Sustainable base oils have created an opportunity for alternative products which many companies have begun to adopt early in order to push for a greener future. Base oils are a core component for the manufacturing of both industrial and automotive lubricants. Lubricants are essential for society, holding primary roles in the functioning of machinery and moving parts. Businesses like Nuspec Oil, are leading the way for a more sustainable industry by developing environmentally acceptable and renewable alternatives to regular base oils.
During the webinar, Dr. Boris Zhmud and Dr. Natalia Stawniak discussed:
• The history and advances in the field of bio-based lubricants;
• The concept of a net-zero production process for base oils;
• Political incentives rejuvenating interest in bio-based products.
Note – this webinar took place on Wednesday 23 February 2022.
Dr. Boris Zhmud
Boris Zhmud holds a PhD in Surface Chemistry and is Associate Professor in Physical Chemistry at Lund University, Sweden. Boris has over 25 years of experience in the field of engine tribology, lubricants and lubrication engineering documented by over 70 publications and several patents. Boris worked at the executive level with AB Nynas Petroleum, E-ION s.a., BIZOL and ANS, and is also a member of the professional institutions: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE). At Nuspec Oil, he focuses on pivoting the development of base oils and biodegradable lubricants.
Dr. Natalia Stawniak
Natalia Stawniak obtained her PhD in Agriculture from the University of Reading. Formerly, she worked extensively on various Research and Development projects in the field of circular economy with regional SMEs, blue-chip companies and research institutes. In 2018, Natalia was awarded Enterprise Fellowship from the University of York, and since then she continues to develop her entrepreneurial skills as a member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Together with Boris and Ian, she co-founded Nuspec Oil to decrease pollution from mineral oil. She leads Nuspec Oil activities by unlocking the value of vegetable oils through novel processing and partnerships with industry and academia.