Special reports
By Rachel Fowler, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief | TLT Publisher's Pen June 2025
STLE continues to identify emerging topics that will shape the future of tribology and lubrication.
Among STLE’s many offerings, throughout the year, STLE creates special reports designed to provide comprehensive analysis, innovative solutions and expert perspectives on cutting-edge technology and emerging trends. Each special report delves into complex topics with clarity, offering valuable information that supports decision-making and drives strategic planning. The special reports are available for free for members and nonmembers in digital format.
These reports cover a range of topics, including electric vehicles, sustainability, motorsport oil and more. The goal of these reports is not only to inform but also to provide actionable recommendations for industry professionals. Whether you're dealing with the latest in lubricant formulations or sustainability in tribology, these reports offer a trusted source of knowledge.
Several reports are currently available, including the following:
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Sustainability Opportunities for Tribology (Published July 2024). This special report summarizes key findings discussed at the Sustainability Forum during the 2024 STLE Annual Meeting & Exhibition. It explores views on sustainability in the lubricants community, sustainability of electric vehicles, the value of sustainability in manufacturing and more. To learn more and download a free copy, visit
www.stle.org/sustainabilityspecialreport.
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Knowledge Transfer Challenges in the Lubricants Industry (Published November 2024). This digital special report considers lubricant industry demographics and concerns that experienced lubricant professionals are not being replaced in time to transfer their industry knowledge to a new generation. Companies need to be thinking about this issue now rather than leaving the idea of succession planning behind until it is too late. To download this report and learn more, visit
www.stle.org/knowledgetransfer.
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How Innovation in Motorsport Oil Can Benefit Conventional Oils (Published April 2025). As technological advancements in racing machines continue to evolve, lubricants need to keep up with the rapid and extreme temperature changes engines experience. Recent efforts by the motorsport industry have introduced energy efficiency and low carbon footprint regulations, promoting the creation of fuel-efficient lubricants and technologies such as hybridization. This report reviews how lubricant-related innovations in motorsports can be extended to conventional products because the varied conditions across different types of racing offer a valuable insight for developing conventional lubricants. To download your free copy, visit
www.stle.org/motorsport.
STLE continues to identify emerging topics that will shape the future of tribology. Upcoming special reports include:
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The Evolution of Turbine Oils, Their Management and Future Predictions
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Tribological Challenges of a Return to the Moon
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Sustainable Lubricants: A Stewardship-Driven Approach to Effective Outcomes
Be on the lookout for these special reports later this year and early next year. STLE special reports are an invaluable tool for professionals seeking to stay ahead of the curve in the fast-evolving field of tribology. By addressing current and future challenges, these reports continue to support the continued growth and innovation of the industry. To read more about and download the current special reports, visit
www.stle.org/specialreports.
If you have an idea for a future STLE special report, please reach out to me! We’d love to hear your ideas.
You can reach TLT publisher/editor-in-chief Rachel Fowler at rfowler@stle.org.