Sustainability helping GB Lubricants to win new customers worldwide

GB Lubricants’ mission to be recognised as a global industry leader for sustainability and minimising environmental impact is securing new customers and retaining existing ones around the world.

The company based in Gateshead, England which has been blending and supplying high-quality oils, lubricants and greases since 1877, has recently retained the highest EcoVadis Platinum sustainability rating.

Having achieved the highest level of award for the first time in 2023, GB Lubricants is delighted to maintain its place in the elite top one per cent of companies that are evaluated from the industry worldwide.

The company was independently audited on our Environment Social Governance (ESG) credentials by EcoVadis, which included assessments of our policies, procedures, actions and reporting on the environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement.

Aiming to achieve net carbon-zero manufacturing by 2030, the company’s long-term goal is to be as sustainable as possible in its purchasing of raw materials, manufacture of products and delivery of finished goods.

During International Trade Week from November 11-15, GB Lubricants has revealed that its sustainability mission is paying dividends, as the company continues to win new business and retain existing customers around the globe.

The company currently exports to 25 countries and is keen to continue to grow its global business as more customers focus on sustainability in their supply chain, minimising environmental impact and ultimately helping to save the planet.

From Asia, the Far East, Australasia, Africa, Northern Europe and South America, the company is winning new customers.

“Our sustainability credentials are really important to our customers around the globe,” explains Alan Lambourne, GB Lubricants’ Export Manager. “For example, a customer in the Far East is promoting GB Lubricants through a variety of methods to its customer network because we are in the top one per cent of companies from the industry worldwide with the EcoVadis Platinum accreditation.

“Whether it’s the African continent, Baltic countries, the Far East or South America, our customers are increasingly interested in and focused on sustainability. They like to know they are doing business with a company that truly cares about sustainability and the environment.

“It’s a very competitive market and having the EcoVadis Platinum award gives us an advantage in winning new business and retaining our existing customers.

“Exports are fundamental to the growth of GB Lubricants and we are constantly seeking to develop within new, emerging international markets with a product range designed to meet customer requirements – from automotive, commercial vehicle, industrial, construction, plant, mining and agricultural industries.”

GB Lubricants’ highly experienced export team ensures the professional, efficient and safe shipping of products to customers overseas.

The company also provides an extensive programme of ongoing support to international distributors who are looking to develop sales within their lubricant market. Technical guidance, advice about country-specific inspection procedures and marketing and communications support are all part of the service.

Alan is keen to stress that every employee at GB Lubricants in Gateshead contributes to what he describes as the “export journey and experience”.

“Because of GB Lubricants’ efficient manufacturing and blending process, we have the flexibility to bring new products to the market really quickly to meet and exceed customer expectations,” he said.  “This and our industry knowledge and experience are two of our major strengths.

“I really enjoy engaging with customers around the world and building long-term relationships with them. It’s very rewarding working closely with an international distributor and helping them to grow their own business selling GB Lubricants branded products.

“I still get a buzz with every shipping container that leaves our site and appreciate the valuable contribution that every employee in the business makes to the export journey.”

All GB Lubricants products have bespoke packaging and bear the Union Jack flag, capitalising on Great Britain’s reputation for high quality.

Promoting the use of environmentally considerate, biodegradable oils from sustainable sources, the company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint. GB Lubricants’ range of engine oils can help in the reduction of vehicle exhaust particulate emissions as well as promoting greater fuel economy and therefore less greenhouse gas production.

In addition to the EcoVadis Platinum award, the company maintains ISO-accredited management systems for health & safety, the environment, quality assurance and energy consumption. These ISO standards help contribute to achieving GB Lubricants’ challenging operational and sustainability goals.

A series of projects implemented last year contributed to GB Lubricants achieving the platinum award for the first time. They included minimising waste, investing in a new filling line and becoming the first private company to connect to green electricity and mine water heat provided by an award-winning Gateshead District Energy Scheme.

Before connecting, GB Lubricants had to make major investments in groundworks, large-scale pipework, electrical infrastructure, monitoring systems and additional capital expenditure.

By signing up for 20 years, the company has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable electricity and heat to power the business.

GB Lubricants’ managing director Paul Booth is delighted that the company’s sustainability credentials are helping to win new business around the globe.

“Sustainability is an integral part of our long-term strategic plan,” he said. “Our aim is to be at the forefront of low carbon, sustainable manufacturing for lubricants worldwide.

“With momentum growing around ESG reporting and Product Carbon Footprint, retaining the EcoVadis Platinum award further cements our position as the supply partner of choice for customers and potential customers worldwide who wish to improve the sustainability of their own supply chain.”

Paul’s mission is to ensure a positive, prosperous and sustainable future not only for the company, its workforce and the local community, but also the industry and the planet.

“We have a responsibility to our local community, our environment and to securing a sound future for the business and our diverse customer base across the globe,” he said. “Our customers rely on us for oil and lubrication products that ultimately help improve the efficiencies of a wide variety of vehicles, equipment and specialist machines.

“We all have a part to play. Businesses need to be flexible and forward-thinking when discussing aspects of sustainability and future strategy.”

GB Lubricants’ success over its long history has been built on a solid foundation of quality manufacturing processes, continual product innovation and excellent customer service.

The company’s long-term goal is to reduce its carbon footprint and improve the sustainability of all its operations and across its supply chain. This flows from raw material supply, product manufacturing, through to transportation and customer service, all underpinned by the EcoVadis rating.

To see a recognition of GB Lubricants Platinum EcoVadis Medal, click here.