1. What are the biggest trends currently shaping the lubricants and energy markets, and how are they influencing customer priorities?
Across lubricants and the energy sector, customers are facing increasing pressure to optimize performance while managing costs and improving operational efficiency. As a result, formulation optimization, raw material flexibility and total cost-in-use are becoming increasingly important priorities.
At the same time, market volatility is driving greater focus on sourcing resilience, local-for-local solutions and access to multiple supply options. Customers are looking for partners who can help them balance performance, availability and cost in a rapidly changing environment.
Sustainability and regulatory compliance continue to influence investment and product development, particularly in more mature markets. As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, customers are placing greater emphasis on formulation flexibility and long-term compliance strategies to help mitigate future business risks.
Operational efficiency remains a priority across all regions. IMCD’s role is to connect customers with the technologies, market knowledge and supply network needed to navigate these evolving market dynamics.
2. How is IMCD working with both suppliers and customers to accelerate the development of next-generation lubricant formulations and technologies?
Innovation today requires close collaboration across the value chain. Thanks to our strong local presence and close relationships with customers across lubricants, fuels and energy markets, we have a deep understanding of evolving technical requirements and industry trends. This allows us to provide suppliers with valuable market insights and a clear understanding of changing customer and product needs.
At the same time, our suppliers rely on IMCD to introduce, evaluate and scale new technologies across a broad customer base and multiple market segments.
This continuous exchange of market intelligence, technical expertise and customer feedback supports innovation and creates value across the lubricants and energy value chain.
3. What challenges are your customers facing, and how is IMCD helping them navigate this increasingly complex landscape?
Customers are facing a combination of increasing regulatory complexity, sustainability targets and growing performance expectations. In many cases, evolving regulations require companies to assess formulation strategies earlier, identify compliant alternatives and prepare for potential future restrictions on key raw materials and additives, all while maintaining product performance and competitiveness.
In addition, geopolitical uncertainty and supply chain disruptions continue to impact raw material availability, lead times and costs. In this environment, competitiveness, reliability, responsiveness and supply chain resilience have become critical priorities.
IMCD supports customers through a combination of regulatory knowledge, formulation expertise and access to innovative technologies. Together with our strong local presence and global supplier network, we help customers secure reliable supply while identifying solutions that meet compliance requirements and deliver efficiency, sustainability and competitive differentiation.
4. How does IMCD bring together suppliers, technical expertise and market insight to create value for customers across the lubricants value chain?
Our value lies in connecting supplier innovation with practical customer solutions. We combine a broad and complementary portfolio, market intelligence and local technical expertise to help customers solve formulation challenges and identify new opportunities.
Because we work closely with multiple leading suppliers, we can bring together complementary technologies into a single solution, helping customers simplify development and source what they need through one trusted partner. Combined with local technical support and IMCD’s global network, this enables us to respond quickly to market needs while creating value across the lubricants value chain.
5. Which emerging technologies or market developments will have the greatest impact on the lubricants industry over the next five years?
We expect the strongest impact to come from technologies that improve energy efficiency, support sustainability and reduce environmental impact. This includes next-generation additive chemistries, bio-based and renewable raw materials, and high-performance lubricants designed for increasingly demanding industrial applications. We also see growing opportunities in specialized segments such as food-grade lubricants.
Regulatory developments will also be a significant driver of change over the next 5 years. The industry’s ability to adapt efficiently to evolving requirements, while maintaining performance and supply continuity, will increasingly influence technology selection, formulation strategies and innovation priorities. Companies that can anticipate and respond proactively to regulatory change will be best positioned to remain competitive.
At the same time, digitalization is helping companies improve equipment monitoring and maintenance practices. This creates new opportunities for lubricant solutions that help extend equipment life, improve reliability and reduce operating costs.
Looking ahead, the most successful innovations will be those that combine performance, efficiency, sustainability and regulatory compliance without increasing complexity for the end user.
6. Why is it important for IMCD to be part of Lubricant Expo Europe 2026?
Lubricant Expo Europe is one of the most important industry platforms for bringing together suppliers, formulators, manufacturers and technical experts from across the lubricants value chain. It provides an excellent opportunity to make connections, exchange knowledge, discuss market trends and showcase new technologies.
For IMCD, the event is an opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships, engage with new customers and suppliers, and demonstrate how our technical expertise and supplier network can help address industry challenges. Most importantly, it allows us to connect directly with the lubricants community and contribute to shaping the future of the industry.
IMCD will be on stand 1028 at Lubricant Expo Europe 2026. For the full Exhibitor list, click here
