Leitat took part in Lubricant Expo Europe 2026, held from 15 to 17 September at Messe Düsseldorf, bringing its expertise in lubrication, tribology and fluid engineering to one of Europe’s key events for the lubricants and lubrication technologies sector.
Over three days, the Leitat team met with companies, technology developers and industry professionals to discuss current challenges and opportunities across the lubrication value chain. The event provided a platform to present Leitat’s capabilities in applied R&D, materials characterisation, testing and validation, with a focus on helping companies develop solutions adapted to real operating conditions and accelerate their path towards industrial application.
From industrial challenges to validated solutions
Leitat’s participation highlighted a range of technologies and developments addressing current challenges in lubrication and thermal management.
Among them were CoolPrint EV, a solution for advanced battery thermal management; innovative cooling fluids for PEM fuel cells; approaches to converting plastic waste into high-value base oils; and bio-based alternatives for offshore greases.
These developments reflect Leitat’s approach to applied research: combining materials and formulation expertise with testing and validation capabilities to address specific industrial requirements and support the development of more sustainable, high-performance solutions.
Sharing expertise across the sector
Leitat also took an active role in the Lubricant Expo Europe conference programme.
Lucio Grether moderated a session focused on defence as an emerging lubricant market, exploring the opportunities and specific requirements associated with this application.
Laura Batlle, Principal Researcher in Advanced Industrial Fluids at Leitat, moderated two sessions addressing emerging challenges for lubrication. The first focused on lubricant requirements for power generation and stationary gas engines in a changing energy landscape, including new power supply architectures driven by the growth of data centres. The second explored tribological challenges in lubricating humanoid robots, from industrial environments to human spaces.
These discussions highlighted how changing technologies and industrial applications are creating new requirements for lubricants, materials, testing and qualification.
Continuing the conversation
Beyond the conference programme, Lubricant Expo Europe provided an opportunity for Leitat to connect with companies across the value chain and discuss potential areas for collaboration.
The conversations held during the event reinforced the importance of combining technological development, testing and validation to turn complex lubrication challenges into solutions that can move closer to industrial application.
Leitat will continue working with industry to develop and validate technologies that improve performance, durability and efficiency, while supporting the transition towards more sustainable lubrication solutions.
