VIEWPOINT Viewpoint Letters from our readers
Innovate or die? Complexity is increasing in the oil and lubricants industry as new entrants intensify competition in an already commoditised and over supplied marketTo succeed in the 21st century, lubricant suppliers must respond quickly to legislative changes and adapt their business model by offering innovative products and solutions that will provide them with competitive advantage.
Damien Duhamel, CEO of Solidiance’s article (Lube, Dec 17) demonstrated innovation in the supply chain and the focus of the recent 22nd ICIS World Base Oils and Lubricants conference was ‘Modelling the future: How will the industry deal with declining lubricant demand?’ Yet when it comes to base oils, we find that whilst industry talks about innovation, in reality most companies act conservatively.
At SIP, we see this first hand from our business development activities with emerging and disruptive technologies, such as renewable hydrocarbons and nano sized particles of Inorganic Fullerene-like Tungsten Disulfide. These new materials enable blenders to produce premium performance products and differentiate their product offering, yet the majority of companies cite cost and other barriers to entry associated with conventional base oils,
This is changing slowly and it is refreshing to work with those companies who are prepared to innovate their product offering for the future. This is typically the small to mid-size, independent companies and something their larger competitors should be mindful of as they model their strategy for the future.
Kerry Larkin
I awakened this morning to the sad news that one of the most-respected and best-known scientists, Professor Stephen Hawking, has died. Scientists and engineers play a leading role in securing the future of our planet, yet we hear so little about them in the media. It is
disappointing that it was because of Stephen Hawking’s debilitating condition that he so often hit the headlines, rather than his contribution to humankind.
What is the difference between scientists and engineers? One prefers the unknown and the other loathes it? Scientists tend to explore the natural world and discover new knowledge and create theories, engineers apply that knowledge and implement the theories to solve practical problems? I have enjoyed many a conference with both, and the banter and debate continues. One thing is for sure, they go hand in hand and our industry needs more of both.
Initiatives such as Horizon 2020, the EU’s biggest Research and Innovation programme places its emphasis on producing world-class science, removing barriers to innovation and making it easier for the public and private sectors to work together in delivering innovation. It aims to reduce red tape to enable new projects to get off the ground quickly, achieving results faster.
2018 is the Year of Engineering in the UK where the government has pledged to work with hundreds of industry partners to encourage young people to take a closer look at engineering. I know many companies in the lubrication industry are partners of these initiatives.
Nicky Thomas, Editor
rather than seeing the bigger picture of the benefits these new materials offer, which include improved total formulation cost, extended product life and increased flexibility to both the user and the formulator.
6 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.144 APRIL 2018
Commercial Director, SIP
I’ve been interested by a number of reports recently on where the lubricants market is headed. Whether it be new distribution channels or electric vehicle mandates, it seems prudent that we look into the future, both near and long term. What we as a sector must not lose sight of though is our ability to meet the needs of our customers’ and, in the face of emerging challenges and indeed opportunities, ensure we are closer than ever before to their businesses.
While many will excite at the potential influence of “mega trends” that will affect the future of our industry, I would argue that investment in people will continue to
be the lubricant industry’s greatest asset. Darren Frogson
Exol Lubricants Chairman
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