Motul opens R&D lab in France to develop sustainable lubricants

Motul, a French manufacturer of high-performance engine lubricants, has inaugurated a new research and development (R&D) centre at Vaires-sur-Marne, near Paris, France. This is the first of three new laboratories the company plans to open by 2025, with additional facilities scheduled for India and Vietnam.

This new facility will play a pivotal role in advancing Motul’s work in sustainable lubricants and cooling fluids for electric vehicles and advanced thermal management systems. With a team of 16 chemists and engineers, the lab aims to develop next-generation lubricants, improving performance for both hybrid and combustion engines while integrating recycled and regenerated materials.

Motul is enhancing its research capacity to meet the growing needs of new powertrains. In 2022, the company launched the NGEN range, the first motorcycle lubricant made with 65% recyclable base oils, which uses 60% less energy in production compared to conventional oils.

The Vaires-sur-Marne lab’s proximity to Motul’s production plant ensures swift responsiveness to customer needs. As part of its expansion plan, the R&D centres in India will focus on thermal management for mobility and data centres, while the Vietnam facility will cater to the local automotive market. By 2025, these new labs will double Motul’s research capacity, solidifying its role as a leader in sustainable lubrication solutions.

Commitment to sustainability and innovation  

Motul’s roadmap includes reducing carbon emissions by developing lubricants using organic and regenerated base oils, supporting electric mobility, and exploring recycled packaging. The company is also extending its expertise into new areas, including thermal management for IT infrastructure and high-performance motorsport applications.

“Expanding our R&D capabilities reflects our commitment to sustainable innovation,” said Julien Plet, head of R&D at Motul. “We aim to offer more efficient products to the mobility and industrial sectors, ensuring sustainable growth in a changing world.”