Since its inception in 1999, Lubeco Green Fluids, the flagship brand of Pratap Tex-Chem Pvt. Ltd. (PTCPL), has steadily evolved into a trusted name in metalworking fluids and speciality industrial lubricants, with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and application-driven performance. From expanding its manufacturing capabilities and product portfolio to building a growing global footprint, the brand’s journey reflects a deep alignment with the changing needs of modern manufacturing industries.
In this interview, Sushmita Das, Editor of Gear Technology India, is in conversation with Kunal Marathe, CEO and Executive Director of Pratap Tex-Chem Pvt. Ltd. (PTCPL), to discuss Lubeco’s growth milestones, its approach to serving diverse sectors such as automotive, aerospace, steel, and EVs, and how sustainability, digitalisation, and customised solutions are shaping the company’s future. Marathe also shares insights into emerging trends, R&D consistency, and his long-term vision for positioning Lubeco as a globally recognised, innovation-led organisation.
Lubeco Green Fluids, the flagship brand of Pratap Tex-Chem Pvt. Ltd. (PTCPL), formally began its journey in 1999 when PTCPL was incorporated with a strategic vision to expand from textile manufacturing into metalworking fluids and speciality industrial lubricants. One of our key milestones was the establishment of a modern manufacturing facility in Pune, equipped with advanced batch reactors and stringent quality control systems, and having a production capacity of 6,000 KL.
Over the years, Lubeco Green Fluids has grown steadily to become a trusted supplier, offering a comprehensive portfolio of more than 150 premium products, including metalworking fluids, rust preventives, industrial cleaners, speciality lubricants, and VCI packaging solutions. Our growth momentum continued with the launch of the Supergen automotive lubricants brand in 2020, Krushagra for the agricultural sector in 2022, and Lubeco Futuristic Greases incorporating nanotechnology in 2023.
We have also significantly expanded our global footprint, with exports reaching markets across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Russia, and beyond. Achieving key industry recognitions and certifications such as ISO 9001:2015, RoHS compliance, Make in India recognition, Dun & Bradstreet rating, and ABS quality certification reflects our consistent growth, strong governance, and unwavering commitment to quality and excellence.
We address the diverse and demanding requirements of industries such as automotive, aerospace, and steel through a comprehensive and well-segmented product portfolio, supported by focused R&D and customer collaboration. Our range of water-soluble and neat cutting fluids is engineered to deliver precise cooling, effective lubrication, and reliable rust protection, enabling high-precision machining and superior component finishing.
In addition, our speciality lubricants and VCI packaging solutions play a critical role in protecting metal components during storage and transit. A key strength lies in our ability to customise formulations for different substrates, including cast iron, stainless steel, aluminium, and yellow metals, while ensuring strict compliance with automotive standards such as BS-VI, ACEA, and API, as well as stringent aerospace requirements. This integrated and customer-centric approach allows us to serve these industries with consistency, reliability, and confidence.
Sustainability is deeply embedded in the core philosophy of Lubeco Green Fluids. Our product formulations are developed with a strong focus on biodegradable and non-toxic ingredients, and we consciously exclude harmful additives such as chlorine, sulphur, phosphorus, and heavy metals. Our extensive portfolio of water-based metalworking fluids and industrial cleaners is designed to support environmental safety while consistently delivering superior performance.
In parallel, our Lubeco VCI packaging solutions are developed with sustainability in mind, featuring nitrite-free and secondary amine-free formulations, along with recyclable and biodegradable biopolymer films that actively contribute to zero-waste initiatives. We ensure strict compliance with RoHS and other global environmental standards, enabling our products to meet both current and future regulatory requirements. This commitment is further aligned with the Government of India’s Make in India initiative, reinforcing our focus on responsible, sustainable, and locally driven manufacturing.
One strong example is the implementation of the Fluidmate system by our customers to automate oil skimming and sump cleaning within metalworking fluid systems. This integrated solution has significantly reduced coolant spoilage, extended fluid life cycles, and enabled cleaner shop-floor operations, resulting in improved productivity and meaningful cost reductions.
In addition, our customised Lubeco Futuristic Greases enhanced with nanotechnology have delivered higher reliability and improved equipment uptime in demanding sectors such as steel and mining. These collaborative engagements clearly demonstrate how Lubeco Green Fluids and PTCPL’s tailored solutions translate into measurable operational efficiencies and environmental benefits for our customers.
Maintaining consistency across a wide and diverse product portfolio is driven by our strong in-house R&D and quality infrastructure. Lubeco Green Fluids operates a well-equipped R&D laboratory featuring pilot-scale reactors, tribology testing facilities, and advanced analytical instruments, enabling continuous innovation and rigorous product validation. Our ISO 9001:2015 certification further reinforces the robustness of our quality management systems.
On the manufacturing front, our advanced production lines are supported by integrated inline quality controls, ensuring that every batch adheres to stringent performance and compliance standards. We also operate a customised ERP platform with quality interlocks at every stage—from raw material inspection and intermediate checks to finished goods testing—ensuring that no batch leaves our premises without comprehensive testing.
This strong infrastructure, supported by experienced quality control teams and an agile innovation cycle, enables us to consistently maintain stable quality across more than 150 product variants under the Lubeco Green Fluids portfolio and allied brands.
Lubeco Green Fluids is proactively advancing the development of specialised synthetic lubricants and greases designed specifically for EV and e-mobility applications. Our solutions are engineered for critical components such as high-speed electric motors, gearboxes, and thermal management systems, with a strong focus on high thermal stability, electrical insulating properties, and long service life in demanding operating environments.
Products, including immersion fluid for batteries and motors, non-contact greases, high thermal stability bearing greases, and immersion fluids, have already been developed and are currently being supplied to EV and e-mobility customers. This ongoing work is built on our strong material science expertise and close alignment with evolving OEM requirements, positioning Lubeco Green Fluids as a reliable and sustainable partner for the rapidly growing EV and e-mobility sector.
Several emerging trends in metalworking fluids and lubricants are particularly exciting for us. One is the rapid advancement of biodegradable and bio-based formulations, along with nanotechnology-enhanced products that significantly improve performance while reducing environmental impact. These innovations are redefining efficiency and sustainability benchmarks across the industry.
Additionally, the increased use of advanced, compostable VCI packaging is playing a crucial role in minimising corrosion risks during storage and shipment, while simultaneously addressing broader sustainability and quality challenges across the industry.
Lubeco Green Fluids has embraced digital tools and Industry 4.0 principles across its operations to enhance precision, traceability, and customer transparency. Our manufacturing facilities employ automated batch reactors coupled with real-time inline quality monitoring, ensuring consistent product performance and compliance.
Our Fluidmate systems integrate sensors and automation to optimise oil skimming and filtration processes, directly reflecting Industry 4.0 practices in shop-floor operations. Beyond manufacturing, PTCPL has implemented digital supply chain management and dealer network platforms to improve responsiveness and service excellence across markets.
In addition, we have developed a QR-code–based performance monitoring platform, Lubeco Smart, that captures, records, and presents fluid management data with real-time analytics to our customers. By leveraging such digital solutions, Lubeco Smart not only enhances operational efficiency but also ensures accountability and complete transparency in every step of our service.
Lubeco Green Fluids strengthens its pan-India dealer and distributor network through continuous technical training, application support, and collaborative product development. We empower our partners with localised solutions tailored to specific market requirements, ensuring they can effectively serve their customers.
Reliable logistics, competitive lead times, and consistent product quality form the foundation of trust and long-term confidence with our partners. Industry recognitions and compliance certifications, such as Dun & Bradstreet ratings, further reinforce our credibility. Additionally, initiatives like structured discount schemes, channel partner financing options, and both on-field and laboratory support provide distributors with tangible value, fostering lasting business relationships built on trust and mutual growth.
Lubeco Green Fluids envisions expanding its leadership in sustainable industrial fluids over the next five years, with a focus on advanced synthetic and biodegradable solutions that address evolving regulatory requirements and customer expectations globally. Our strategic priorities include deeper digital integration, increased engagement in the EV sector, and greater penetration into international export markets.
We anticipate challenges such as pressures on raw material sustainability, intensifying competition, and navigating increasingly complex compliance landscapes. However, backed by Pratap Tex-Chem Pvt. Ltd.’s strong R&D and operational foundation, Lubeco is confident in meeting these challenges through innovation, collaboration, and strategic partnerships. To cater to the growing market demand, we are also planning to expand our production capacity by 100%, supported by more advanced and automated manufacturing facilities and enhanced laboratory infrastructure.
Kunal Marathe, CEO and Executive Director of Pratap Tex-Chem Pvt. Ltd. (PTCPL), is a visionary leader driving innovation and sustainable growth in the metalworking fluids and speciality industrial lubricants industry. With a modern outlook and a strong foundation of values laid by his father, Pratap Marathe—the founder of PTCPL, who instilled principles of integrity, discipline, and commitment —has successfully transformed PTCPL into a dynamic, customer-centric organisation.
Under his leadership, the company has expanded through multiple brands — Lubeco Green Fluids, Fluidmate Fluid Management Systems, Supergen Automotive Lubricants, Krushagra Farm Solutions, and Lubeco Futuristic Greases — each reflecting quality, innovation, and trust.
Known for his positive approach and people-first philosophy, Kunal believes in empowering teams, embracing technology, and delivering excellence with integrity. His vision is to position PTCPL as a globally recognised, innovation-led company committed to performance, sustainability, and continuous growth.
