Category: Lubrizol

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol Corporation and Aster, a leading Singapore-based provider of chemical and energy solutions, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore a strategic partnership across Singapore and Southeast Asia.

The collaboration aims to combine Aster’s integrated refinery and petrochemical operations with Lubrizol’s innovation-driven expertise to advance diversified energy pathways, develop high-performance lubricants and specialty chemicals, and strengthen supply resilience in support of Singapore’s low-carbon transition.

Under the MoU, both companies will undertake joint studies and initiatives to drive product innovation, enhance value chains, and tap into Jurong Island’s position as a regional chemical hub. The partnership will also focus on developing sustainable and specialty chemical solutions that contribute to Asia’s growing industrial and environmental goals.

“Aster and Lubrizol share a vision to shape the future of specialty chemicals and energy for Asia,” said Erwin Ciputra, Group CEO of Aster. “Together, we aim to power growth, connect industries, and foster a sustainable industrial workforce in Singapore.”

Henry Liu, Asia Pacific Vice President of Lubrizol, added, “This partnership strengthens supply chain resilience and accelerates innovation across Asia’s energy and chemicals sector. It positions both companies to deliver next-generation products that support the region’s shift toward a low-carbon and digital future.”

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol has announced promising preclinical results highlighting the superior performance of its microencapsulated iron ingredient, Lipofer™, compared to conventional iron sources. Published in Nature, the study found that Lipofer™ microcapsules significantly improved iron absorption and gastrointestinal tolerance in iron-deficient rats—reversing iron deficiency in just 14 days.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) affects more than 2 billion people worldwide, particularly women. While iron supplementation is essential, common forms like ferrous sulfate often cause digestive discomfort and poor adherence due to side effects such as nausea and gut irritation.

In the in vivo study, researchers compared Lipofer™ to ferrous sulfate, ferrous bisglycinate, and other encapsulated iron salts. Key indicators such as hemoglobin levels, transferrin saturation, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and gut barrier integrity were measured. Lipofer™ outperformed all comparators, showing no signs of gastrointestinal irritation or inflammation, even with prolonged use.

In contrast, ferrous sulfate supplementation led to elevated IL-6 levels—a marker of inflammation—and signs of gut barrier disruption.

Lipofer™ achieves its performance through micronized, microencapsulated technology that enables targeted release in the intestine, minimizing stomach discomfort and optimizing nutrient absorption. Its formulation includes lecithin and ultra-fine iron particles, improving bioavailability while ensuring stability in various formats.

“By combining advanced formulation science with consumer-centric design, Lipofer™ microcapsules bridge the gap between efficacy and tolerability,” said Isabel Gómez, Global Marketing Manager at Lubrizol. “This study reinforces our commitment to addressing real nutritional challenges with proven performance.”

Lipofer™ is water-dispersible, stable, and highly bioavailable—making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including powder sticks, gummies, capsules, and functional foods and beverages.

These findings support Lipofer™ as a next-generation iron supplement, potentially offering a more effective and gentle alternative to traditional iron sources.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has announced the launch of new Foam Centers of Excellence (COE) in Seoul, Korea, and Shanghai, China. These facilities, located within the company’s thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) innovation centers, mark a significant step in Lubrizol’s commitment to advancing innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in the global footwear market.

The Foam COEs bring together material science experts, cutting-edge processing technologies, and robust testing capabilities to accelerate the development of high-performance, sustainable foam solutions for athletic midsoles. By integrating supercritical fluid and autoclave foam processing equipment, Lubrizol can streamline design-to-commercialization timelines and deliver rapid, data-driven insights for product validation.

“Asia Pacific is one of the world’s most dynamic consumer markets,” said Jane Cai, Senior Business Director for Asia Pacific. “Our Foam COE combines global expertise with local insight to create industry-leading TPU foam solutions.”

Physical foaming technology is gaining traction for its performance benefits and environmental advantages. With a local-for-global strategy, Lubrizol aims to meet regional demands while contributing to global innovation. “These new capabilities illustrate our dedication to swift, localized support with a broad, international impact,” added Justin Park, Director of Global Footwear Marketing.

Beyond technical innovation, the COEs are designed to foster collaboration across the footwear value chain—supporting rapid prototyping, technical service, and efficient manufacturing. This initiative not only empowers processors and brands but also sets the stage for the next generation of sustainable footwear solutions.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol has introduced HybriCal™, a new lithium-free grease thickener formulation designed to meet the evolving needs of industrial applications. Built on an anhydrous calcium base, HybriCal™ offers a high-performance alternative to traditional lithium-based greases.

The formulation complies with the High-Performance Multiuse (HPM) Grease Specification set by the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI), ensuring it meets rigorous industry standards. It delivers multiple manufacturing benefits, including lower processing temperatures and reduced dehydration times, enabling faster production and lower energy consumption.

HybriCal™ is suited for diverse applications such as bearings, mining equipment, and general manufacturing, making it a versatile choice across industries. Crucially, it offers a stable alternative to lithium-based greases amid rising regulatory concerns and price volatility. Being lithium-free, HybriCal™ avoids the recent provisional classification of lithium hydroxide as a Category 1A reproductive toxin by the European Chemicals Agency.

“With HybriCal™, Lubrizol provides a future-ready solution that combines performance, safety, and environmental responsibility, bringing manufacturers stability in a disrupted lithium market,” said Tim Saari, Grease Product Manager at Lubrizol.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol Corporation has expanded its partnership with India’s Arihant Innochem to include its Nutraceuticals portfolio, extending a collaboration that has lasted more than 30 years.

The move gives Lubrizol broader access to India’s fast-growing health and wellness market, while Arihant adds to its distribution network in Health, Home, and Personal Care.

“The partnership combines Lubrizol’s expertise in science-backed Nutraceutical solutions with Arihant’s distribution capabilities to support continued expansion,” said Jayesh Vithalani, Senior Manager at Lubrizol.

Arihant Managing Director Jinesh Shah said the addition positions the firm to build a niche in the country’s wellness space.

Lubrizol operates more than 100 facilities worldwide and employs over 7,000 people.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol has unveiled its Southeast Asia Innovation Center in Jurong, Singapore, strengthening the company’s regional presence and innovation capabilities. Supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), the new 15,000-square-meter facility will serve as a regional hub for research, development, and collaboration, accelerating the delivery of high-value solutions across Southeast Asia and beyond.

The multi-floor center features state-of-the-art laboratories, immersive experience zones, and training spaces, enabling Lubrizol scientists and product developers to co-create with partners across industries such as mobility, infrastructure, beauty, healthcare, and data technology.

“This new Innovation Center represents a significant commitment to our innovation locally,” said Henry Liu, Vice President, Lubrizol Asia Pacific. “It will accelerate technologies that meet the region’s evolving needs.”

President and CEO Rebecca Liebert emphasized Singapore’s role in Lubrizol’s global innovation network, citing the city-state’s strong R&D ecosystem and collaborative environment.

The launch builds on Lubrizol’s 65-year legacy in the region and follows the recent opening of its Asia Pacific Center of Excellence for Suncare Formulation in Singapore. As part of the initiative, Lubrizol signed MOUs with United Oil Company and the EDB to drive collaborative product development and explore future investments.

“This center is a strong endorsement of Singapore’s position as a launchpad for innovation and sustainability,” said EDB Executive Vice President Lim Wey-Len, highlighting the facility’s potential to foster R&D and create high-quality jobs.

Lubrizol’s expansion reinforces its long-term commitment to Southeast Asia as a strategic region for growth, partnership, and advanced materials innovation.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol has announced the launch of Sancure™ 942 Polyurethane Dispersion, a new water-borne, high-solids polymer designed to deliver advanced performance in wood coatings for both residential and commercial applications.

The latest addition to Lubrizol’s growing coatings portfolio, Sancure 942 offers excellent wear protection, strong chemical resistance, and superior adhesion to a variety of substrates. Ideal for OEM and wood floor finishes, its high-solids formulation also allows for greater coverage per application—reducing the number of coats needed and enabling a faster return to service.

“The entire value chain will experience benefits,” said Israel Skoff, technical marketing manager, resin technologies. “From lower shipping emissions and enhanced performance to fewer coats and faster project completion, Sancure 942 delivers across the board.”

When used with external crosslinkers, the product’s performance is further enhanced, making it a powerful solution for formulators seeking both sustainability and durability.

Lubrizol continues to innovate in polymer technology, providing solutions that support eco-friendly initiatives while exceeding performance expectations in demanding markets.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol, a global leader in specialty chemistry, has opened a new office in Hammersmith, London. The move reinforces Lubrizol’s commitment to its local-for-local strategy, aiming to enhance collaboration with customers and employees while strengthening its footprint across Europe.

The London office will host a range of business functions, including sales and European leadership, and adds to Lubrizol’s existing presence in the UK, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and Germany. It is designed to foster innovation and teamwork, featuring modern co-working and meeting spaces.

“Europe plays a crucial role in our global strategy, particularly due to its concentration of technical leadership and key OEMs,” said Sander van Donk, Vice President of Lubrizol Europe. “The opening of our London office underscores our dedication to this important market.”

With more than 90 years of history in Europe, Lubrizol continues to build on its legacy of innovation and strong industry partnerships. The new office is expected to become a vital hub for the company’s regional operations and future growth.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol has announced a significant milestone: a drug formulation enabled by its Apisolex™ polymer excipient has entered Phase 1 clinical trials. Launched in 2022, Apisolex is a polyamino acid-based polymer designed to dramatically enhance the solubility of challenging active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), specifically those classified as BCS Class II and IV.

Manufactured according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Apisolex is suitable for a variety of dosage forms, including parenteral administration. Its unique formulation has demonstrated the ability to increase the solubility of certain APIs by up to 50,000 times, making it a valuable tool for the development of hard-to-formulate drugs across multiple therapeutic areas and delivery routes.

Apisolex is currently being evaluated in several programs worldwide, supporting the delivery of APIs that have previously posed significant formulation challenges. Kevin Song, Senior Director of Lubrizol’s Global Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Business, emphasized the importance of this development: “The progression to clinical trials of a medicinal product formulated with Apisolex polymer excipient demonstrates its ability to provide differentiated solutions to solubility and bioavailability challenges in parenteral formulations.”

Lubrizol is committed to expanding the global reach of Apisolex and strengthening collaborations with drug manufacturers facing solubility hurdles, paving the way for more effective therapies in the future.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Lubrizol, a Berkshire Hathaway company, has announced compelling clinical results for its CURCUSHINE™ microencapsulated curcumin ingredient, which showed significant improvements in skin radiance, wrinkle reduction, and overall skin appearance. The findings, published in Agro FOOD Industry hi-tech, confirm the efficacy of CURCUSHINE™ as a potent beauty-from-within nutraceutical ingredient.

In the study, 63 women aged 21 to 50 with self-reported skin imperfections consumed either CURCUSHINE™ microcapsules or a placebo daily for six weeks. Those taking CURCUSHINE™ experienced a:

19% increase in skin luminosity and up to 69% improvement in skin tone uniformity

8% reduction in dark spots

10.32% average reduction in crow’s feet wrinkle volume

5.14% average reduction in forehead wrinkle volume

Notable improvement in facial skin brightness (L* parameter)

These results build on previous in vitro research demonstrating CURCUSHINE™’s protective effects on collagen and elastin against oxidative and inflammatory stress.

“Aging gracefully is a growing concern among younger adults, including Gen Z and Millennials,” said Isabel Gómez, Global Marketing Manager for Lubrizol Nutraceuticals. “We’re proud to offer a clinically proven solution for skin rejuvenation with CURCUSHINE™.”

CURCUSHINE™ microcapsules are water-dispersible, taste-neutral, and highly bioavailable—making them ideal for a wide range of nutricosmetic formats, including tablets, capsules, gummies, powder sachets, and functional beverages.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.