CITGO launches biodegradable packaging for its Mystik Lubricants

CITGO Petroleum Corporation, through its Mystik Lubricants, is launching a new GoBox System that packages lubricants in biodegradable boxes, making oil delivery to equipment simpler and faster. Additionally, its rack design helps farmers organize their lubricants and storage space in a more efficient manner.

The GoBox System will be introduced to the agricultural market with six Mystik products: Mystik JT- 8 SHD 15W- 40,

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Mystik JT- 8 SHD 15W- 50, Mystik JT- 5 Tractor Trans Hydraulic Fluid, and the Mystik JT- 9 ™ LeakShield AW Hydraulic

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Fluids 32, 46 and 68. These products will continue to be available in pails and drums, but GoBox will be offered as an alternative packaging for the benefit of farmers who wish to take advantage of this easy- to- use, efficient system.

“We are delighted to introduce the GoBox System to farmers through our Mystik Lubricants brand, which has a long history of providing market- relevant solutions to the agricultural sector,” said CITGO Vice President Supply and Marketing Karl Schmidt. “Mystik GoBox produces less landfill waste than bottles and pails and comes in a fully- recyclable carton. Farmers who switch to Mystik GoBox can expect about 50% more storage space than they get from the equivalent six pails, optimal inventory, minimal residual oil, and less handling than pails or drums.”

Until 15 August 2020, customers who purchase any one of these products at participating retail locations will enjoy a special introductory offer, where they get six gallons for the price of five, redeemable at the point of purchase*. From 1 April 2020 to 1 October 2020, customers who purchase six or more GoBox units will automatically get a GoBox rack* through the Mystik mail- in rebate. This rack sits conveniently on toolboxes, counters or other easy- to- reach places within a farmer's workshop.

Mystik GoBox will be available at Blain's, and Fleet and Farm locations.

“Farmers are very conscious about what product and system they use in their daily operations and at CITGO, we are keenly aware of these needs. The GoBox System, offered with Mystik Lubricants, is designed for the environmentally conscious farmer, who also desires better inventory and storage management. And with this promotion, we ensure farmers will get the best value from their lubricant investment,” said Schmidt.

Almost the entire mechanics community of the United Arab Emirates ( UAE) belongs to the expatriate community. They work hard to earn a living to support their families in their home countries and under stressful conditions. Now they face another health threat – the novel coronavirus ( COVID- 19) outbreak. In response, Castrol Lubricants, in association with Central Trading Company, which is part of the Al Rostamani Group and Castrol's national distributor in the UAE, have launched a campaign called ‘ We Care For You', a campaign which targets mechanics and independent workshops across the UAE.

The programme involves the distribution of thousands of pouches that contain a full kit of disinfectants, along with clear guidance to mechanics on how to have clean, safe hands with well- illustrated hand hygiene and hygiene instructions.

Distribution to mechanics across the entire UAE is being carried out by the Central Trading Company sales team and a fleet of 10 Castrol vans – and although the campaign primarily targets the mechanic community, it also serves as a platform to make consumers aware of the vital importance to keep their hands clean at all times, so a supply of leaflets and posters that explain the significance of the campaign is also being supplied to independent workshop outlets.

Castrol is also educating its frontline salesmen on basic, but essential health measures. In this part of the campaign, the sales team takes the opportunity to talk to mechanics, explaining the benefits of keeping their hands clean, safe and free from germs.

Castrol Lubricants has a long history in the UAE and has been a global brand for more than 120 years. Well known for both marketing and technology leadership around the world, the brand has always been totally committed to protect its workforce and customers.

Gazpromneft- Lubricants, the operator of Gazprom Neft's oil business, boosted its sales of premium lubricants in international markets to 106 thousand tons in 2019, with an increase by 6.2% year- on- year. Deliveries of smallpackaged G- Energy and Gazprom Neft branded premium products increased by 10,5% to 95,7 thousand tons.

The company's geographic coverage of Gazprom Neft lubricants delivery has expanded to 86 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, primarily due to the active development of the premium products distribution network in both the retail and industrial segments. In 2019, the volume of sales of G- Energy premium oils via its own network of G- Energy Service stations boosted by 61%, and the number of service stations increased to 210 ( up 40 stations). The number of regular customers and partners of the service throughout Russia and abroad reached half a million.

In Russia, sales of premium products increased by 5.3%, accounting for 205 thousand tons. In 2019, the total sales of Gazprom Neft motor, transmission and industrial oils in Russia and abroad amounted to 708 thousand tons.

“Our business has noticeably changed its lubricants portfolio towards high- tech products. We have been observing this trend for several years, but in 2019 it increased significantly. The past year has shown that our premium developments are valued not only in Russia, where we actively participate in import substitution programs, but also abroad. However, the modern consumer needs not just a high- quality product - they need a positive customer experience, first of all, to solve issues related to car operation and equipment. Responding to these changes, we are developing a system of engineering services for both retail customers and business partners, and we see this as a growth zone in the highly competitive lubricants market”, - said Alexandr Truhan, Director General of Gazpromneft- Lubricants.