Page 44 - Fuels & Lubes International 2014 - Q2

FUELS & LUBES INTERNATIONAL Volume 20 Issue 2 44
“long life, high pressure, hydrolytic stability,
oxidative stability and very good cold flow
performance.” However, given the recent
decline in demand for phosphorous, Gatti
believes that a large part of the industry’s
future lies in a new direction.
When asked about where the industry might
be headed in the future, Gatti explained that,
“the future is to go renewable AND biodegrad-
able,” with one caveat. For engine oils, Gatti
is, “not a fan of the words ‘biodegradable’ and
‘renewable’ together for one reason. After 1,000
km your oil will be full of oxidation products
out of the combustion that will not be biode-
gradable.” He added that engine oil may con-
tinue to be biodegradable in a two-stroke motor
over significant distances, but that market
is on the decline. However, of course the
company is moving towards more environmen-
tally friendly products in its other lines.
Another key factor in the future will be the
economic growth in Asia. Gatti explained that
Italmatch’s main shareholders are Italian finan-
cial investors with strong focus and interest in
China, dedicated to bridging the gap between
Italy and China. He added that Italmatch
shareholders have put a lot of money towards
investing in the industry. "We believe it’s an im-
portant industry to be in... We believe in strong
roots and strong diversification.” The company
has three plants in China, one in Nantong and
two JV’s in Kunming, as well as a sales office in
Shanghai. In Europe, its plants are located in
Italy, Germany, the UK and Spain.
Despite all the areas for potential growth,
Italmatch has not lost sight of its roots.
Gatti explained that ZDDP is, “one of the
best additives ever invented,” and due to its
cost-effectiveness, he does not see a viable,
cost-effective replacement in the near term.
All in all, Italmatch has worked to
“both enlarge [its] lubricant offering to
petrochemicals and renewables.” Gatti also
explained the company’s hopes for Asia.
"The market is growing. There is a need
for better technologies, and we see there
is a possibility for future growth of the
technologies that China could use.”