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MEMBER PROFILE: UNIVERSAL LUBRICANTS
Collecting used oil to be re-refined might just be the perfect definition of going green.
Universal Lubricants has practiced this innovation since 1929 and is one of America's oldest, and most trusted used oil collection, re-refining, blending and new oil distribution companies. With 28 facilities in 14 states and nearly 400 employees, the company is known for its environmental stewardship, leadership in the petroleum sector and positive company culture.
Peter Fox, vice president of marketing and retail sales for Universal Lubricants, says there are 42 gallons of crude in every barrel imported into this country and only one-half gallon is suitable for making lubricants used in engine oil after it has been refined. Three-fourths of what is refined from crude goes into gasoline and diesel fuels. 
"It is a very energy-intensive process to refine virgin crude," Fox says.
The Wichita location of Universal Lubricants, located at 2824 N. Ohio, features one of the world's most
technologically advanced re-refineries. The company markets its product directly to the consumer through automotive stores, mass merchants and other retail establishments throughout the country.
Fox says each year the U.S. produces approximately 1.3 billion gallons of used engine oils. Only 10-percent of this is re-refined. Of those tens of millions of barrels that cycle through American automobiles on an annual basis, most is either improperly disposed of or burned as an industrial fuel. Once burned, it is gone forever.
By dedicating itself to reversing this unnecessary waste and safety hazard, Universal Lubricants has differentiated itself as the only "closed-loop" domestic manufacturer of recycled oil. Universal Lubricants collects, re-refines, blends, packages and redistributes its own oil, called the ECO ULTRA® line in an infinitely repeatable, sustainable cycle.
The challenge for Universal Lubricants and other oil processors is to make the consumer understand that re-refined oil is a good product. The company follows strict regulations set by the Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE) and the American Petroleum Institute (API) to continually ensure compliance at every level.
People drink recycled water from recycled bottle but question re-refined oil in their vehicle," Fox says. "The human body is the most sophisticated engine on the planet and we think nothing of it to pour that water into it. The education process still has to take place."
Besides being a manufacturer of oil and reducing its carbon footprint, Universal Lubricants implements many other green practices throughout the company. It recycles all waste paper as well as used cardboard through collection programs with local organizations like Shred-It and Waste Management. The buildings and facilities also have motion-activated lighting in non-security areas.
Fox says the entire company is rooted in environmental stewardship.
"We believe improving the quality of life for current and future generations through environmental stewardship is the responsibility of every person," he says.
"Our process does this by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 89-percent over the process required to create oil from crude, and reduces the overall carbon footprint by up to 65-percent. Our closed-loop process repurposes 99.9-percent of used oil in a cycle that is infinitely repeatable, thereby reducing our nation's dependence on imported oil. We are also employing American workers, doing our part to grow both the local and national economy."
Universal Lubricants joined Green Biz Wichita last month to be among similar companies who also believe in sustainability. Fox says the organization's networking opportunities will help his company and Wichita make true environmental progress.
"Together we can help Wichita become known for more than aviation," he says. "We can be a pillar for other communities that strive to make environmental progress. Universal Lubricants products can help businesses save money as they put forth efforts to enhance their own sustainability goals and metrics. We are good for business, the economy, and for the country and we believe more people should know." --
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