A Collective Effort Toward a Cleaner Future

Author: Ben Richardson, CEO

Before leading Sulnox, I spent 20 years in investment banking. From the outside, the move from financial services to a Greentech company seemed curious to some. But for me, it felt just right. My degree was actually in geography and specifically focused around all my passions in paleo oceanography and paleo climatology, looking at how the world has changed in its climate through the eons.

Back in 1995 (yes, it was that long ago), there was an intergovernmental panel on climate change that stated that human influence was now having a discernible impact on the climate for the first time, which then led to the Kyoto Protocol in 1997.

The climate change studies that were emerging back in the mid-90s were really impactful on me because the world should be in a period of global cooling now, but as we know, we're actually in a period of unprecedented global warming.

And it's really that speed of the temperature rise over the last 200 years since the industrial revolution that has always interested me.

So yes, I was a banker, but I’ve always had a passion for the climate. And the harsh reality is there's no easy way to solve this emergency overnight.

Reducing fossil fuel consumption continues to be one of the defining challenges of our generation. From climate change to air pollution, the consequences of our reliance upon them are well beyond the point of being urgent. Yet, despite the scale of the problem, there’s no single solution. There’s no direct way we can fix it overnight.

And whilst some headlines can indicate real positive change happening at an encouraging pace, Energy Institute recently reported that whilst renewables are soaring, fossil fuels continue to rise. In their 74th edition of the Statistical Review of World Energy, they analyse global energy data for 2024, and reported that, “Crude oil demand in OECD countries remained flat, following a slight decline in the previous year. In contrast, non-OECD countries, where much of the world’s energy demand growth is concentrated and fossil fuels continue to play a dominant role, saw oil demand rise by 1%.”

Now this isn’t intended to be a “doom and gloom” update, but more a realistic one.

What we do have is a growing ecosystem of practical innovations, behavioural shifts, and policy interventions that, when combined, can make a meaningful impact.

Everyday Actions

While large-scale change often dominates the headlines, it’s so important we don’t overlook the power of small, everyday actions. Whether at home or work, reducing reliance on fossil fuels starts with small choices we all make, and collectively make a big impact.

One of the simplest actions is to cut unnecessary energy use at home, switching to LED lighting, unplugging devices when not in use, and setting thermostats a few degrees lower in winter. Even small habits like washing clothes in cold water or air-drying laundry can significantly lower energy consumption over time.

Transportation is another area where all our individual actions matter. Walking, cycling, or using public transport instead of driving alone reduces fuel consumption and emissions. When driving is necessary, simple actions such as keeping our tyres properly inflated, ensuring our vehicles are regularly serviced and driving more smoothly at lower speeds are all low-effort behaviours that improve fuel efficiency.

When adopted collectively, they compound into real environmental benefits.

This mindset of incremental change sets the stage for broader adoption of technologies, which amplify these small wins into large-scale impact.

Government’s Role

Of course, individual action alone isn’t enough. Governments must take the lead in creating the infrastructure and incentives needed to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. Electric vehicles (EVs) are a prime example of this, offering a cleaner alternative to petrol and diesel, but the issue of cost remains. They’re expensive and dependent on a charging infrastructure that’s still developing.

In the UK, subsidies for EVs are helping bridge that gap, but more needs to be done. Innovative products like Sulnox which deliver immediate fuel savings and emissions reductions across a wide range of vehicles and engines, deserve similar support. Whether through carbon credits, tax incentives, or direct subsidies, governments should be encouraging adoption of solutions that offer both environmental and economic benefits.

Scepticism to Evangelism

One of the most fascinating aspects of joining Sulnox is seeing the reaction we receive from first-time users. Many are understandably sceptical at first. The claims of reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions sound almost too good to be true.

But then they try it.

Whether it’s a truck, a ship, a generator, or even a personal car, users begin to see the results. Fuel efficiency improves. Emissions drop. Engines run smoother. And suddenly, those sceptics become believers, evangelists even, sharing their experiences and encouraging others to give it a go.

So how does it work? Sulnox Eco works through four key effects - each designed to improve how fuel behaves inside your engine.

When added to the fuel tank, the surfactants scavenge small amounts of free water already present, and disperses it into microscopic droplets within the fuel, forming a stable emulsion.

As the fuel enters the combustion chamber, the microscopic water droplets within the atomised fuel vaporise at lower temperatures. This triggers micro-explosions that fragment the fuel droplets into even smaller ones - exposing more surface area and resulting in complete combustion. That means less black smoke lower emissions, and more usable energy from every drop of fuel.

With an average 17% added lubricity, Sulnox Eco also reduces friction across engine components, helping extend the life of key parts like piston rings and liners, but also gently cleans away built-up carbon from engine components - and prevents future deposits - extending their lifespan.

There’s a brilliant new explainer video on our Sulnox Eco page if you’re eager to learn more.

Eastern Pacific Shipping

And as I mentioned, clients are seeing wonderful results too. Take Eastern Pacific Shipping, one of the world’s largest privately owned shipping companies. After implementing Sulnox, they reported not only significant fuel savings but also mechanical improvements - cleaner engine components, reduced sludge production, and a significant reduction of black smoke.

These results are particularly important in the shipping industry, where vessels can burn up to 110 tons of fuel per day. A reduction in consumption here doesn’t just save money, it dramatically cuts greenhouse gas emissions.

And what's lovely to see is we often get unsolicited anecdotes. Trucking companies report that drivers experience better throttle response, less vibration, and smoother gear transitions, especially when climbing hills. One long-haul driver even noted a reduction in diesel smell inside the cab, making overnight stays more comfortable.

These stories highlight the human side of innovation. It’s not just about efficiency; it’s about improving the experience of those who rely on combustion engines every day.

A Humanitarian Solution

For the team behind Sulnox, the mission goes beyond business. It’s a humanitarian effort to improve lives and reduce environmental harm, especially in regions where fuel quality is low and vehicles are older.

In West Africa, for example, Sulnox has delivered fuel savings of c.15%. We see a visible impact where vehicles that once belched black smoke run cleaner. I often find it a powerful reminder that innovation can (and should) serve all communities.

Scaling Across Industries

Over the past four years, Sulnox has built a strong foundation of scientific credibility, secured patents, and developed a trusted brand. Today, its primary focus is the marine industry, where regulatory pressure and cost savings are driving adoption.

These giant ships, bulkers, tankers, and containers can be the size of the Empire State Building and they're burning a vast amount of fuel every day. The use of Sulnox can make a positive reduction in their consumption.

But the potential goes far beyond shipping. Sulnox works in any combustion engine, making it relevant to agriculture, construction, military, and everyday transportation. Whether it’s a tractor in a field, a tank in training, or a family car on the motorway, Sulnox offers a way to reduce fuel use and emissions without requiring major infrastructure changes.

Turning the Tide

The path to reducing fossil fuel consumption isn’t linear, and it certainly isn’t simple.

But it is possible.

Through a combination of individual action, government leadership, and innovative technologies like Sulnox.

By embracing practical solutions and scaling what works, we can make meaningful progress toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

And while there may be no silver bullet, there is a growing arsenal of tools that, together, can help us turn the tide.