ILMA stands for the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association, a trade association representing independent lubricant manufacturers and their suppliers.
The Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA) is the voice of independent lubricant manufacturers and marketers in North America. Since 1948, ILMA has represented companies that produce and supply lubricants, greases, metalworking fluids, and other specialty products that keep industry moving.
ILMA was founded in 1948.
ILMA’s mission is to advocate for, educate, and connect independent lubricant manufacturers to strengthen the industry and ensure a competitive, sustainable future.
ILMA members include independent lubricant manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors who produce and deliver high-quality lubricants, metalworking fluids, and related products. Member companies range from family-owned businesses to global suppliers, all committed to innovation and responsible business practices.
ILMA is headquartered just outside of Washington, DC in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. The ILMA office’s address is 675 N. Washington St., Suite 275, Alexandria, VA 22314
ILMA represents the automotive and industrial lubricant manufacturing industry.
Independent lubricant manufacturers supply approximately one-third of all lubricants and 70% of the metalworking fluids used in North America. The association’s advocacy, education, and networking ensure that independents can compete effectively and operate safely in a complex regulatory environment.
Other associations in the lubricants industry mainly focus on the technical side of the industry, such as tribology (the study of friction) or formulation chemistry. ILMA focuses on the business of lubricants. This includes regulatory compliance, advocacy, best practices, safety, and ethics, as well as topics specific to small and family-owned businesses. Another difference is that ILMA members are companies rather than individuals. ILMA has a close working relationship with other associations in the industry, and we often partner on common priorities.
- Companies in North America deriving at least 50% of net sales from manufacturing lubricants and not owned by entities producing lubricant base stocks for resale or major oil/chemical companies. These are our core Manufacturing Members, the companies ILMA was created to serve.
- Companies that support ILMA’s objectives by supplying goods or services to ILMA Manufacturing Members. (Supplier Members)
- Companies marketing and manufacturing lubricants that do not meet ILMA’s Manufacturing membership requirements, owning lubricant storage facilities and maintaining product inventories. (Distributor Members)
- Companies deriving 50% or more of net sales from manufacturing lubricants outside North America. (International Members)
ILMA has four membership categories:
1. Manufacturing
2. Supplier
3. Distributor
4. International
ILMA’s greatest value is its people. Our members form a close-knit community where business opportunities, partnerships, and friendships (connections that count) grow naturally. Relationships, both professional and personal, built at ILMA often last for decades.
Members also benefit from:
- Exclusive meetings and high-level networking events
- Real-time regulatory updates and industry advocacy
- Educational resources such as free training courses and webinars
- Access to the searchable ILMA Member Directory
- Compoundings magazine (digital and print) and member communications (digital)
- Freight savings through ILMA’s FedEx Partnership program
Companies can apply online through ILMA’s website at https://ilma.org/ilma-membership/how-to-join-ilma/
1. Determine your company’s membership category.
2. Submit the relevant membership application and required references.
3. Sign ILMA’s enforceable Code of Ethics.
4. Pay application fee and membership dues.
There is a $250 non-refundable application fee. Membership dues are $2,950 annually as of 2025.
Yes, once approved, every employee of a member company gains access to ILMA’s member resources.
ILMA provides invaluable in-person networking opportunities, real-time regulatory updates, technical education, and professional training to help members grow their businesses and navigate industry challenges.
ILMA advocates for fair, science-based regulations that protect both independent businesses and the environment. The association represents members before federal agencies and lawmakers on issues that directly impact the lubricants industry, including:
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Ensuring fair and practical recycling and product stewardship requirements for lubricant manufacturers.
- PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): Promoting balanced, science-based approaches to regulating PFAS use and reporting.
- Hazard Communication Standard (HCS): Working with OSHA to ensure labeling and safety data requirements are consistent, achievable, and aligned with global systems.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations: Advocating for workplace safety policies that are effective and manageable for independent businesses.
- Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA): Engaging with the EPA on chemical evaluations and reporting rules that affect lubricant formulations.
- Chlorinated Paraffins: Supporting reasonable compliance pathways and transition timelines for affected products.
- Tariffs and Trade: Opposing unfair trade barriers and tariffs that increase costs or limit supply chain flexibility.
- Department of Labor (DOL): Monitoring workforce and contractor classification rules that affect manufacturers and distributors.
- Department of Transportation (DOT): Advocating for consistent and practical transportation and labeling standards for lubricants and related products.
ILMA’s government affairs team works directly with federal agencies and legislators to ensure the voices of independent manufacturers are heard in discussions on chemical management, transportation, labeling, and workplace safety. This team includes ILMA staff, counsel, and members who volunteer their time for particular issues.
ILMA keeps members informed through timely regulatory alerts and legislative updates that help companies stay compliant and prepared for changes impacting their operations. In addition to written communications, ILMA hosts live webinars and in-person town halls featuring industry experts and regulatory specialists. These sessions provide deeper dives into evolving regulations – such as TSCA reporting, PFAS restrictions, HCS updates, and other key compliance topics – giving members practical guidance and a chance to ask questions directly. Members also receive ILMA’s weekly newsletters, Compoundings magazine, and access to on-demand educational resources through the ILMA Learning Portal.
ILMA offers free, flexible, online learning through the ILMA Learning Portal. Current course offerings include:
1. The Fundamentals of Lubricants
2. Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs)
3. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) Compliance Course
The Fundamentals of Lubricants course helps build a solid foundation in the basics of the lubricants industry, including base oils, additives, viscosity, and more. It is ideal for admin, sales, technical staff, or anyone new to lubricants or looking to strengthen their industry knowledge.
The Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs) helps establish a basic understanding of what defines EALs and what producers need to know as they consider entering this market. The course also covers how biodegradability, biobased content, and emissions all factor into the performance and sustainability of lubricants. It is ideal for sustainability teams, R&D, sales, and anyone interested in the growing market for EALs.
The HCS Compliance Course is designed to help manufacturers, importers, and distributors stay compliant as they implement the 2024 revisions to the U.S. Hazard Communication Standard. This course covers classification, labeling, SDS requirements, and U.S.–Canada differences. It is ideal for regulatory, EHS, product stewardship, and compliance professionals responsible for labeling, SDS updates, or hazard communication programs, and covers both the producer and employer aspects of the regulations.
The ILMA Internship Toolkit is a comprehensive resource developed by the ILMA Foundation to help member companies create and enhance internship programs. It includes customizable templates, checklists, and best practices for every stage, from recruiting and onboarding to mentoring and evaluation. Designed specifically for the independent lubricant manufacturing industry, the toolkit makes it easy for companies of any size to launch meaningful internships that attract new talent and strengthen the industry’s future workforce.
ILMA’s LubeTrends Virtual Town Hall Webinar series was launched in 2020 to provide members with crucial information regarding COVID-19’s impact on the industry and business operations. Generously sponsored by Chevron Oronite, the LubeTrends series has since evolved to cover a broader scope of insights and information on trends, challenges, and developments within the lubricants industry. At both virtual and in-person events, expert panelists discuss a wide range of topics, including market trends, technological advancements, regulatory updates, and other industry news.
Yes. Member companies can customize the Fundamentals of Lubricants course content, branding, and resources to align training with their internal programs and compliance needs.
The ILMA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the future of the lubricants industry through scholarships, education, research, and workforce development programs.
The ILMA Foundation has five scholarship categories
- The ILMA Foundation “Move the World Forward” Scholarship – seeks to raise awareness of career opportunities in lubricant manufacturing. It is an award of $3,500 per year and is renewable based on maintenance of a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Any rising or current undergraduate or community and technical education (CTE) student may apply.
- The Elmer B. Cleves Scholarship: Elmer B. Cleves excelled both in the classroom and in athletic pursuits. The Elmer B. Cleves Scholarship will be awarded to a scholar-athlete who lettered in at least one varsity sport in high school, and who is going on to study science and/or entrepreneurship in college. The scholarship will provide $5,000 per year with a possible maximum of four years per student.
- The Taglia Scholarship: James A. Taglia is an ILMA Past President and served on the ILMA Board of Directors from 2000 to 2013. Taglia formed ILMA’s Industry Task Force, which initiated the signature testing program that helps enforce our Code of Ethics. The Taglia Scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding student, preferably majoring in chemistry, and preferably from the Taglias’ home states of Minnesota or Ohio. The scholarship will provide $3,500 per year.
- The Ike Tripp Scholarship: Ike Tripp was CEO/Owner of Etna Products, Inc. from 1990 to 2020. Tripp was ILMA President in 1993-1994 and he served on the ILMA Board from 1987–1996. While President, Tripp founded the ILMA Health & Safety Task Force to address concerns about occupational exposure to metalworking fluids produced by many ILMA member companies. That task force is now a full committee of ILMA called the Safety, Health, Environment and Regulatory Affairs Committee (SHERA). The Ike Tripp Scholarship will be awarded to exceptional students who are enrolled in a 4- or 5-year program of study and majoring in chemistry, chemical engineering and/or entrepreneurship/business. The scholarship will provide $5,000 per year.
- The Bob Jackson Award: A one-time award of $5,000 ($4,000 awarded at the beginning of research and $1,000 awarded after the research report summary is received by the ILMA Foundation), honoring ILMA Past President Bob Jackson for initiating the ILMA Foundation Scholarship Program. For graduate students only, to encourage the pursuit of a degree or career in tribology.
Undergraduate, graduate, and technical/vocational students are eligible. Applications typically open each January.
The ILMA Foundation accepts corporate and individual donations. You can donate directly online, sponsor Foundation fundraising events, or contribute to the Foundation’s Endowment Fund, which sustains long-term scholarship awards.
The Scholarship Endowment Fund will set up the ILMA Foundation for ongoing success and ensure it can continue to fund and grow its scholarship program at appropriate levels as the cost of education rises.
The ILMA Annual Meeting, typically held in October, is ILMA’s premier networking event, bringing together more than 1,100 industry leaders for high-level networking, business development, and education.
ILMA Engage, typically held in April, is about half the size of ILMA’s Annual Meeting. From structured events to casual chats over coffee, ILMA Engage creates the perfect environment to connect.
Members and non-members can register for ILMA meetings online. ILMA Members enjoy exclusive, discounted pricing on registration.
Yes, non-members are welcome to attend ILMA meetings. The registration fee is higher for non-members.
ILMA meetings offer dedicated networking opportunities such as the Base Camp central hub area, networking breakfasts and lunches, evening receptions and even sports tournaments like golf, croquet, pickleball and a fun run.
The Meeting Buddy Program pairs first-time attendees with veteran ILMA members to help them navigate events, make connections, and get the most out of their meeting experience.
Compoundings magazine is an exclusive ILMA member benefit, delivering insightful articles, industry news, and updates on the latest trends and innovations shaping the lubricants industry. Compoundings is published monthly in both print and digital formats.
ILMA’s publications and resources are available to ILMA members at www.ILMA.org via the “Member Resources” button at the top right of the screen.
The Member Directory is an online, searchable database of all ILMA member companies and employees — including contact information, member type, products, and locations.
News or updates can be submitted to ILMA via email at communications@ilma.org.
ILMA communicates through newsletters, eblasts, regulatory alerts, social media, the ILMA app and its website to keep members informed about industry news and association events.
ILMA’s Move the World Forward campaign highlights how lubricants power the world’s progress, from transportation to manufacturing, and promotes the impact of careers in the industry.
Gear Your Career helps students and job seekers explore opportunities in the lubricants industry, offering insights, resources, and connections to ILMA member companies.
Lubricants are inherently sustainable – their entire purpose is to increase efficiency and reduce waste. Through its Sustainability Committee and education initiatives, ILMA also helps members adopt more sustainable manufacturing practices and develop next-generation lubricants that further reduce emissions and extend equipment life.
ILMA’s Sustainability Committee helps members navigate and leverage sustainability and broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices to achieve long-term business success. The committee provides guidance, resources, and collaboration opportunities to support members in developing responsible, future-focused strategies that strengthen both their companies and the independent lubricant manufacturing industry.
ILMA can be contacted via the form on our website at https://ilma.org/contact-ilma/ or via email at communications@ilma.org
ILMA members are automatically subscribed to ILMA communications and can update their communication preferences within their ILMA online profile.
Media or press representatives may direct inquires to ILMA’s Director of Communications, Caitlin Jacobs, at cjacobs@ilma.org
Follow ILMA on LinkedIn, X (@ILMATweets), and TikTok (@FrictionFighter) for the latest association updates, resources, and event news.