EDITORIAL
Is our Covid-induced hibernation finally over?
It really does feel like we’re coming out of hibernation. The excitement and energy as events and exhibitions get under way and as live meetings and networking circles spring back into action, is almost palpable. And how welcome it is to be renewing friendships, revisiting acquaintances and colleagues, engaging with people in real life situations without a video or conference screen as an intermediary.
I really felt this buzz and camaraderie at the CHEMUK exhibition last month. It was my first live event in eighteen months and I was looking forward to attending the exhibition, particularly given Lube magazine is a proud Media Partner of this important industry expo.
As I ventured into the National Exhibition Centre halls, passing through the security and Covid checks, the smiling guards and hospitality staff welcoming the crowds into the show arena, I was reminded just how much I have missed the personal contact and engagement with my peers and colleagues during this time. I wasn’t alone. The same conversations could be heard ringing throughout the entire site; it seemed everybody else was happily ‘coming out’ too!
With international travel restrictions also beginning to lift (I’ve just booked my first business flight of 2022, carbon offset of course, to Esslingen for the January TAE Colloquium), am I alone in thinking that I need a refresher course in the art of packing a suitcase again? Pre Covid, the logistics of overseas flight travel had become second nature. Today, the contingencies and second guessing for unexpected changes of circumstance, country specific travel regulations, potential new restrictions that may come into play, not to mention the various passports, visas, flight forms and other documents I’ll need to have on hand, almost make the idea of extended hibernation quite appealing. Almost, but not quite (!).
6 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.165 OCTOBER 2021
As industry begins to wake up and normality returns to our sector and to our lives in general, I am treading carefully, as we all are. I’m hopeful that the legacy we take from Covid will be to remember just how important it is for us all to connect with each other, in business, at home, at leisure. And that having just begun to resume contact with the wider world again, we recognise that these relationships are more important than ever.
The October issue of Lube magazine traditionally highlights the UEIL Congress. This issue is no exception. Understandably, UEIL is presenting a Virtual Congress this year. UEIL coverage begins on page 49 and includes the results of UEIL’s Sustainability Survey; the report makes very interesting reading for everyone in our sector. We also highlight full programme details of the itinerary on page 53. Registration and attendance of the Congress is free this year. Don’t miss this opportunity to participate.
Do enjoy the rest of our publication this month. Our sector topics include Regulation and Industrial lubricants, a Nynas/Optimol white paper forms our Lube Tech and Infineum’s Sustainability Director, Maurizio Abbondanza answers my questions on page 62. The full interview and podcast will be available on the website.
Stay safe, however you’re connecting! Until next time…
Andrianne Philippou,
editor@ukla.org.uk
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