Ahead of Lubricant Expo Middle East, we spoke with Dr. Kalpendra Rajurkar, Head of Technology & Services at Veedol Corporation Limited, about the priorities shaping lubricant development today. From his professional journey and Veedol’s R&D focus – including synthetic, bio-based and advanced additive technologies – to the evolving role of sustainable lubrication, circular fluid management and re-refined base oils in the Middle East, Dr. Rajurkar shares his perspective on where the industry is heading and why industry events like Lubricant Expo Middle East matter now more than ever.
Dr. Kalpendra Rajurkar, could you share your professional journey and what led you to your current role as Head of Technology & Services at Veedol Corporation Limited?
“From molecules to mindsets – my journey has been about creating value that outlasts results.”
My professional journey has been guided by curiosity, collaboration, and a deep conviction that technology must exist to create meaningful impact. I began my career at the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, where research in catalytic reaction engineering shaped my scientific foundation and discipline. Over the next two decades, my path evolved through global roles at BP / Castrol, TotalEnergies, GP Petroleums (IPOL & REPSOL), and now Veedol Corporation, enabling me to connect science, strategy, and sustainability on a global scale.
Along this journey, I have had the privilege of learning from remarkable professionals, whose leadership and integrity continue to inspire my approach to purposeful innovation.
Today, as Head of Technology & Services at Veedol, I lead a cross-functional team driving technology transformation and sustainability integration. My leadership philosophy is grounded in Altruocentric Thought Leadership — where purpose precedes position, collaboration outweighs competition, and innovation must serve a larger good.
What are the current focus areas for Veedol’s R&D — are you investing more in synthetic lubricants, bio-based products, or advanced additive technologies?
Veedol’s R&D strategy is anchored on three pillars: synthetic innovation, bio-based transformation, and advanced additivation. We are investing significantly in fully synthetic and estolide-based technologies under our NextGEN EPR™ framework, which focuses on engine power retention, fuel efficiency, and durability with a lower carbon footprint.
In parallel, we are developing lubricants for emerging mobility platforms including EVs, hybrids, and hydrogen, with emphasis on thermal management and system efficiency. Circular chemistry remains a key focus, enabling re-refining compatibility, extended drain intervals, and reduced lifecycle emissions.
At Veedol, innovation is not about what’s next — it’s about what’s responsible.
My professional journey has been guided by curiosity, collaboration, and a deep conviction that technology must exist to create meaningful impact
How do you envision the role of sustainable lubrication and circular fluid management evolving in the Middle East over the next 5–10 years?
The future of lubrication in the Middle East will be defined by value per drop, not volume per litre.
The Middle East is rapidly evolving into a hub for sustainable lubrication, driven by strong ESG commitments and energy transition agendas. Over the next decade, we will see increased adoption of bio-derived base oils, rerefined base oils, and digitally enabled fluid management systems.
Extended drain interval lubricants and circular fluid ecosystems will become mainstream, supported by data-led maintenance and regulatory alignment. Veedol sees the region as a strategic growth partner in building scalable, sustainable lubrication solutions.
What is Veedol’s current stance or strategy regarding the integration of rerefined base oils into its product portfolio? Are you already using RRBOs in specific formulations or product lines?
Veedol views rerefined base oils as a strategic enabler of circularity. We have already integrated RRBOs into select industrial formulations following rigorous validation to ensure performance, stability, and compliance.
Our approach combines RRBOs with synthetics and bio-components to create high-performance circular lubricants. We actively engage with industry bodies and policymakers to strengthen the rerefining ecosystem.
Rerefining is not a compromise — it is a commitment to circular excellence.
Why are events like Lubricant Expo Middle East important for your industry?
When industry converges with intent, transformation follows.
Lubricant Expo Middle East serves as a vital platform for collaboration across the lubricant value chain. It enables dialogue on innovation, sustainability, and future mobility while connecting OEMs, formulators, and technology partners.
For Veedol, the Expo represents an opportunity to share our technology vision, learn from global peers, and co-create solutions that shape the future of sustainable lubrication
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from Dr. Kalpendra Rajurkar on stage at the Lubricant Expo Middle East, where he will speak in the sessions: Sustainability in the Supply Chain 10:30am – 11:30am & Advancing the Application of Rerefined Base Oils 11:40am – 12:40pm both taking place on the 20 January. View the full agenda here
