Re-refined base oils
Re-refined base oils – Esso SAF, a French subsidiary of ExxonMobil, has announced a groundbreaking initiative to produce re-refined base oils (RRBO) from used oils at its Gravenchon Refinery. ExxonMobil will be the first major oil company to produce RRBO at its own refinery. Production capacity was not revealed by the ExxonMobil subsidiary. Esso currently produces Group 1 base oil in Gravenchon.
The new production line is set to be operational by the second half of 2025 and will be made possible through the reconfiguration of an existing production unit. This marks a major step forward in the company’s commitment to sustainability and circularity within the oil industry.
A key element of this initiative is a long-term supply agreement with ECO HUILE, a subsidiary of Aurea Group and a leader in the collection and regeneration of used oils in France. The agreement ensures a steady supply of used oils to Esso SAF, which will be converted into high-quality base oils, promoting a circular economy by extending the life cycle of these essential products.
Charles Amyot, CEO of Esso SAF, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “We are pleased with this new partnership with ECO HUILE, which reflects our commitment to circularity and our support for a key industrial company close to our Gravenchon refinery. I would also like to highlight the work of our teams. Their technical expertise in refining and low-carbon solutions is the driving force behind the transformation of our site.”
Joel Picard, CEO of Aurea Group, also emphasised the importance of this collaboration: “We are delighted to partner with Esso SAF to offer an innovative and sustainable solution that guarantees the recycling and regeneration of used automotive oils. By promoting the regeneration of used lubricants instead of their incineration, Esso SAF and ECO HUILE are leading the way with a proactive industrial approach. Together, we will transform waste into a valuable resource, while offering an efficient solution serving the circular economy!”
The Gravenchon Refinery, located in Normandy, France, is one of the largest industrial sites operated by ExxonMobil in Europe. It is a fully integrated complex that handles refining, chemical production, and lubricant manufacturing. This new RRBO initiative will add to the refinery’s existing product range, which already includes Group I base oils used in conventional lubricants.
ECO HUILE operates the largest re-refining plant in Europe, with a capacity of 125,000 tons per year, accounting for 50% of the used oils collected in France. The regenerated oils from ECO HUILE will represent approximately 10% of the French oil market after re-refining, providing significant environmental benefits and aligning with the European Union’s goals to prioritise recycling over disposal.
This new production line supports Esso SAF’s long-term commitment to providing sustainable energy solutions that meet evolving European regulations and consumer demand for eco-friendly products. It is also a key part of ExxonMobil’s global strategy to decarbonise its operations and invest in low-carbon technologies.
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