In a strategic move set to reshape fuel preservation across Europe, LANXESS has joined forces with UK-based Fuelcare to roll out advanced biocide solutions aimed at tackling one of the industry’s most persistent threats: microbial contamination.
Under the agreement, Fuelcare will spearhead the European marketing of LANXESS’s flagship products Kathon FP 1.5 and Preventol D2—two established names in fuel protection. In the UK, the solutions will be rebranded under Fuelcare’s FuelClear M15 line.
Notably, Kathon FP 1.5 stands out as one of the few chemistries to secure full “union-wide” approval under EU biocidal regulations, signaling a major step toward standardized safety and performance across the bloc.
The partnership targets critical sectors including maritime, rail, power generation, manufacturing, and logistics—industries where fuel reliability is non-negotiable and contamination can bring operations to a halt.
At the heart of the deal lies a growing challenge: microbial instability in stored fuels. When water infiltrates storage systems, it creates a breeding ground for microorganisms that generate sludge, corrosion, and system failures. Left unchecked, these issues can clog filters, damage infrastructure, and trigger costly downtime.
The companies say their combined expertise—pairing advanced biocides with precise dosing strategies and technical support—offers a proactive defense against these risks.
LANXESS brings a deep portfolio of antimicrobial solutions designed for everything from emergency decontamination to long-term prevention. Fuelcare, meanwhile, has built its reputation on extending fuel life cycles and improving system performance in demanding environments.
“Fuelcare’s deep market expertise and service-driven business model make the company a strong strategic partner for LANXESS.”
“Fuel treatment goes beyond simply adding additives—it requires the right product, the right dosing strategy, and the right service support,” said Oliver Rumford-Warr, Managing Director of Fuelcare Ltd.
“That is our expertise, and through our partnership with LANXESS, we can offer it to a wider customer base along with our automated dosing technology.”
Fuelcare is already scaling up to meet anticipated demand, expanding operations and customer support capabilities at new and upgraded facilities in Shrewsbury, Venlo, and Aberdeen—signalling confidence that this partnership could mark a turning point in how Europe safeguards its fuel supply chains.
