Trends like growing electric vehicles market, introduction of high-speed rail corridors, adoption of intricate machinery, etc are propelling the need to have lubricants with special properties. To harness the full potential of these technology upgrades, there is a hidden but vital role that speciality lubricants need to play, says Hitendra Bhargava, CEO & Regional Management Board Member Asia Pacific, Klüber Lubrication India Pvt Ltd, who has 23 years of experience in the lubricant industry. In this interview with Rakesh Rao, Hitendra Bhargava elaborates on the changes taking place in the end-user industries and how Klüber Lubrication is gearing up to tap these trends.

As a supplier of speciality lubricants, how is Klüber Lubrication supporting the growth of user industries? Would you like to highlight some of your new offerings?

Klüber Lubrication, a key supplier of specialty lubricants, actively fosters the growth of user industries through innovative products. Our lubricants form a protective film, reducing friction and wear, leading to less frequent repairs and enhanced operational efficiency. In vital and varied industries like automotive, baking, transportation, and offshore operations, our lubricants play a crucial role. Despite constant energy challenges, our specialty lubricants offer sustainable solutions by preventing damage to equipment and reducing energy consumption. Proven through rigorous and thorough tests, these lubricants boost component efficiency by up to 10 per cent, providing substantial energy savings. Committed to progress, we continually introduce cutting-edge lubrication solutions, aligning with global emission reduction regulations.

Which end-user industries are driving the demand for lubricants? What kinds of new opportunities are opening up in the end-user industries?

The need for speciality lubricants is growing in many industries, more than the general demand for lubricants. This surge is fuelled by the imperative to enhance operational efficiency, curtail energy losses, and prolong equipment life. The automotive sector is fundamentally changing from IC engines to new mobility solutions. The rail industry in India is also seeing a modernisation drive with the launch of high-speed rail corridors for freight and passenger transport. To harness the full potential of these technology upgrades, there is a hidden but vital role that speciality lubricants need to play. We are excited to be the partners in progress for these and many more industries in their quest for newer, more efficient operations. 

What kinds of trends do you foresee in the lubricants industry? 

In the coming years, the lubricants industry will witness key trends driven by increased adoption of intricate machinery. Manufacturers, focused on enhancing output efficiency and minimising downtime, are key players in sustaining revenue. Stringent regulations are propelling a shift to bio-based lubricants, offering environmental benefits and enhanced performance. Sustainability measures, like reuse and recycling, gain traction with manufacturers providing recycling services. 

What are the key challenges before the end-user industries today? How is your company helping them overcome some of these challenges?

Our company recognises the prevailing challenges faced by end-user industries today and is dedicated to addressing them through our long-term strategy. One notable challenge is the consistent rise in costs, inherent in our commitment to delivering sustainable products and solutions. Despite this challenge, our strategic approach focuses on creating customisable solutions. By doing so, we aim to assist end-user industries in overcoming obstacles, providing tailored products that align with their specific needs. 

Our dedication to sustainability remains unwavering, and we actively work towards balancing the inherent challenges, ensuring our solutions contribute positively to the resilience and success of end-user industries. We strive to ensure that our solutions are cost-effective and environmentally conscious and that our customers get the maximum value for their investment. We are committed to creating solutions that are both sustainable and profitable.

With sustainability becoming important for all industries, what kind of opportunities does it present to your company?

As sustainability gains prominence across industries, it presents significant opportunities for our company. The increasing importance of sustainability in business operations is not only beneficial for the environment but also positively impacts our bottom line. 

Sustainability, defined as the delivery of goods and services in a profitable and responsible manner toward natural and social environments, aligns with our commitment to creating long-term value. Klüber Lubrication India’s manufacturing plant in Mysore derives more than 55 per cent of its energy from renewable sources. The proof: solar panels on the plant’s roof. With 300 sunny days in Mysore, our photovoltaic system reduces smog-causing NOx emissions by 3.5 tonnes, SOx emissions, which could result in acid rains, by 3.2 tonnes and also decreases asthma-causing particulates by 0.2 tonnes. In addition, the project will reduce CO? emissions by roughly 1,110 tonnes, equivalent to more than 88,000 trees. 

EcoVadis is the world’s largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, creating a global network of more than 100,000+ rated companies, awarding a gold medal to only the top 4 per cent. Klüber Lubrication won the gold medal first in 2022, and now we are proud to retain this with an even better score in 2023.