Clean Harbors, Inc., a leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services throughout North America, last Monday announced the formation of Kleen Performance Products, a new business unit dedicated to the research, development, sales and distribution of high-quality engine oils, lubricants and other automotive and industrial products.

Kleen Performance Products will offer a portfolio of products, including Safety-Kleen’s current EcoPower® branded lubricants and base oil produced with re-refined oil, and the Performance Plus line of full synthetic, synthetic blend and other finished lubricants.

“The formation of Kleen Performance Products will enable Clean Harbors to capitalize on untapped growth opportunities in an expanding market and dedicate more resources to product development, sales and customer service,” said Alan S. McKim, chairman and chief executive officer of Clean Harbors. “We are well-positioned for long-term growth, with demand for superior lubricants being driven by the modernization of industrial machinery, the resurgence of manufacturing and the next generation of more fuel efficient cars and trucks.

“Additionally, the creation of this standalone business and brand allows the Safety-Kleen organization to concentrate exclusively on its core business of environmental services, including the collection of approximately 220 million gallons of used oil annually,” McKim added.

Kleen Performance Products base oil and EcoPower finished lubricants use twice-refined oil manufactured through the company's proprietary process which reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent. These products also require up to 85 percent less energy to produce than lubricants made from virgin crude oil, because the used oil has already been refined. It takes 42 gallons of virgin crude oil – versus less than two gallons of used oil – to produce a single gallon of high-quality motor oil.

“Our oil is approved or complies with requirements set by major manufacturers of gas and diesel engines. It is used successfully by government, for-hire, private and local mass transit fleets, among others,” said Jerry Correll, president, Kleen Performance Products. “The global goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprints is expected to further drive demand for renewable oil and expand its application into other transportation and industrial areas.”

Another brand to be offered by Kleen Performance Products is Performance Plus, a line of full synthetic, synthetic blend and conventional motor oils that is expected to support accelerated growth of the Company’s blended products.

All Kleen Performance Products brands meet or exceed stringent North American standards for motor oil. These standards include American Petroleum Institute (API) performance classifications, as well as those of the Society of Automotive Engineers and International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee. The brands also meet or exceed the standards of major Original Equipment Manufacturers, including General Motors’ dexos1™ requirements.

The formation of Kleen Performance Products continues the implementation of recommendations stemming from a comprehensive strategic review of its business portfolio that Clean Harbors announced earlier this year. The review recommended that the Company refocus its businesses on what each does best in order to maximize value. In addition to creating Kleen Performance Products and refocusing Safety-Kleen on environmental services, Clean Harbors also is in the process of carving out its Oil and Gas Field Services and Lodging Services segments as a standalone publicly traded company.

Clean Harbors intends to rename as Kleen Performance Products its current “Oil Re-refining and Recycling” reporting segment within its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.