Q.How GS Caltex is addressing the sustainability issues in dealing with the challenges arising of Lubricants ?
Lubricants derived from hydrocarbons have detrimental effects on the environment, causing significant contamination of soils and groundwater and accumulating these substances in plant and animal tissues. As a result, with extreme uncertainty and insecurity about the future, there is a growing recognition of the importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles for sustainable growth and as a crucial aspect of corporate management. Climate change has led to global environmental challenges like droughts and heavy rainfall, prompting countries and businesses worldwide to collaborate in addressing these development issues.
GS Caltex had set up a dedicated organisation in 2021 to actively respond to climate issues. As concerned participants, we are working on several projects to develop a roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality, including finding ways to reduce greenhouse gases with a long-term perspective and uncovering business opportunities to secure a new profit pool. Since 2020, Kixx Lubricants has been striving to create a more sustainable future by developing lubricants specifically designed for eco-friendly electric vehicles and plant-based engine oils. Recognising the shifting preferences of our esteemed OEM customers, many of whom are transitioning to eco-friendly synthetic lubricants, GS Caltex has embraced innovations in the market. For instance, Kixx BIO1, a fully synthetic engine oil produced from plant-based base oil, caters to environmentally conscious drivers seeking performance and environmental protection. These new lubricants are part of a carbon-negative, sustainable base oil category. Furthermore, efforts to support a circular economy drive the adoption of recycled base oil, which can be reused in specific applications.
Q.How GS Caltex is addressing the shift towards stricter emission norms and developing more environment friendly products for the Industry ?
Due to stricter emissions norms like Stage V setting in, off highway equipment industry is witnessing fast paced technology changes as far as Lubricants specifications are concerned. Increased use of DPF in vehicles has become common now. The trend in off-highway equipment lubrication is shifting towards the increased use of lower SAPS lubricants as we see a higher proportion of DPF fitment on new Stage V equipment which needs adequate protection. By restricting ash buildup in DPFs, lower SAPS lubricants can act as catalyst to reduce unplanned maintenance costs, downtime and any risk during warranty period. GS Caltex is partnering with OEMs in developing High Performance Kixx Lubricants in FA4 and other advanced categories for Indian market. GS Caltex also has made consistent R&D efforts to develop eco-friendly lubricant products that can maintain engine oil performance. As a result, hybrid-specific Kixx HYBRID engine oil was launched in 2020, EV-specific Kixx EV engine oil was launched in 2021, and ‘Kixx BIO1’, Korea’s first eco-friendly engine oil made from plant-based raw materials, was launched in 2022.
Q.What other innovations are occurring in lubricants specifically designed for more sustainable solutions in off highway segment .
GS Caltex India intends to maintain the momentum by partnering with off highway OEMs. Several key initiatives are also in pipeline for strengthening our Eco-friendly Lubricants Portfolio across the globe. Manufacturers are also focussing on sustainability measures such as recycling and reuse of industrial lubricants to reduce carbon footprint. With EPR regime which has set in from 1st April 2024 for use of recycled plastics and RRBO , we have fully equipped ourselves to bring in more value towards such compliance and there by contributing to the circularity mission . Lubricant manufacturers also have started providing onsite and offsite lubricant recycling equipment and services to their customers. With the use of specialty additives and synthetic base oils, companies are formulating industrial lubricants with better efficiency to address the issue of environmental protection and sustainability. GS Caltex Lubricants ensures a sustainable performance in all its initiatives which includes plastic recycling, energy savings and conservations, responsible sourcing, green logistics partnerships, waste management, bio-diversity conservation to name a few.
