- In January 2024, Shell U.K. Limited successfully acquired MIDEL and MIVOLT from M&I Materials Ltd. These product lines will now be integrated into Shell's Lubricants portfolio for production and distribution. This acquisition strategically enhances Shell's position in the Transformer Oils segment, which is widely utilized in offshore wind parks, utility companies, and power distribution networks. Shell's acquisition of MIDEL and MIVOLT strengthens its position in friction modifiers for energy and power distribution sectors
- In September 2023, TotalEnergies Lubrifiants advanced its initiative to incorporate recycled plastics (50% post-consumer recycled high-density polyethylene) into its lubricant bottles. This follows the successful pilot project launched in 2021, known as Quartz Xtra bottles. The move is aimed at supporting a circular economy and reducing reliance on virgin plastic. TotalEnergies' use of recycled plastics in lubricant bottles aligns with sustainable practices in the friction modifiers market, supporting environmental goals and reducing reliance on virgin materials
- In April 2023, Afton Chemical introduced its "Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) Friction Modifier," designed to improve fuel efficiency while delivering superior wear protection for automotive engines. Afton Chemical's introduction of the DCPD Friction Modifier highlights innovation in the global friction modifiers market, focusing on enhancing fuel efficiency and wear protection for automotive engines
- In January 2021, Royal Dutch Shell PLC and Whitmore Manufacturing LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSW Industrials, Inc., entered into a definitive agreement to establish a joint venture, Shell & Whitmore Reliability Solutions LLC. This collaboration aims to market, distribute, and sell lubricants, friction modifiers, greases, and other reliability products, along with related industrial services, targeting the North American rail and U.S. mining sectors. The Shell-Whitmore joint venture boosts their presence in the friction modifiers market, focusing on the North American rail and U.S. mining sectors
- In July 2019, Croda International Plc completed the acquisition of Rewitec GmbH, a leading manufacturer of friction and wear-reducing lubricant additives. This acquisition strengthens Croda's product portfolio and further expands its additives business. Croda's acquisition of Rewitec enhances its position in the friction modifiers market by expanding its portfolio of wear-reducing lubricant additives
Frequently Asked Questions
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to experience the highest growth rate in the friction modifiers market, driven by rapid industrialization, expanding automotive production, and rising demand for high-efficiency lubricants
Key trends in the friction modifiers market include the increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable additives, as well as the growing adoption of advanced lubrication technologies in automotive and industrial applications
The growth of the friction modifiers market is driven by the increasing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, stringent environmental regulations, and the need for enhanced wear protection in automotive and industrial machinery
The major challenges in the friction modifiers market include the high cost of advanced additives, fluctuating raw material prices, and the complexity of formulating effective friction modifiers that meet both performance and environmental standards