Sinopec is ahead of the curve in investing in cleaner lubricating greases.
Grease investment Image: Sinopec |
Hot on the heels of the Third Green Industry Conference, organised by China's Ministry of Industry, Asian oil major Sinopec has pledged to substantial investment in low-emission and energy saving greases.
The conference focused heavily on promoting rapid development of greener industrial manufacturing processes within the oil industry and covered the extensive array of new regulations and requirements for manufacturers across multiple sectors.
Demand for grease is slated to hit 420,000 tons nationally by 2015, according to Sinopec. Grease products can be used in a variety of different sectors including metallurgy, railways, precision bearings and automotive.
Sinopec has already invested into both R&D and extensive upgrades to its existing plants. The company has recently completed a 100,000 ton-per-year upgrade at its Tianjin facility and is fast-tracking improvements at a 5,000 ton-per-year light grease facility.
Asia's largest refiner is betting on the government's increased high-speed rail building activity to help generate increased demand for sophisticated greases, with a focus on developing long-life, low maintenance products for the segment.