The importance of innovation for lubricant manufacturing was discussed at the UEIL (Union of European Lubricants Industry) Annual Congress held on 25-27 October 2017 in Bologna, Italy. UEIL represents more than 450 companies and 100,000 employees, and Turkish companies such as Belgin, Opet, Petrol Ofisi and Petroyağ are among the members of the union. UEIL focuses on SMEs and independent companies in the lubricant production- consumption chain from the source to end-use, including waste lubricant management, and it is working for protecting the interests of the industry.
At the UEIL 2017 Congress, innovation was discussed within the following frameworks:
• Lubricant formulation and innovation for performance
• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and innovation
• Product development innovation
• Innovation for services
• Innovation for re-refining waste lubricants
In Turkey, innovation has become a very popular term. The vision of “becoming the design and production center of Afro-Eurasia in upper-middle and high technology products” as set out in the Turkey Industry Strategy Document (2015-2018), and the vision of “producing high-added value products and making Turkey a center of investment” as set out in Turkey Chemical Sector Strategy Document and Action Plan are clear indicators of the importance and necessity of innovation. The Turkey Chemical Products Industry Export Growth Strategy Report, prepared by Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) and Istanbul Chemicals and Chemical Products Exporters’ Association (İKMİB) with the aim of setting the course of the chemical industry exports for the 2017-2023 period, underlines the importance of production-export-innovation terms, focusing on high added value products, improving technological qualification development ecosystem, creating the scale synergy in R&D, maximizing the commercialization of innovations in exporting markets. Therefore, innovation in the field of lubricants and grease is becoming a more important concept for local manufacturers. New products, new services, new technology, advanced products and advanced production process require great effort.
Turkey Innovation and Entrepreneurship Week will be held by Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) at Istanbul Congress Center on 6-9 December 2017. University students will attend courses on innovation, information era economy and entrepreneurship with “İnovaTİM”, and companies compete for leadership in innovation with “İnovaLİG”. This year 971 pre-applications have been received and there is great excitement to see the winners. We wonder if there is any application from the lubricants industry
