BASE OILS
Circular economy – A role for used lubricants: harnessing re-refined base oils for a greener future
Tina Reading, Editor, Lube Magazine, in conversation with Tommi Järvinen, Commercial Director, AVISTA Green
At the 2024 ACI Conference in Madrid, Tommi Järvinen, Commercial Director, AVISTA Green gave a presentation on the rise of re-refined base oils in the European market and partnership developments between AVISTA and Slicker Recycling UK. I met with Tommi to discuss how the industry is gaining momentum and credibility, no longer the ‘new kid on the block’ they have firmly established themselves as pioneers in re-refining and sustainable lubricants.
Let us start with some basics and look at the European mandate regarding re-refined base oils. We all know that far too much used oil is being burnt, so how can European compliance eradicate this practice, in favour of something far more sustainable? The solution stems from broader environmental regulations and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing waste. The European Union has implemented various directives and frameworks that encourage the recycling of materials, including lubricating oils. I met with Tommi to discuss in more depth and get a better understanding of how the industry is embracing this new methodology.
Key points related to the regulation and promotion of re-refined base oils in Europe:
Circular economy action plan: The EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan targets waste reduction and resource efficiency. It emphasises the need for recycling and the use of secondary raw materials, which includes re-refined base oils.
Waste framework directive: While this directive encourages EU member states to promote the recovery of materials from waste and sets targets for waste reduction, it specifically requires initiatives that increase the production of re-refined lubricating oils.
Lubricating oils regulations: While there isn’t yet a specific EU mandate mandatorily requiring the physical use of re-refined base oils, there are regulations that indirectly promote their use by lubricant formulators. The EU encourages the use of recycled materials within the lubricants industry, aiming to achieve higher standards of sustainability.
National initiatives: Various EU member states have developed their own regulations and initiatives that drive the use of re-refined base oils. These national efforts align with EU-wide goals to promote sustainability. However, specific percentages or quotas for the use of re-refined oils may vary across different member states and industries.
Continued on page 10 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.185 FEBRUARY 2025 9
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
