The European Lubricating Grease Institute launched an effort recently to lobby against a proposal for the European Union to classify lithium salts as a Category A1 substance in terms of toxicity to reproduction, warning that such action could severely disrupt grease supply chains.

A December survey of lubricant suppliers in Russia showed their outlook on their business took a downturn from September, suggesting that the market was trending in a negative direction as 2020 came to a close.

German lubricant and aftermarket additive manufacturer Liqui Moly reported 26% higher sales in November and 38% higher sales in December, compared to results a year earlier. Aggressive marketing and investments helped it weather and eventually thrive despite the pandemic, the company said.