Universal Lubricants Introduces First Retail Motor Oil FlexPak in the U.S.

Press Release from NORA Member Universal Lubricants, LLC

WICHITA, Kan. - Universal Lubricants®, the manufacturer and distributor of ECO ULTRA®, one of the world’s most advanced motor oils, today introduced the nation’s first retail motor oil packaged in a sustainable, flexible stand-up pouch. Compared to conventional hard plastic bottles, the new durable FlexPak™ offers consumers a faster, easier and cleaner way to change their oil, giving retailers a unique opportunity to bring customers an exciting, high-performance product in an environmentally responsible package.

One of only five manufacturers in the U.S. to collect and re-refine used oil, Universal Lubricants’ ECO ULTRA® Synthetic Blend Motor Oil is made from high-quality re-refined base stocks and blended with premium performance additives. It has been the choice of many installers, service centers and fleet companies across the country for more than three years.

Now, in addition to changing the way motor oil is used and re-used, Universal Lubricants is redefining how motor oil is packaged. The company will debut ECO ULTRA in the new 1-quart FlexPak later this month at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pouch-packed engine oil products already have earned consumer acceptance in many countries around the world.

"ECO ULTRA and our new FlexPak are perfect examples of ‘eco innovation’,” said John Wesley, chief executive officer of Universal Lubricants. "These products not only protect and optimize engine performance, they also protect the environment while giving do-it-yourselfers a great new way to help reduce our country’s reliance on foreign oil.”

Of the approximately 1.3 billion gallons of oil used in the U.S. annually, less than 20 percent is re-refined.

"When used motor oil is cycled back into engine lubrication, a non-renewable resource becomes renewable,” Wesley said. "And when we put that re-refined oil in flexible packages, the benefits are multiplied many times. Once drained and flattened, flexible pouches can significantly reduce landfill waste and require much less raw material to make. We’ll be launching the product in the consumer retail market in 2013 and look forward to changing the way consumers think about motor oil.”

Consumer support of re-refined oil also can help protect the environment and conserve resources. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that just one typical oil change (1 gallon) could ruin a million gallons of fresh water, if disposed of improperly. That equals a year’s supply of water for 50 people. The EPA also suggests that American do-it-yourself oil changers alone could recycle enough oil for 50 million cars a year if every drop of their old oil was collected at service stations, auto parts stores or community recycling centers.

Universal Lubricants has partnered with Atlanta-based Star Packaging Corporation, which produces the tough, three-layer ECO ULTRA FlexPak, and the Innovative Packaging Network, which engineered the pour-spout that prevents the traditional glugs and bubbles from bottles that cause splatters and spills. Being introduced in the 1-quart size, the ECO ULTRA FlexPak is constructed using a polyethylene barrier that provides superior burst and seal strengths required for the rigors of oil. A larger, 5.1-quart FlexPak will be available next year.

Brian Votaw, business development manager at Star Packaging said, "Flexible plastic containers are today’s hottest packaging trend. American consumers are most familiar with plastic packs in household cleaning products and in food and beverage containers. Initial research shows that mechanics and service technicians prefer the FlexPak to the bottle and we believe consumers will too.”

ECO ULTRA Synthetic Blend Motor Oil currently is available for sale in 1-quart FlexPaks on Amazon.com and at selected installers and service centers throughout the U.S. For more information and to order, visit ecoultraoil.com call 1.800.444.OILS.

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About Universal Lubricants
Founded in 1929, Universal Lubricants is a driving force in used oil collection, base oil refining and distribution. Through its Closed Loop Process, the company collects, re-refines, blends and re-distributes its own motor oil – never losing guardianship within the chain – to ensure that every quart is of the highest quality for optimal performance. Universal Lubricants operates 36 facilities in 16 states, including one of the world's most technologically advanced re-refineries in Wichita, Kansas. A leader in research and development, Universal Lubricants is a Pegasus Capital Advisors portfolio company and employs more than 465 workers. For more information visit www.universallubes.com.

About ECO ULTRA
ECO ULTRA is an American Petroleum Institute (API) licensed line of automotive and industrial lubricants made with high quality re-refined Group II base stock and blended with premium additives. ECO ULTRA meets Original Equipment Manufacturers' (OEM) specifications and Society of Automotive Engineers SAE requirements. It's increasingly being selected as the motor oil of choice by installers, service centers and fleet managers.

About Star Packaging
Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with operating facilities in both Georgia and Florida, Star Packaging Corporation is owned by Azalea Capital, a private investment firm headquartered in Greenville, SC. Star Packaging Corporation was formed through the merger of Master Packaging, which has 55 years of flexible packaging industry experience and has been backed by Azalea Capital since 2006. Star Packaging, formerly owned by the Wilson family, has over 35 years of experience in the printing, laminating and conversion of flexible packaging materials. Star Packaging Corporation manufactures the ECO ULTRA FlexPaks using a 6-mil, 3-layer barrier construction of polyester, nylon and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The material is formulated to provide superior burst and seal strengths required for the rigors of oil and other hard-to-hold liquid products. Designed for durability, the packs have passed drop tests in excess of 20 feet. For more information visit www.starpackagingcorp.com.

About Innovative Packaging Network
Innovative Packaging Network, headquartered in The Netherlands, has over 15 years of experience in the development of flexible packaging systems. IPN specializes in flexible packaging, plastic components, welding technologies and filling equipment technology. With operations in the Netherlands, Switzerland, India and the United States and a network of agents and representatives, IPN is a global player in today’s market place. IPN engineered The Clean Spout 106 XLR to enable an easier, smoother pour without "glugs,” air bubbles that form when poured from bottles and cause oil to spill. The IPN pour spout and tamper-evident cap are made of HDPE. IPN USA is located in suburban Atlanta, GA. For more information visit www.ipnusa.com.