TLT: Please tell us a little bit about yourself. How long have you been with ILMA?
Alfano: I’ve been with ILMA since 2015, which makes this past year my 10th anniversary!
TLT: ILMA recently launched the “Move the World Forward” campaign. What inspired this initiative, and how does it reflect ILMA’s mission and vision for the industry?
Alfano: “Move the World Forward” is a digital initiative to educate the future workforce on career opportunities in lubricant manufacturing. Without lubricants, the world would grind to a halt. Despite the importance of lubricant manufacturing, there is a lack of awareness among early career individuals about the industry and the abundance of opportunities to make a real difference. I’ve been eager from my first day on the job to tell that story of innovation, flexibility and sustainability to more people.
Anyone who wants to learn more can go to
www.ilma.org/gearyourcareer. Add your voice on social media using #GearYourCareer—hearing authentic stories from real-world industry voices really does make an impact.
We also rebranded the ILMA Foundation Scholarship as the Move the World Forward Scholarship. I’m proud to share that we named our first vocational school student recipient this year. She’s studying machining, and ILMA member Qualichem supplies metalworking fluids to her shop. That’s how she learned about the scholarship.
This initiative comes at a time when demand and interest in STEM-related careers are at an all-time high. Between 2023 and 2033, there will be a predicted 10.4% increase in STEM employment (compared to a 3.6% increase in non-STEM employment). ILMA sees this as the time to invest in the current, and future, workforce to ensure that generational knowledge can be passed on to the incoming group of professionals.
In addition, ILMA commissioned an updated economic impact study from S&P Global that shows ILMA member companies support a salary 37% higher than the U.S. average. That’s another great reason to consider a career in lubricant manufacturing!
TLT: What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities facing independent lubricant manufacturers today—and how is ILMA helping members navigate them?
Alfano: Regulatory compliance is by far the biggest hurdle. We know that regulations place a disproportionately large burden on small lubricant manufacturers like our members. For example, OSHA has acknowledged that ILMA members bore 75% of costs of the 2012 Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) update.
ILMA is focusing on specific issues where we can have a real impact on members’ bottom lines. We’re advocating for targeted relief and implementation support for OSHA’s 2024 revisions to the HCS. We’re also tackling packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations, pushing back against tariffs on castor oil derivatives from India and pressing for better compliance education instead of changes to empty drum regulations. We have a long track record of working with OSHA, in particular, to create important tools that benefit our industry while also improving workplace safety.
We’re also working to ensure our members have the information they need to stay compliant.
Another big challenge right now is uncertainty. It’s nearly impossible to plan for long-term investment with so much uncertainty in the political and economic environment. We’re doing all we can to empower members with knowledge and strategies to combat that uncertainty.
We’re also helping members identify and take advantage of opportunities in a shifting market. ILMA commissioned a study a few years ago on the impact of passenger vehicle electrification, and we’ve just released a follow-up study that focuses on the commercial vehicle market, both on and off highway. Armed with this kind of information, members can identify where to invest for long-term growth.
TLT: How does ILMA collaborate with other industry organizations, such as STLE, to amplify impact and knowledge-sharing across the tribology and lubrication community?
Alfano: ILMA and STLE are great complements to each other. While STLE focuses on individual professionals and technical expertise, ILMA focuses on the business side of lubricants. There’s a lot of overlap and places where we share the same priorities, such as the goals of the Move the World Forward campaign.
ILMA, STLE and NLGI leadership have participated in regular calls to identify where we can support each other. One example is collaboration to understand how policy and regulations affect our memberships (such as the castor oil tariffs mentioned previously).
TLT: Looking ahead, what excites you most about ILMA’s direction or the future of the lubricants industry in general?
Alfano: Our updated economic impact study showed that while overall lubricant demand across North America declined by more than 11% between 2018 and 2024, independents went the other direction. ILMA members’ volumes rose by nearly 4%. That’s remarkable resilience in a challenging market. It’s proof that our flexibility, innovation and commitment to customer service give us an edge. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
You can reach Holly Alfano at halfano@ilma.org.