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ExxonMobil to manufacture re-refined base oils at the Gravenchon Refinery

2 Oct 2024

Esso SAF, a French subsidiary of ExxonMobil, has announced an innovative initiative to produce re-refined base oils (RRBO) from used oils at its Gravenchon Refinery. ExxonMobil will be the first major oil company to manufacture RRBO at its own facility.

Esso SAF, a French subsidiary of ExxonMobil, has announced an innovative initiative to produce re-refined base oils (RRBO) from used oils at its Gravenchon Refinery. ExxonMobil will be the first major oil company to manufacture RRBO at its own facility. However, the subsidiary did not disclose the production capacity. Currently, Esso produces Group I base oils at Gravenchon.


The new production line, slated to be operational by the second half of 2025, will result from the reconfiguration of an existing unit. This move signifies a major advancement in ExxonMobil’s sustainability and circularity efforts within the oil industry.


A crucial aspect of the project is a long-term supply agreement with ECO HUILE, a subsidiary of the Aurea Group and a leader in used oil collection and regeneration in France. The agreement guarantees a consistent supply of used oils to Esso SAF, which will be transformed into high-quality base oils, promoting a circular economy by extending the life cycle of these essential products.


Charles Amyot, CEO of Esso SAF, shared his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted with this new partnership with ECO HUILE, which underscores our commitment to circularity and our support for a key industrial partner near our Gravenchon refinery. I also want to acknowledge the outstanding work of our teams, whose technical expertise in refining and low-carbon solutions drives the transformation of our site.”


Joel Picard, CEO of Aurea Group, highlighted the importance of the partnership, saying, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Esso SAF to offer an innovative and sustainable solution for the recycling and regeneration of used automotive oils. By prioritizing the regeneration of lubricants over incineration, Esso SAF and ECO HUILE are leading with a forward-thinking industrial approach. Together, we will turn waste into a valuable resource, supporting the circular economy.”


The Gravenchon Refinery, located in Normandy, France, is one of ExxonMobil’s largest industrial sites in Europe, integrating refining, chemical production, and lubricant manufacturing. The addition of RRBO production will further diversify the refinery’s product range, which already includes Group I base oils for conventional lubricants.


ECO HUILE operates Europe’s largest re-refining facility, with a capacity of 125,000 tons per year, processing 50% of the used oils collected in France. After re-refining, the regenerated oils will account for approximately 10% of the French oil market, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability and aligning with the EU’s recycling priorities.


This new production line reinforces Esso SAF’s long-term commitment to providing sustainable energy solutions that comply with evolving European regulations and meet growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. It is also a key part of ExxonMobil’s broader strategy to decarbonize operations and invest in low-carbon technologies.   


The detailed article published by www.fuelsandlubes.com can be accessed from https://www.fuelsandlubes.com/exxonmobil-to-produce-re-refined-base-oils-at-gravenchon-refinery/


Photo Courtesy: www.fuelsandlubes.com

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