The Technical Association of the European Lubricants Industry (ATIEL) took a historic step with the publication of Code of Practice Issue 26 on December 19, 2025. For the first time, the definition of base oil includes the phrase “virgin or re-refined,” officially recognizing Re-Refined Base Oils (RRBO) as eligible components in engine oil formulations.
In this new document, ATIEL promotes the use of RRBO to reduce the environmental footprint of lubricants and to support the circular economy. The organization encourages wider adoption of RRBO in engine oil formulations and emphasizes that RRBO should be treated in the same way as virgin base stocks under API base oil grouping. At the same time, ATIEL highlights that factors such as the source of used oil, segregation practices, and the robustness of manufacturing processes may affect consistency in classification.
The association places particular emphasis on manufacturer responsibility. RRBO producers must ensure consistent production within the defined API Base Oil classification. To reinforce this commitment, ATIEL recommends that RRBO manufacturers sign the Base Stock Manufacturers’ Letter of Conformance. This document demonstrates adherence to product quality and compliance with ATIEL’s guidelines.
This development is seen as the beginning of a new era for sustainability in the European lubricants industry.
Read the full Code of Practice Issue 26 here: 251219-ATIEL-Code-of-Practice_Issue-26-Final.pdf
#ATIEL #engineoil #baseoil #sustainability #circulareconomy #RRBO
