Abhishek Shrivastava, VP & Managing Director, IMEA, The Lubrizol Corporation, emphasizes that at Lubrizol, sustainability is not justabout reducing footprints—it’s about maximizing positive impact throughinnovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven solutions that support globalclimate goals and community well-being.
Chemical Industry Digest (CID): Are sustainability goals becoming more central to core business strategy, or are they still largely seen as compliance-driven initiatives?
Abhishek Shrivastava (AS): Sustainability has been in our chemistry since inception. We approach sustainability from two key perspectives: the impact of our solutions on customers and end consumers and the environmental footprint of our operations—reducing carbon emissions and safeguarding natural resources.
We play a pivotal role in reducing CO₂ and other vehicle emissions worldwide, enable environmentally responsible refrigeration technology that eliminates high-GWP compounds like CFCs and HCFCs, and enhance the efficiency of electric vehicles with our EVOGEN™ driveline fluids. Our innovations extend to pharmaceuticals, optimizing drug delivery to reduce material usage and waste, while also supporting beauty and skincare with bio-based and biodegradable ingredients.
Sustainability has evolved beyond regulatory compliance—it is now a core strategic priority, especially in the specialty chemicals sector. While regulations remain significant, market forces such as customer expectations, investor scrutiny, and supply chain demands are making sustainability a key driver of commercial success.
At Lubrizol, sustainability is more than just minimizing our environmental footprint; we actively focus on our “handprint”—the positive impact our products create in delivering cleaner, more efficient solutions. Our commitment to sustainability aligns with global net-zero goals and efforts to improve air quality. To advance this mission, we are harnessing cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and automation—enhancing efficiency, optimizing manufacturing and transportation, and reducing environmental impact.
CID: How is your company integrating sustainability into your business model, and what key steps have you taken to reduce your environmental footprint?
AS: Lubrizol has developed Sustainable Solutions criteria, focussing on Climate, Conservation, and Circularity. All our innovations willbe assessed using thiscriteria. This allows us to contribute to sustainability globally and locally throughout our value chain, helping our customers to solve their challenges.
In addition to our own operations, Lubrizol collaborates with suppliers who share our commitment to ethical business practices and sustainability. Our Supplier Code of Conduct sets out our expectations for members of our supply chain, including compliance with environmental laws, efficient use of natural resources, and product quality and safety.
We have identified tools and metrics to support sustainable sourcing opportunities and meet customer expectations. We are enhancing our expertise in product Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to improve product material and manufacturing choices.
From a product standpoint, we’ve reengineered ingredients and processes to support lower-impact alternatives.
Operationally, In 2024 we have achieved 16% reduction in combined Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions and an 18% reduction in waste-to-landfill compared to our 2018, supported by energy efficiency, process optimization, and asset consolidation.
CID: How are companies navigating the trade-offs between sustainability, scalability, and cost-efficiency in manufacturing innovations?
AS: Balancing sustainability, scalability, and cost-efficiency is one of the most complex and critical challenges in the specialty chemicals industry.
Globally, the sector has started to adopt complete lifecycle approaches. The evaluation process includes both manufacturing environmental impact and all social and environmental consequences which occur during a product’s existence. The implementation of sustainable materials and technologies often involves higher initial costs which regulatory incentives and ESG procurement policies and consumer demand for eco-friendly products are increasingly reducing. Lubrizol bases its strategic approach on scientific principles and precise measurement systems. We developsustainable solutions which demonstrate economic scalability while maintaining responsible market distribution. Our product development approach creates value through cost-effective sustainability because we combine performance maintenance with environmental improvement.
Ultimately, successfully navigating these trade-offs requires agility, continuous evaluation, and strategic investment, ensuring that sustainability becomes a driver of value rather than a constraint.
CID: There are many sustainability certifications and indexing today including sustainability reporting. Could you please let us know your company’s position on this?
AS: We recognize the importance of consistent, transparent sustainability disclosure. We align our global reporting with internationally accepted frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
We use these frameworks as governance instruments beyond their reporting capabilities to detect significant risks and monitor performance and measure progress. ESG disclosures are progressively becoming compulsory for global markets while Lubrizol demonstrates voluntary leadership through its scientific reporting standards. We have certifications and indices within our accountability framework that guarantee the achievement of measurable results in addition to establishing ambitious objectives.
CID: How critical is in-house R&D in driving the shift towards sustainable production pathways versus collaboration with start-ups, academia, and tech providers?
AS: The hybrid model of innovation—combining internal expertise with external capabilities—has become the industry standard. Successful solutions in green chemistry scaling, waste valorization, and circular design advancement come from sharing intellectual property, risks, and ambitions.
In India, this collaborative mindset is even more crucial. India functions as a vital manufacturing hub and provides skilled personnel who lead innovation across products of both high value and high volume. Successful progress requires excellent functional capabilities together with skilled personnel who work under strong inter-organizational collaborations among industries, academic institutions and governmental bodies.
To accelerate innovation locally, we have established a state-of-the-art Technology and Innovation Center in Maharashtra.This facility will foster breakthrough innovations, enhance collaboration, and speed solutions to market, serving customers both regionally and globally. It will house advanced labs, automation, and digital tools, alongside a Customer Experience Center to co-develop solutions with partners.
CID: Can you share your company’s ESG strategy, and how it aligns with the welfare of your stakeholders, of local communities and society as a whole? What steps have your company taken to ensure a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace?
AS: Lubrizol’s ESG strategy is designed to create shared value for all stakeholders—employees, customers, communities, and the environment. It is anchored in three global priorities: Innovating Responsibly, Operating Safely, and Empowering People.
In 2024, across our global operations, Lubrizol invested $3.72 million USD in community engagement, supported 200+ charitable organizations, and recorded over 15,000 employee volunteer hours through our Creating Community Chemistry program. This initiative channels global volunteering efforts into three core areas: health, education, and environmental sustainability—allowing us to scale our social impact in a focused, measurable way.
This spirit of inclusion has been a cornerstone of our culture for decades. It represents our dedication to an environment where all individuals feel welcome, valued, and empowered. This spirit promotes ongoing dialogue, learning, and a dynamic approach that ensures we remain responsive to the evolving needs of our workforce and community.
CID: How has your company evolved its governance practices in line with global ESG standards, and what internal controls do you have in place to ensure compliance?
AS: Lubrizol takes a structured, results-driven approach to sustainability, setting clear, measurable goals to track progress and drive meaningful impact across our operations.
Sustainability Reporting & Milestones: In 2025, we reported company-wide advancements toward our 2030 sustainability targets. In 2026, we will publish a comprehensive Corporate Sustainability Report, providing the latest insights into our progress and commitments.
Strategic Alignment & Stakeholder Engagement: Our employee resource groups and community engagement initiatives are purposefully aligned with seven UN Sustainable Development Goals. We maintain active engagement with stakeholders to ensure our priorities reflect the most pressing concerns of our business and customers.
Performance Monitoring & Governance: We regularly review and assess our goals related to environmental impact, community investment, and governance practices to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with evolving sustainability demands.
Our global governance framework encompasses executive oversight, dedicated ESG committees, and the integration of sustainability into enterprise risk management and business planning.
Compliance and safety are reinforced through our participation in the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care® program, supported by third-party audits and internal controls.
CID: How can industry and government collaborate better to accelerate the transition to sustainable chemicals and fuels? What kind of policy frameworks or incentive structures are still missing to scale sustainable production across the sector?
AS: To strengthen India’s position in the global chemical market and create an enabling regulatory framework that supports business growth and operational efficiency, a strategic approach is essential. Key focus areas include:
Regulatory Optimization & Ease of Approvals: Establishing a single-window clearance system to streamline and accelerate approvals for setting up chemical manufacturing units, including environmental clearances. This will enhance India’s attractiveness to global investors by reducing bureaucratic delays.
Workforce Development for High-Tech Operations: Advancing skill development initiatives in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by partnering with educational institutions to equip the local workforce with specialized expertise needed for high-tech chemical production.
Strengthening Intellectual Property (IP) Protections: Reinforcing IP laws and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard proprietary technologies and encourage global players to invest in India’s innovation ecosystem.
Trade & Competitive Safeguards: Implementing anti-dumping duties and BIS certifications to enhance industry competitiveness, support domestic manufacturers, and align with the Viksit Bharat vision for a safe and sustainable chemical sector.
Global Regulatory Harmonization: Aligning Indian chemical industry standards with global benchmarks (e.g., REACH in Europe) to facilitate smoother integration into international markets, improve export potential, and establish India as a preferred supply chain hub.
Environmental & Safety Compliance: Setting clear, achievable sustainability regulations that balance environmental responsibility with industrial growth. Providing structured compliance guidance will help businesses meet standards efficiently without operational disruptions.
R&D Investment Incentives: Establishing targeted incentives for global companies to set up R&D centers in India, fostering an innovation-driven chemical industry while driving technological advancement.
