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Supply security remains a top concern for many industries that rely on specialty oils in manufacturing. In particular, makers of adhesives, sealants, rubbers, and synthetic polymers often have tightly limited options in extender oil sourcing. Any specialty process oil with only a single source in the market represents a supply chain risk... read more →

In the fall of 2022, an act of Congress prevented an economy-shaking national rail worker strike. But what if the strike had happened? What would be the effect on specialty oil supply security? It may seem pointless to dwell over what-ifs instead of simply wiping the sweat from our brows... read more →

The oil industry has almost entirely moved beyond Group I oils. But certain gaps in specialty oil availability among Group II products have lingered, such as high molecular weight (MW), high-viscosity white oils. Reduced sulfuric content, resistance to oxidation, fewer impurities, and improved clarity have made Group II oils highly... read more →

Signal Fluid Solution’s PSO 70 agricultural spray oil is now approved for use for pest and plant disease control in certified organic operations under the USDA National Organic Program. This approval comes through the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), a nonprofit organization that provides independent review of products against organic standards.... read more →

As important as carbon black is to tire makers and other industries, carbon black dust can be a serious problem. Controlling it is essential. The top concern is worker health. When exposure to carbon black dust exceeds OSHA regulations, workers can get seriously ill. And when emissions become a public... read more →

When your base oil supplier makes a pricing adjustment, what drives this change? It would be nice if the answer to this question was a simple summary of a few common reasons. But in reality, there are hundreds of factors that drive oil pricing changes, starting at the beginning of... read more →

Demand for pharma applications is driving thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) market growth, making this a good time to bolster supply chains for polymers, TPE process oil, and other raw materials. The global TPE market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1 percent through 2030, taking it... read more →

Analysts see the writing on the wall for the fate of the internal combustion engine (ICE), causing passenger car and heavy-duty motor oil (PCMO/HDMO) makers and their base oil suppliers to consider the implications for the lubricant industry. It’s far too early for anyone to panic. Though the pressure is... read more →

As the food production industry strives to meet evolving consumer demands, specialty white oil supply will become increasingly critical. The global food market is expected to grow from about $2.3B in 2021 to nearly $5.2B by 2029, more than doubling in size. This growth will be driven by several shifts in... read more →