In Episode 51 of F+L Webcast, host Vicky Villena-Denton spoke with Darryl Purificati, senior technical advisor for OEM and automotive for Petro-Canada Lubricants, an HF Sinclair brand. With more than 30 years of experience in the energy sector, Purificati recently concluded a three-and-a-half-year term as chair of the American Petroleum Institute (API) Lubricants Group.

Based in Washington, D.C., the API represents nearly 600 corporate members across the oil and natural gas industry. These members include producers, refiners, suppliers, pipeline operators, marine transporters, and service companies. 

The API Lubricants Group is responsible for the oversight of engine oil standards. This group operates as a consensus-based body, bringing together oil marketers, additive companies, and automotive manufacturers (OEMs) to coordinate technical requirements and performance specifications. The group's core mandate is to manage API 1509, which outlines the processes for the Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS). 

The chair of the API Lubricants Group must act as a negotiator between stakeholders with competing technical and commercial interests. These include automotive manufacturers (OEMs) seeking fuel efficiency, longer drain intervals, and engine durability; additive companies providing the technology; and oil marketers focused on production and distribution.

Purificati emphasised the importance of API 1509. This document maintains performance standards for both light-duty passenger cars and heavy-duty engine oils.

The Starburst symbol represents the International Lubricant Specification Advisory Committee (ILSAC) standards, while the Donut indicates the API viscosity grade and performance level. Beyond setting specifications, API manages the Aftermarket Audit Program (AMAP), which samples products in the global marketplace to ensure they deliver the performance promised on the label. 

Purificati’s leadership term began as the industry was navigating the introduction of ILSAC GF-6. During his tenure, he helped shepherd the industry through the transition to GF-7 and the initial development of GF-8.

While GF-6 was a highly complex category involving numerous engine tests, GF-7 was fast-tracked to meet industry needs. Originally, the next major upgrade was targeted for 2028, but the industry opted to split the development timeline.

• GF-7 was released with a first licensing date of March 2025 as an upgrade to GF-6.
• GF-8 is currently in development and represents a more significant performance step forward, targeted for 2028.

A major focus of Purificati’s chairmanship was PC-12, the 12th proposed category for heavy-duty engine oils. Developing a new category is a massive undertaking, often taking five to seven years and requiring substantial investment due to the complexity of heavy-duty engine tests.

Purificati confirmed that the API Lubricants Group voted to ballot three critical items for PC-12 in Houston, Texas, U.S.A., in December 2025:

• User language: Ensuring the category description accurately represents the standard.
• Adoption of specification: Formal acceptance of the standard as drafted.
• First license date: The proposed first licensing date is January 1, 2027.

Results of the ballot will be discussed at the next API Lubricants Group Meeting in February 2026 in San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A. Once approved and implemented, the working title PC-12 will be officially known in the market as API CL-4 and API FB-4. The primary technical difference between the two lies in their High Temperature High Shear (HTHS) viscosity, which determines the oil's film thickness and its fuel efficiency. CL-4 is designed to provide robust protection and durability for existing heavy-duty engines. Unlike CL-4, low HTHS oils like FB-4 are designed for newer engine architectures and may not be backward compatible with all older equipment.

Featuring Alessandro Orsini, PETRONAS Lubricants International

In episode 50 of the F+L Webcast, Alessandro Orsini, the marketing guru of PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI), shares his insights on building value and differentiation in today’s lubricants market.

Understanding customer strategy is the starting point in understanding your role as a fluid partner, says PLI’s Group Marketing and Customer Excellence Leader. With more than 30 years of experience at ENI, Shell, and PLI, Orsini broke down PLI’s value chain as a global lubricants player that manages 3,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) in more than 100 countries. His explanation touched on how research, technology, blending, packaging, logistics, and customer engagement work together to create customer impressions in a single interaction. 

From Orsini’s perspective, customisation isn’t a marketing gimmick; it’s a business priority with strategic implications. He shared that in PLI, research and technology spending is fuelled by specific customer needs. Such commitment leads to research investment both globally and regionally: while PLI’s technological strength is most visible in its global research centre in Turin, Italy, supplier and customer dialogues are concentrated in regional research hubs around the globe. These research centres operate responsively, considering factors such as unique fuel compositions and mechanics’ preferences per market so that the company is enabled to localise innovation before products hit the shelves.

A long-term commitment to putting the customer first has led to some of PLI’s most innovative breakthroughs. Orsini discusses a partnership with a top European truck manufacturer that needed to outperform competitors in fuel consumption reduction and sustainability. PLI worked closely with the manufacturer to co-develop its engines and PLI’s lubricants over the course of 10 years, resulting in the world’s first ultra-low viscosity (SAE 0W-16) engine oils for heavy-duty vehicles to date. The ultra-low viscosity oils, released under PETRONAS Urania, were groundbreaking. They guaranteed a 3% fuel savings compared to standard (SAE 5W-30) engine oils and showed significant improvements in CO₂ reduction. Pushing back against the view of lubricants as commodities, Orsini concluded, “Lubricants are not a commodity—given the right customer partners and the technological commitment, you can create something really distinctive that goes beyond the expected possibilities.” In the current economic climate, industrial and commercial customers aim to reduce the total cost of ownership and meet sustainability targets. Co-development of fluids is key to these goals.

For consumer audiences, however, overcoming the pain associated with going for an oil change, and perception of lubricants as generic items demands more effort in customer engagement and communication. Greater need for engagement, shared Orsini, dictates PLI’s effort and care towards customers’ physical and virtual interactions with the brand. For B2C customers, PLI focuses on improving the oil change experience. PETRONAS-branded workshops provide clean, welcoming spaces and expert advice, addressing customer pain points and thereby building customer trust. On the digital front, PETRONAS Lubricants International’s LinkedIn account is filled with entry-level educational content about lubricants, automotive care, industrial vehicle care, and the brand’s own updates. The account has more than 530,000 followers, making it the top in its category. 

In Episode 49 of F+L Webcast, Vicky Villena-Denton sat down with Henry Liu, vice president for Asia Pacific at Lubrizol Corporation, to discuss the company’s latest white paper entitled "Envisioning Sustainable Growth for China’s Automotive Lubricants Industry." The paper explores how electrification, intelligence and connectivity are reshaping the automotive sector, and the implications for lubricants and additives.

Liu, who joined Lubrizol in 2023 after nearly three decades in the energy and chemical sectors, brings deep international experience with companies such as Honeywell, Johnson Matthey and ICI. He explained that while he is relatively new to the lubricant industry, his background in energy and technology provides valuable perspective on the profound shifts now underway in China’s automotive landscape.

China is driving forward with ambitious carbon neutrality goals, expanding electric vehicle infrastructure and setting stricter emissions policies. Unlike in Europe and the United States, where consumer resistance has slowed electrification, Chinese consumers are embracing the shift. 

Alternative fuels such as methanol and hydrogen are also gaining traction, supported by existing production capacity and government initiatives. These changes are pushing the lubricant industry away from general-purpose solutions towards “fit-for-purpose” products tailored to specific applications and energy systems.

Liu emphasised the increasing importance of collaboration with OEMs, the rise of Chinese domestic standards and the growing need for regionalised product strategies. He also highlighted Lubrizol’s localisation strategy in China, where around 700 employees—500 focused on additives—are developing products and services to meet local requirements.

Looking ahead, Liu sees significant opportunities for lubricant companies in adjacent markets, such as protective films and liquid cooling for data centres, and stressed the importance of innovation not just in technology, but also in business models. Sustainability, he said, must be practical, delivering both environmental and economic value: “We shouldn’t just wait for passive adaptation. The industry must take active leadership in this transition.”

In Episode 48 of F+L Webcast, Vicky Denton sits down with Robert Kennedy, co-founder of Aeternal Upcycling, to discuss a breakthrough approach to tackling plastic waste — and turning it into a valuable resource for the lubricants industry.Kennedy’s journey began at Argonne National Laboratory, where he focused on chemical conversions that transform plastic waste into high-demand petrochemical replacements. In 2022, he and his co-founder launched Aeternal Upcycling, supported by a U.S. Department of Energy fellowship aimed at translating lab-scale science into commercial reality.Unlike conventional pyrolysis processes — which typically produce low-value naphtha for refinery co-processing — Aeternal’s method uses hydrogenolysis. This catalytic process operates at lower temperatures but higher pressures, leveraging hydrogen to break plastics into high-purity paraffinic base oils and waxes. The result? Up to 99% selectivity for lube oil range products and yields exceeding 70% — potentially matching the economics of virgin base oil production.Aeternal’s focus on polyethylene and polypropylene — which make up about 60% of global plastic waste — positions the company to address a major environmental challenge while tapping into the growing polyalphaolefin (PAO) market. Kennedy believes their simplified process could allow them to compete with, and even outpace, established players once they scale.With increasing regulatory focus on recycled content and sustainable sourcing, particularly in Asia and Europe, Aeternal Upcycling’s technology could provide a unique competitive advantage — not only closing the loop on plastic waste, but also delivering high-performance base oils for tomorrow’s lubricants.

In Episode 47 of the F+L Webcast, Ravi Tallamraju, Group Chief Technology Officer of PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI), shared his insights on the evolving landscape of the lubricants industry, highlighting the need for innovation, collaboration, and adaptability in a rapidly changing world.

With more than 30 years of global experience in the lubricant and additive industry, Tallamraju brings a deep understanding of the technological shifts shaping the sector. Tallamraju now leads global teams in technology, procurement, and product innovation from PLI’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

According to Tallamraju, collaboration is no longer optional. The increasing integration of electric and hybrid powertrains in modern vehicles demands new lubricants that are developed through cross-industry expertise. Traditional lubricants must now double as cooling and insulating fluids, protecting critical components such as submerged electric motors and inverters. This highlights the importance of collaboration as cross-sharing expertise will be key to successful innovations, especially in the fields of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), electronics, and material science.

Highlighting PETRONAS' long-term technical and title partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One team, Tallamraju explained how high-performance racing environments offer an invaluable testing ground for emerging technologies. The learnings from racetrack testing, including hybrid engine technologies and new fluid formulations, are directly applied to the development of PLI’s commercial lubricants and coolants.

The conversation also touched on the growing role of simulation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence in fluid design. While physical engine and field testing remain essential for final validation, digital modelling increasingly enables faster development cycles, reducing time to market for new formulations.

Tallamraju underscored the need for balance between performance and sustainability. While performance remains the primary driver in lubricant development, sustainability and carbon footprint considerations are becoming increasingly important, particularly in Europe and markets with strong environmental regulations. However, achieving broad acceptance of sustainable lubricants remains challenging, especially where consumers are unwilling to pay a premium.

He emphasised the profound revolution in lubricant technology today. Evolving technologies and increasing regulations for components and emissions are spurring continuous hardware evolution, driving the need for increasingly sophisticated fluids and new formulations. For instance, Ravi shared how the change of fuel in the marine industry is disrupting a lubricant sector that remained stable for decades. With global developments in electrification, sustainability, and AI computing, market demand is expanding and evolving in highly unexpected ways.

As the industry stands at the crossroads of the energy transition, Tallamraju’s message was clear: adaptability, strategic collaboration, and the willingness to invest in innovation across disciplines will define the winners of tomorrow. Through partnerships, cutting-edge research, and its unique motorsports platform, PETRONAS Lubricants International is positioning itself to meet the complex challenges of a new era in mobility as a partner of choice.

As the global fuels and lubricants industry accelerates its transition toward sustainability, ASTM International’s Committee D02 is at the centre of ensuring quality and performance standards keep pace. At the helm of this influential committee is Dr. James J. Simnick, chair of ASTM D02 and a veteran of the refining and fuels sector, who recently joined the F+L Webcast to discuss his four-decade journey and the future of fuels and lubricants standardisation.

The European Engine Lubricants Quality Management System (EELQMS) plays a crucial role in maintaining high-quality engine oils for European vehicles across global markets, including Asia and the Middle East. In a recent F+L Asia podcast, industry experts Mike Boyer, director of SAIL-Europe, and David Wright, chair of ATIEL’s Quality Management System Committee, discussed the importance of quality standards, compliance monitoring, and the evolving role of EELQMS in the lubricants industry.

With more than 30 years of industry experience, Matthew (Matt) Joyce, Corporate Senior Vice President and President of HF Sinclair’s Lubricants & Specialities, has focused on driving innovation, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship across HF Sinclair’s operations.

In the male-dominated world of lubricants, Daiane Spadari has emerged as a trailblazer. Currently, the research and development executive manager at Iconic Lubrificantes, a joint venture between Chevron and Ipiranga, Spadari oversees the innovation pipeline for Texaco and Ipiranga lubricants in Brazil. With more than 17 years of industry experience, she is driving advancements that position Iconic as a leader in Brazil’s USD1.3 billion lubricant market.

Spadari’s journey began humbly at Brazil’s first biodiesel company, where she gained her first exposure to innovation and leadership. “It was my first chance to lead, and it taught me the importance of being a good leader,” she shared in a recent podcast. Her early career inspired her to pursue advanced education, including a Master’s in Chemistry and an MBA in Personnel Management, paving the way for her leadership in R&D.

Returning to the industry in 2010, Spadari joined Ipiranga and later transitioned to Iconic Lubrificantes, where she played a pivotal role in its formation in 2018. Today, Iconic is the largest lubricant supplier in Brazil, holding over a quarter of the market share.  Ipiranga is Brazil's second-largest fuel retailer.

Under Spadari’s leadership, Iconic has achieved several milestones, including the establishment of Latin America’s largest private R&D lab. The facility boasts more than 300 state-of-the-art lab equipment and more than 50 professionals dedicated to developing cutting-edge solutions.

Spadari believes in tailoring products for regional needs. “Brazil’s unique conditions, such as high biodiesel and ethanol content, require robust formulations to handle oxidation and corrosion challenges,” she explained. Her team’s solutions not only meet international standards but are also optimised for local markets, ensuring better performance and sustainability.

While Spadari acknowledges the historical challenges women face in technical fields, she notes progress within Iconic. “Three of our four managers are women. In my team, the sole man is the ‘diversity’ member,” she jokes, highlighting a significant shift in gender dynamics. She encourages more women to pursue careers in R&D and views diversity as a driver of innovation.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Iconic’s strategy under Spadari’s guidance. From exploring bio-lubricants made from renewable sources to evaluating circularity in used oils, her team is pushing boundaries. “We’re committed to not just creating better products but also reducing emissions and extending machinery life,” she said.

As the Brazilian lubricant market grows, Iconic and Spadari are positioned to shape its future. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and diversity, Spadari exemplifies leadership that inspires. “Innovation and sustainability are at the core of everything we do,” she said.

Spadari’s journey from a budding chemist to a leader at the forefront of Brazil’s lubricant industry underscores the impact of resilience, education, and vision. As she continues to challenge norms and drive change, the industry will undoubtedly benefit from her fearless approach to innovation.

In a recent interview on F+L Webcast, Michael Holloway, president of Fifth Order Industry, highlighted the importance of global collaboration in developing and applying industry standards on fuels and lubricants. Holloway is recognised as a subject-matter expert in failure analysis, reliability engineering, and designed experiments, holding 16 professional certifications and a patent.

He has a Master’s degree in Polymer Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in both Chemistry and Philosophy. Over his 40-year career, he has held roles in research and product development with companies such as Olin Chemical, WR Grace, Rohm & Haas, and GE Plastics. Additionally, he has specialised in reliability engineering and failure analysis for companies like NCH, ALS, and SGS. Fifth Order Industry, based in Houston, Texas, U.S.A., provides training and consultancy.

Holloway discussed how international standards, such as those established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), create a shared foundation for industries worldwide. “Standards allow industries to speak a common language,” he explained. “They are essential not only for compliance but for creating opportunities for innovation and collaborative problem-solving.” Holloway believes that this unified approach enhances safety, quality, and environmental practices, benefiting industries and consumers alike.

Holloway further underscored the need for flexibility in implementing these standards. He noted that while standards offer a foundational framework, they must be adapted to meet regional and operational specifics, ensuring that they are effectively applied rather than serving as mere compliance checklists. This adaptable approach, he argued, is crucial to fostering genuine operational improvements and advancing innovation.

With industries becoming increasingly interconnected, Holloway sees global standards as the key to meeting today’s challenges and paving the way for future sustainable practices. As companies adopt and refine these collaborative standards, Holloway envisions a future where international partnerships drive the next wave of industrial growth and innovation.