Motul is “Going Beyond the Barrel” to Create a Sustainable Future

For years, Motul Asia Pacific has been setting a path to become the most responsible lubricant brand all throughout Asia. The path is not far as they introduce their latest sustainability initiative, “Going Beyond the Barrel,” a month-long exhibition from 13 September to 10 October, located amidst the picturesque surroundings of the Marina Barrage, nestled within the bustling Sustainable Singapore Gallery. Visitors will witness the awe-inspiring transformation of discarded steel oil drums which have been transformed into meaningful and purposeful creations, as Motul paves the way for a brighter and more sustainable future. Motul Asia Pacific’s Chief Workforce Officer Miranda Lee expresses her excitement on the exhibition saying “Through these ingeniously repurposed Motul steel oil drums, the exhibition stands as a powerful symbol of waste reduction and a champion of environmental consciousness.”

The exhibition is just the beginning of Motul’s plan to transform the industry by embracing sustainability as the lubricant brand seeks to instill consciousness not only within its own ranks but also among its valued customers. “Central to this endeavor was the concept of “upcycling,” wherein waste and byproducts were repurposed to create something valuable,” explains Lee. Motul’s ingenious idea drew inspiration from its essential oil barrels, which dutifully transported their products each day. “By forging an unexpected connection between these barrels, art, and culture, we aimed to reshape perceptions and open doors to unexplored possibilities,” she says.

How the exhibition journey begins
As guests step into the Sustainable Singapore Gallery, a captivating narrative of the renowned French company’s remarkable journey towards sustainability is unveiled. Within this immersive experience, visitors encounter a series of displays that vividly depict the company’s inspiring history. As the journey unfolds, visitors are welcomed to a captivating section, where the true essence of the adventure comes full circle. They will find themselves immersed in a moment of reflection as they ponder possible ways they could pave the way for a greener future through A6-sized cards which come in two designs; one for the beautifully curated barrels and one for Motul’s NGEN bottles, a sustainable and high-performance lubricant launched by Motul early this year and will be available in APAC markets soon. For this exhibit, Lee explains, “we encourage our guests to write their sustainability pledges on the cards to show how we can work together to help the planet as one family, and one community.”
From Waste to Wonder
“Going Beyond the Barrel” weaves together the threads of transformation and purpose with a clear focus: to shed light on the metamorphosis of industrial waste into objects of beauty and significance, perfectly aligned with Motul’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. Within the vibrant space, artists had breathed new life into Motul’s oil drums, transforming them into practical and innovative installations that defied expectations. One such visionary is Cheryl Chiw, a local interdisciplinary artist and creative director, whose displays titled “The Insideout And Outsidein” had infused the drums with a touch of magic, turning them into exquisite works of art that spoke volumes about sustainability and the efficient utilisation of resources.
 
Visitors will find a newfound appreciation for the limitless possibilities that lie within the realm of upcycling as they discover the extraordinary creations of Arr-Jay Assistin, a Technical Engineer hailing from Motul Philippines. With a deft touch and boundless creativity, Assistin had transformed the humble oil drums into stunning sofa sets that effortlessly blended comfort and style. “I love the arts, and creating things brings me so much joy! To most, our used oil drums are just waste. To me, I think we can do something creative and fun with them that not only looks good but also sustainable,” the Technical Engineer explained.
Doing Good, Together
After indulging in relaxing moments on the comfortable sofa sets, guests will then be greeted by the enchanting display brought to life by Cultivate Central and 3Pumpkins showcasing how resilient plants thrive effortlessly, sustained by an innovative irrigation system crafted by the esteemed urban permaculture design practice. Their stunning planters were skillfully painted by children from 3Pumpkins, collaborating with Motul staff members who repurposed drums for this creative project. “We’re very excited to be collaborating with such renowned organisations as a means to give back to the community. This urban Eden seamlessly merges art, functionality, and nature, creating a breathtaking portrayal of the mesmerizing cycle of life,” Lee emphasises. Once the exhibition draws to a close, these remarkable works of art will find their forever homes in the vibrant community gardens of Boon Lay, leaving an indelible mark on the local neighborhood.
 
In the spirit of giving back to the community outside of sustainability, the lubricant company will also be featuring the Motul Corazón Foundation at “Going Beyond the Barrel.” Their groundbreaking CSR global initiative is dedicated to empowering young individuals to surpass their limits and collaborates closely with non-profit organizations worldwide, offering essential funding for projects that uplift and inspire adolescents who face various challenges and adversities. Its primary focus lies in fostering growth and resilience through mechanical, technical, and personal training and development programs.
What’s Next?
The Chief Workforce Officer was excited to share what is to come for the lubricant brand: “As we embark on a journey towards a circular economy, we will be introducing Post-Consumer Resin (PCR) bottles for our motorcycle engine oil packaging.” This bold move reflects the brand’s resolute commitment to curbing plastic waste and minimising its carbon footprint, a daily impact felt by its loyal customers. Through this venture, Motul goes beyond conventional boundaries, daring on “Going Beyond the Barrel,” as they not only showcase their commitment at exhibitions but also manifest their dedication to providing innovative and sustainable solutions to consumers in the forthcoming years.

To express the excitement this brings to the company, Motul Asia Pacific’s CEO Lionel Dantiacq said: “As we celebrate 170 years of Motul, we are looking forward to embracing a future of sustainable growth. We aim to be the most responsible lubricant brand in Asia and we are enthusiastic about embarking on this transformative journey, dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment and society as a whole.”