determined to ensure the safety of its products and is continuing to undertake further assessment and ·in co-operation with governments and regulators.


By the time these words are read the programme had appeared with this controversial subject deleted. Have we won the day or is it just a postponement? We await further news with interest.


The second issue that again surfaced in January was that of Statistical Reporting. Much progress has been made during the past twelve months with major BLF members now reporting to UKPIA.


Our records showing that in excess of 85% of lubricant produced in the U.K. was being covered in the reporting system. It was therefore, with much surprise that I was informed that due to the lack of support from you, the U.K. industry could not move to going to the European Harmonised Statistical Reporting System being put together by the Centre Professional des Lubrifiants in Paris.


As always there is another side to the story and discussions with UKPIA have led to us to some very interesting information.


Evidently it is the members of UKPIA that have not yet agreed to move to European Harmonisation so we continue to follow the debate with interest. In the meantime Council is taking up the matter to clarify our position and I again urge you all to reconsider your support in this area. Statistical reporting can bring many benefits to professional marketing. It takes very little to provide regular information and in return you will receive up to the minute industry-wide volume trends. In the next edition we will provide further news of our efforts but in the meantime, please contact me if you feel you could make an immediate start.


The final issue to come to our attention this month involves purchasing practices by certain organisations. A member endeavouring to tender for specialist product supply, was horrified to receive a document which in our opinion may inhibit competition. The document calls for the need to pay a Supplier Registration Fee - just for the privilege of tendering. It also requires the supplier to be prepared to pay an undisclosed sum to undergo inspection even though his company has attained ISO. 9002-1987, EN29002-l987 BS5750: Part 2: 1987. It also calls for details of court action involving managers of the supplier, qualifications of staff, description of R & D efforts, full disclosure of market penetration and much more besides, in a 28-page questionnaire. As you are aware BLF is a member of CBI and our representative, your treasurer Brian Latty, is meeting with the chairman of the appropriate Council and a CBI Deputy Director to take the debate further. Council will then meet to consider the CBI input and take further action if appropriate.


During the next few weeks we have many functions taking place throughout the country and I look forward to being with you all and sharing your concerns. In May we are holding our Spring Seminar the details of which are included in this issue of "Lube".


All that is being presented has been asked for by you, it's your seminar addressing the issues that concern us all. I know I will have your support.


David S. Seex, National President


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