Cutting fuel consumption - Lubricant additive technology has a part to play
High fuel costs, a desire for improved security of energy supply and the need to reduce emissions of substances considered to be harmful to the environment mean governments around the globe are looking to improve fuel efficiency in the transport sector. While OEMs focus on hardware developments to help maximise the fuel efficiency of their vehicles perhaps the time has come to re-examine how lubricants can play their part in the quest for improved fuel economy.

Particulates Matter - Pollution control legislation drives the introduction of diesel particulate filters
Particulate matter (PM) legislation is being introduced across Europe, with the Lombardia Region of Northern Italy being the latest to introduce limits.  To meet PM targets diesel particulate filters (DPFs) must be fitted to new and existing heavy-duty diesel vehicles.  However with a variety of DPFs already available on the market Insight examines how truck and bus fleet managers can be sure which option will reliably and cost effectively meet current and future pollution control measures. 

Field trials confirm soot reduction capabilities of Infineum’s combustion improver
A leading cruise operator experienced increased customer complaints owing to soot marks and smudges on passengers’ clothing and furniture.  Infineum and Fibrescope Inspection Services Ltd were asked to propose a solution.  Insight reveals the outcome of an 11 month field trial which used Infineum F7455 combustion improver to help reduce the amount of soot being discharged from the vessel’s funnel. 

REACH - Now the work begins in earnest
The Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances (REACH) is the latest European Community regulation on chemicals and their safe use (EC 1907/2006). The regulation, which has taken many years to develop and which has involved numerous parties including industry trade associations, national governments, the EU institutions, non-governmental organisations, consultants and lawyers, entered into force on 1 June 2007. It is a huge piece of legislation which concerns thousands of chemicals in use in Europe and impacts everyone who manufactures or imports chemical substances into the EU in quantities of more than one tonne per year. Insight takes a look at how the challenges of REACH are affecting the additives industry. 

Face to Face: Challenging times for biofuels in Spain
Insight talks to Roderic Miralles, President of the Spanish Association of Renewable Energy Producers - the voice of almost all Spanish bioethanol, biodiesel and biogas producers - about the current and future challenges facing the Association’s members.

Caring for the Environment – a continuing area of focus for Infineum
As Infineum continues to work towards its vision of ‘contributing to a cleaner environment’, the actions being taken by its global manufacturing plants are delivering positive results.  Insight takes a look at the latest environmental performance results, which reveal that Infineum has achieved its lowest level of waste and emissions since start-up eight years ago.