Castrol unveils refreshed brand to reflect the changing needs of customers

Castrol, a global leader in lubricants and part of the bp group, today unveils its refreshed brand, including an updated look and feel. The brand refresh is aimed at better reflecting its unique positioning in the market and the opportunities it sees in meeting the changing needs of customers.

Castrol is exploring opportunities to provide solutions and services that will complement its core lubricants business and provide additional value to customers. For example, the company already has Castrol ON - a range of advanced electric vehicle (EV) fluids including EV Transmission Fluids, EV Thermal Fluids and EV Greases; and has announced plans to invest around $60 million in a new, state-of-the-art EV battery testing centre and analytical laboratory in the UK. Castrol’s ON immersion cooling fluid for use in data centres has now been fully approved by Submer for use across its portfolio of products.

The refreshed brand identity is the result of a comprehensive brand strategy process, which included extensive research, analysis, and input from stakeholders, customers, and industry experts. The updated logo features a more modern, dynamic, and vibrant design, with a focus on Castrol’s core strengths and differentiators as the company aims to broaden its appeal among a more diverse customer base for lubricants, services and solutions. It maintains Castrol’s iconic red, green and white colours, which are strongly associated with the brand, and is set to improve brand memorability online.

The refreshed brand identity is being rolled out in stages across all of Castrol’s European operations this year and into 2024, ultimately becoming visible on all of its product packaging, service partnership programmes, facilities, online and offline marketing, and global sponsorship assets.

“We are excited to launch our refreshed brand, which represents an exciting chapter for our company,” said Nicola Buck, chief marketing officer of Castrol. “Our refreshed brand identity reflects our commitment to investing in the future and creating new opportunities for growth and success.”

“The worlds of mobility and industry are facing faster-than-ever changes as the world transforms and aims for net zero, and customers want more sustainable solutions. Change is vital for Castrol to thrive. We’re signalling to the world that we are set for the future.”

“I believe that refreshing a globally recognised brand is not just about changing its appearance or messaging,” adds Michelle Jou, CEO of Castrol. “It's about reinvigorating its essence, and relevance in today's world. We need to listen to our customers, understand their evolving needs and aspirations, and leverage our core strengths to be a brand that inspires them. A refreshed brand should not be just a cosmetic exercise; in my view it's a strategic imperative that drives growth, differentiation, and long-term success.”

The brand refresh also includes a new sonic identity. It has been crafted to enhance the refreshed visual look and feel, with music and sound design that strongly elicits feelings of acceleration, forward-momentum and dynamic movement. Castrol's new sonic identity is a powerful future distinctive brand asset that will drive awareness and memorability.

Castrol believe that these changes will provide a more engaging, memorable, and effective brand experience for its audiences.

Castrol worked with top branding and design agency Landor & Fitch and leading sonic branding agency MassiveMusic to develop its refreshed brand identity. The expertise and creativity of these two agencies has been instrumental in shaping the refreshed brand.