Novvi, a joint venture of Amyris, Inc. and Cosan S.A. Industria e Comercio and a leading producer of high-performance renewable oils based in Emeryville, Calif., U.S.A., announced that its engine oils have received certification from the American Petroleum Institute (API) for a full range of viscosity grades.

API’s Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS) is a voluntary licensing and certification program that authorizes engine oil marketers who meet specified requirements to use the API Engine Oil Quality Marks.  The performance requirements and test methods are established by vehicle and engine manufacturers and technical societies and trade associations such as ASTM International, SAE International and the American Chemistry Council (ACC).

“For renewable oils to transform the growing automotive lubricant market, they need to compete on performance and cost. Novvi’s product clearly delivers a better value across performance, price, durability and sustainability,” said Jeff Brown, Novvi CEO. “These accomplishments demonstrate that Novvi engine oils can help every car on the planet run better, cleaner and longer.”

Novvi is the first company to commercialize plant-based oils that meet the full performance requirements of the automotive industry, it said. It added that Novvi engine oils have clocked more than half a million miles at the Sonoma Raceway, a premier racing venue for events ranging from NASCAR to amateur road races.

“Sonoma Raceway hosts some of the most intense races in the world. Our vehicles and equipment must perform at high temperatures and speeds,” said Steve Page, president and general manager of Sonoma Raceway. “Novvi’s no-compromise oils meet our exceptionally high performance standards, while supporting our ambitious environmental goals. Our mechanics now prefer Novvi oil to premier commercial products.”

Demand for high-performance, sustainable oils will continue to expand rapidly as new efficiency standards ranging from Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements to greenhouse gas emissions limits come online, the company said.