After a pandemic-induced recession in 2020, lubricant demand in Poland rebounded last year as passenger cars returned to the road and motorists resumed maintenance. Lube sales in the country reached 241,973 metric tons in 2021, up 10% from 219,270 tons in 2020, according to a report released last week by the Polish Organization of Oil Industry and Trade.

German oleochemical supplier Peter Greven GmbH announced last week that it has expanded ester production capacity at its factory in Bad Muenstereifel, Germany, by 50% in order to meet growing demand from the lubricant industry. The company, which is headquartered in Bad Muenstereifel, near the country’s western border, did not disclose the cost or size of the project.

German chemicals distributor Oqema acquired the Orosolv Group, a French distributor of lubricants and other products, to expand and develop its business in France and strengthen its European presence. Terms were undisclosed.