On 26th of March, during the ATIEL UEIL Joint Sustainability Committee in-person meeting in Brussels, ATIEL and UEIL established the formation of the Circular Materials Working Group. This new working group joins the existing Carbon Footprint, Downstream Working, and Communications Working Groups.
The Circular Materials Working Group will support the lubricants industry by focusing on key aspects of circular materials, such as the use of re-refined base oils (RRBO) and other circular or renewable materials in lubricants.
Chaired by Mark Southby (ATIEL) and co-chaired by Michele Masucci (UEIL/GEIR), the working group will initially focus on identifying updates in European legislation impacting circular materials and their use in lubricants, on creating shared positions, best practice and guidance, as well as considering circular materials within general application frameworks and how they are treated with respect to life-cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies and circularity.
Mattia Adani, UEIL President, said that “The establishment of the Circular Materials Working Group marks a significant step forward for the lubricants industry. By focusing on the use of re-refined base oils and other circular or renewable materials, we are not only advancing sustainability but also fostering innovation and collaboration within our sector. This initiative will enable us to navigate the evolving European legislation, create shared positions, and develop best practices that will benefit our members and stakeholders. We are committed to supporting the industry in its transition towards a more circular economy, and this Working Group will play a crucial role in achieving that goal.”
Marco Digioia, ATIEL President, stated that “This initiative marks another significant step towards collaboration with industry associations to develop practical, science-based solutions that drive circularity. The lubricants industry has a vital role to play in advancing sustainability, and this new joint Working Group will provide the necessary framework to achieve progress and align with the EU’s Green Deal, fostering innovation while maintaining regulatory compliance and performance.”
The Working Group will support members and their stakeholders by developing and providing communication materials related to circular materials. Additionally, it will disseminate information among members on topics of interest that may influence the lubricants industry, form agreed positions on circular materials and collaborate with the Carbon Footprint and Downstream Working Group. The group will also network with other European and international associations on these topics as appropriate.
