Why does sustainability matter to Lubrizol?
RL: Sustainability has been a cornerstone of Lubrizol's organization from the inception. Our products have historically contributed to efficiency and sustainability, such as in automotive lubricants that enhance engine longevity and reduce harmful emissions. Our polymers also contribute to sustainable water access and health solutions. Over time, our focus has shifted towards making our production processes more sustainable, incorporating non-fossil fuels, and introducing bio-based materials into our products. This evolution reflects our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and aligning our research, development, and investment with sustainable practices. This commitment not only directs our future but also resonates with our employees and the broader society, affirming our role in fostering a sustainable future.
How do you address the perception of the chemical industry and educate the end user on the sustainability of your products?
RL: The chemical industry faces a challenge in altering its public image and educating consumers about the sustainable impacts of its products. Through efforts like those of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), we're working to highlight how essential chemicals and plastics are in everyday items, from cell phones to medical devices.
Our polymers enable innovations like time-release medicines and advanced medical equipment, demonstrating the industry's role in enhancing sustainability and improving lives. It's about communicating the integral role of these materials beyond their immediate applications, showcasing their contribution to a sustainable future.
EG: Chemistry is fundamental to developing sustainable solutions across various sectors, including renewable energy and material efficiency. Our work in chemistry has enabled significant advancements in sustainability, far beyond the everyday applications. It's the science behind these innovations that will drive progress in sustainability, making it essential for addressing the challenges we face in achieving a more sustainable future.
How does Lubrizol use data science and visualization tools to enhance product sustainability?
RL: Data collection and analysis are critical in designing sustainable solutions. For example, analyzing data from fleet cars worldwide, we can improve the sustainability of our lubricants, allowing for extended use before needing an oil change. This approach not only reduces oil consumption but also informs our development of more sustainable products, including those derived from bio-based sources. The process mirrors the decision science applied in our personal care segment, highlighting the importance of targeted data use in advancing sustainability.
For example, the beauty market's rapid evolution demands a unique approach to sustainability, particularly in product development and consumer engagement. Our Foresee Lab allows us to rapidly respond to changing consumer preferences and sustainability trends in beauty, focusing on bio-based and natural ingredients. This agility is contrasted with the slower pace of change in more traditional industrial applications, such as automotive lubricants, underscoring the diverse challenges and opportunities in advancing sustainability across different sectors.
EG: In the personal care space, consumer demand for natural and bio-based products drives our innovation towards more sustainable solutions. The emphasis on natural ingredients over those derived from fossil fuels reflects a broader trend towards sustainability, influenced by consumer expectations for environmentally responsible products. This trend underscores the importance of product traceability and ethical sourcing, highlighting the personal care industry's unique position in the sustainability conversation.
In an election year, how do cross-state regulations and political dynamics affect sustainability efforts?
RL: Political dynamics and cross-state regulations are always significant for our industry, but they become especially pertinent in an election year. Our focus is on advocating for science-based decision-making to advance sustainability. In recent discussions in Washington, D.C., with members of congress from various states, we emphasized the need to streamline regulatory approvals for new, more sustainable products. This effort is crucial for introducing innovations that can significantly benefit the environment, highlighting the intersection of policy, science, and sustainability in our industry.
How does Lubrizol approach sustainability in its operations and products?
RL: We emphasize the importance of sustainable solutions in our operations, focusing on energy consumption, waste reduction, and the use of bio-based materials. Our commitment is to work collaboratively to advance these solutions, letting science guide our decisions. This approach is not only about adhering to environmental standards but also about innovation in creating products that minimize environmental impact. For instance, we've recently approved a significant investment to eliminate volatile organic emissions, demonstrating our dedication to not contributing to environmental pollution.
What challenges do you face in aligning sustainability goals with current technology, especially in areas like electric vehicles (EVs)?
EG: There is difficulty in meeting ambitious sustainability goals without the requisite science and technology. This discrepancy can hinder the success of initiatives such as the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), which face obstacles like insufficient infrastructure and consumer resistance due to practicality issues. Our observations suggest a need for a balanced approach, acknowledging the frustrations consumers face, such as the scarcity of charging stations, which may deter future EV adoption. This highlights the broader challenge of ensuring policy intentions align with technological capabilities and consumer readiness.
What advancements does the chemical industry need to make to support sustainable solutions like electric vehicles and more sustainable chemistry?
RL: The chemical industry faces a dual challenge: proving to policymakers and the market the viability of greener chemistry and supporting industries moving towards sustainability, such as the EV market. Lubrizol is tackling this by addressing the misconception of chemicals as inherently harmful due to historical pollution issues. Our focus is on minimizing pollution, particularly from single-use plastics, by advocating for a circular economy. This involves significant efforts towards making durable plastics, essential for various applications, including EVs, more sustainable and less environmentally damaging.
How does Lubrizol plan to evolve its products and operations to be more sustainable in the coming years?
RL: Looking ahead, Lubrizol is committed to building on our strong foundation with continuous innovations. We're exploring the modification of products like Carbopol to make them partially biodegradable by integrating natural molecules into their synthetic backbones. This incremental approach towards natural composition enables us to gradually improve the environmental footprint of our products while maintaining their beneficial properties. Additionally, we're launching new products, such as a metal-free plastic pipe in India, as part of our strategy to offer more sustainable solutions in the marketplace.
What message would you like to convey to Newsweek's readership about Lubrizol?
RL: To Newsweek readers, it's essential to recognize Lubrizol's role in enabling cleaner and more sustainable living through our products. Our work encompasses clean fuels, water, and hygiene solutions that are part of everyday life, with our purpose to deliver sustainable solutions to advance mobility, improve well-being and enhance modern life. We're focused on advancing sustainability in every aspect of our operations, from product innovation to improving our environmental footprint, illustrating our commitment to making a positive impact on both the environment and society.
