#SKF #Sweden #Gothenburg #COP30 #Friction Fighting Summit

SKF's Commitment to Sustainable Transformation After COP30

Following the greatly successful COP30 held in Belém, Brazil, SKF has emerged with renewed vigor and a commitment to driving sustainable transformation through innovative technologies and collaboration. The UN Climate Conference turned out to be a pivotal moment for SKF, as their circular technologies and remanufacturing solutions were awarded the prestigious title of winners in the SBCOP's Best Cases category. This success is not the end but rather the catalyst for further action.

On December 3-4, 2025, SKF will host the inaugural Friction Fighting Summit in Gothenburg, Sweden, gathering a diverse range of stakeholders that includes industry leaders, academic experts, and financiers. This summit represents SKF's initiative to take the dialogue created at COP30 a step further and transform it into actionable strategies that can streamline the path to sustainability in industrial practices.

The Friction Fighting Summit aims to tackle the various barriers that hinder sustainable innovation. These barriers are not limited to mechanical friction; they encompass the friction found within business models, incentive structures, and decision-making processes. SKF intends to facilitate the scaling of proven solutions such as remanufacturing and cutting-edge technologies while serving as a catalyst towards the commercialization of sustainability and advancing Europe’s strategic autonomy.

David Johansson, the President of SKF's Industrial Region for Europe and Africa, remarked, "COP30 demonstrated that collaboration is key for successfully navigating the climate transition. Now, we must shift from discussion to actionable results. The Friction Fighting Summit is assembling the crucial players to turn our ambitions into tangible changes."

Progress from COP30 to Gothenburg

During COP30, SKF showcased several scalable solutions geared towards achieving net-zero emissions. These innovations include:

• - Remanufacturing of Roller Bearings: This process has led to the avoidance of approximately 15,600 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions in 2024 alone.
• - RecondOil Technology: This innovative method allows for the circular use of industrial oil, thereby minimizing waste.
• - Energy-Efficient Technologies: Including magnetic and ceramic technologies applied in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems as well as heat pumps.
• - Tidal Power Drivetrains and Internal Decarbonization Programs: These initiatives contribute to both reduced emissions and enhanced energy efficiency.

The remanufacturing solution from SKF winning the SBCOP's Best Cases award reinforces the company's position as a frontrunner in sustainable innovation. Furthermore, SKF's participation in the global LeadIT initiative underscores their commitment to steering heavy industries toward net-zero emissions. SKF has also launched The Patent Bay, which functions as an open platform sharing selected patents to expedite the development of sustainability-focused technologies.

Vanja Winblad, the Sustainability Director for Industrial Region Europe and Africa, stated, "We are fully aware that the technology necessary for sustainability exists; what we lack are systematic measures and business models that promote and reward sustainable practices. The Friction Fighting Summit is a bold move to spearhead the progress in this direction."

Details of the Friction Fighting Summit

• - Date: December 3-4, 2025
• - Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
• - Participants: A diverse mix of industrial leaders, policymakers, academics, and investors from across the Nordics and Europe.
• - Objective: To accelerate industrial transformation through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the commercialization of circular solutions.

SKF’s continued commitment to sustainability post-COP30 is emblematic of a broader industry trend toward greener practices and innovation. The collaborative spirit and high-level expertise expected at the Friction Fighting Summit will undoubtedly create an environment ripe for groundbreaking developments in sustainable technologies and practices. With a refreshed focus and a strong community of stakeholders rallying behind these initiatives, SKF is set to lead the charge in revolutionizing the industry for a sustainable future.