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Nextlub 2025
During February 24–26, the lubricant industry convened for the second edition of the Nextlub conference. The Leipzig Zoo pavilion provided an excellent venue for discussions and the exchange of ideas on how to address the challenges posed by sustainability, ecological concerns, and geopolitical demands. The conference focused on bridging knowledge gaps surrounding innovative technologies, while emphasizing the importance of achieving our goals in a way that respects our planet and its environment.
It was encouraging to witness the diverse approaches to sustainability. At IQL, we define sustainability as encompassing performance (the most significant factor affecting energy savings and, consequently, CO2 emissions), production optimization, extended life, renewability, and biodegradability. From higher-performing base oils, through recycled and re-refined lubricants, to synthetic base oils and additives derived from renewable resources, each element contributes to a more sustainable future. The lubricant industry has long been aligned with sustainability, even if it wasn't always the primary focus. The very act of using lubricants reduces energy consumption and extends equipment life, leading to more efficient operations. Of course, a variety of options exist, and we must select the most appropriate product for each application to maximize both performance and sustainability. Synthetic lubricants allow for molecular tailoring to meet the most demanding specifications.
At IQL, we develop a range of high-performance products tailored to specific applications. Our Docadit™ brand comprises various product families where performance is optimized for specific needs, such as high temperature, viscosity index improvement, low temperature, and lubricity. For example, Docadit™ high-temperature lubricants extend drain intervals, reducing downtime and maintenance costs for our customers. Most of our products are LuSc listed and boast high renewable carbon content, bringing to final formulations environmentally friendly and high performance.
The integration of new technologies is crucial to accelerating the achievement of industry goals. AI enables the determination and estimation of optimal lubricant lifetime through real-time analysis of field-collected data. AI algorithms analyze data such as viscosity, temperature, and wear particle counts to predict remaining useful life, ensuring waste reduction, extending equipment lifespan, and minimizing energy consumption due to performance degradation. This minimizes operational downtime and facilitates accurate maintenance scheduling. Moreover, in the development of new molecules, available data can be used to predict the performance of different structures, simplifying product development.
The lubricant industry is clearly moving in the right direction toward a more sustainable future. However, we must recognize that multiple paths exist to improve our environmental contribution and advance sustainability. It is imperative that we collaborate as an industry to be recognized as part of the solution and provide end-users with valuable data that simplifies the adoption of new technologies. IQL is committed to continuing its contribution as a specialized supplier of high-performance, environmentally friendly base oils and additives, playing a key role in building a more sustainable future for the industry.
The insightful discussions, the sharing of cutting-edge technologies, and the collective commitment to a more sustainable future have been truly inspiring. We are deeply grateful to all the attendees, speakers, and organizers and are eager to see you all again next year.