Emissions & Efficiency

Clean Harbors announces formation of Kleen Performance

Nov. 2, 2015

Clean Harbors formed Kleen Performance Products, dedicated to the research, development, sales and distribution of engine oils, lubricants and other products.

Clean Harbors announced the formation of Kleen Performance Products, a new business unit dedicated to the research, development, sales and distribution of engine oils, lubricants and other automotive and industrial products. Kleen Performance Products will offer a portfolio of products, including Safety-Kleen’s current EcoPower branded lubricants and base oil produced with re-refined oil, and the Performance Plus line of full synthetic, synthetic blend and other finished lubricants. “The formation of Kleen Performance Products will enable Clean Harbors to capitalize on untapped growth opportunities in an expanding market and dedicate more resources to product development, sales and customer service,” said Alan S. McKim, chairman and chief executive officer of Clean Harbors. “We are well-positioned for long-term growth, with demand for superior lubricants being driven by the modernization of industrial machinery, the resurgence of manufacturing and the next generation of more fuel efficient cars and trucks.“Additionally, the creation of this standalone business and brand allows the Safety-Kleen organization to concentrate exclusively on its core business of environmental services, including the collection of approximately 220 million gallons of used oil annually,” McKim added. The total global market for engine oils and lubricants is projected to grow from $140 billion in 2013 to $162 billion in 2019, according to research firm MarketsandMarkets. About 56% of this increase is expected to come from motor oil, engine lubricants and other transportation products.“Kleen Performance Products base oil and EcoPower finished lubricants use twice-refined oil manufactured through our innovative proprietary process which reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%,” the company said. “These products also require up to 85 percent less energy to produce than lubricants made from virgin crude oil, because the used oil has already been refined. It takes 42 gallons of virgin crude oil – versus less than two gallons of used oil – to produce a single gallon of high-quality motor oil. Consequently, each gallon of renewable oil that is re-refined represents multiple additional gallons that do not need to be imported, reducing the United States’ dependence on foreign oil.”According to the company, a fleet of cars or trucks using one million gallons of EcoPower engine oil would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3,363 metric tons, or the CO2e absorbed in 85,230 trees grown for 10 years in an urban environment.“Our oil is approved or complies with requirements set by major manufacturers of gas and diesel engines. It is used successfully by government, for-hire, private and local mass transit fleets, among others,” said Jerry Correll, president, Kleen Performance Products. “The global goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprints is expected to further drive demand for renewable oil and expand its application into other transportation and industrial areas.” Another brand to be offered by Kleen Performance Products is Performance Plus, a line of full synthetic, synthetic blend and conventional motor oils that is expected to support accelerated growth of the Company’s blended products. Demand for full synthetic oil is increasing to meet regulatory standards for lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved fuel economy.Clean Harbors said it intends to rename as Kleen Performance Products its current “Oil Re-refining and Recycling” reporting segment within its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).