INDUSTRY NEWS German lubricant
associations UNITI and VSI associations agree merger
The companies of UNITI Bundesverband EnergieMit- telstand e.V. and Verband der Schmierstoff-Indus- trie e.V. (VSI) have agreed to merge at their recent general assemblies In a move that will represent 95% of the lubricants market in Germany and a large part of the European market.
This merger paves the way for an alliance that combines the technological expertise of the lubricants industry with the market competence of the fuels, combustibles and lubricants trade.
The merger will combine the technical and regulatory expertise of both associations, which will strengthen their voice in representing the interests of member companies nationally and internationally and also help them to meet the growing, transformative demands placed on companiesin technology, sustainability and standardisation aspects.
‘This fusion is a historic milestone for our industry,’ update Miltos Bantis, GEIR President
The European Union’s recent policy advancements reinforce the pivotal role of the circular economy in achieving climate neutrality, offering significant opportunities for the waste oil regeneration sector. In July 2025, the European Commission’s proposal to establish a binding EU-wide target to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels by 2040, explicitly recognising the key role of the circular economy in reaching the 2040 target while enhancing resource security and competitiveness. The proposal will now need to be adopted by the Parliament and the Council.
Complementing this, the EU’s Single Market Strategy, published in May 2025, emphasises removing barriers to circular economy practices. Key proposals include harmonising waste shipment regulations, enhancing secondary raw material markets, and introducing
6 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.188 AUGUST 2025
emphasises Dr Peter Seifried, Chairman of the VSI. ‘Together, we are pooling our expertise, networks and influence to tackle the challenges of transformation in the lubricants, energy and mobility industries with determination.’
Christine Keslar-Thunder, Chairwoman of UNITI, emphasises: “Pooling the expertise of both associations and the associated synergies will directly benefit our member companies, as we will be able to support them even more comprehensively than before in overcoming the many challenges they currently face.
Above all, however, the merger will also further strengthen our regulatory and political influence potential, for which the highest possible market coverage and an efficient organisational structure of an association are crucial.”
The merger to form UNITI Bundesverband EnergieMit- telstand e.V. is expected to be formally completed in the fourth quarter of 2025. Both organisations are already working intensively on the structural merger in order to promote the interests of companies in the lubricants industry even more strongly in the future.
uniti.de vsi-schmierstoffe.de
Digital Product Passports to track product lifecycles. These measures will facilitate cross-border trade of regenerated oils, reduce regulatory complexity, and boost investment in recycling infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the European Commission will soon launch a public consultation on the forthcoming Circular Economy Act, which is expected by the end of 2026. This is critical opportunity for the waste oil regeneration sector and GEIR is actively preparing to advocate for a robust framework that prioritises waste oil regeneration, introduces incentives to boost demand for regenerated base oils, and acknowledges their significant contribution to EU climate target emission reductions. By championing these priorities, GEIR seeks to strengthen the circular economy, align with the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality ambition, and foster sustainable growth in the lubricants industry, ensuring an environmentally responsible future for our sector.
geir-rerefining.org
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