Most additives come from Big Four suppliers with global plants and an ecosystem of smaller companies. They are regulated via lubricant and engine specifications tests like GF‑6 Sequence IIIH and subject to safety regulations globally. Standards in the US Europe and Asia follow ASTM SAE OEM protocols validated through bench rig and field testing.\

There are four major suppliers of lubricant additives in the world. Referred to by industry players as the Big Four, Infineum, Lubrizol, Afton Chemical and Chevron Oronite produce the majority of the industry’s additive packages. But there are many others, with growing additive companies in China, such as Richful, spurred on by the government’s self-sufficiency policies.

Global Demand & Growth Patterns

Global lubricant additive consumption reached approximate ly 4 million tonnes in 2022 and is expected to approach 4.5 million tonnes by 2027, nearing pre‑pandemic levels. Growth is strongest in Asia‑Pacific (led by China), followed by North America and Europe. Demand is weakest in marine applications, due to reduced detergents following IMO 2020 regulations.

Production Locations & Trends

The Big Four additive package suppliers are Lubrizol, Infineum, Chevron Oronite and Afton Chemical They operate blending plants globally (e.g., Lubrizol in US Europe and Asia; Afton on Jurong Island, Singapore and US; Infineum across US Europe and Singapore; Chevron Oronite in US Brazil France Japan China and Singapore). Smaller suppliers include BASF Elco King Industries Croda Eni Tianhe Sanyo R.T. Vanderbilt Wuxi South DOG Chemie and independents such as BRB International and IPAC

Regulations & Standards

Additives are governed indirectly via lubricant regulations and OEM‑specified tests. Tighter rules on sulfur phosphorus and ash mean demand for deposit control additives is rising. Testing includes engine bench tests such as ILSAC GF‑6 Sequence IIIH, which has higher additive treat rates. Environmental health risks like lithium hydroxide or boric acid reproduction hazards are being monitored especially in Europe .

Manufacturing & Testing

In the US, Europe and Asia, additive suppliers follow standards set by ASTM, SAE and OEMs. Tests include friction wear oxidation foam corrosion and shear stability under specified bench rig and field protocols . Additive packages go through OEM‑required blends and approvals led by the Big Four, offering technical support and formulations. In China producers benefit from fewer export limits and focus on R&D to compete globally.