SKF Announces Six New Decarbonized Factories, Paving the Way for Sustainable Manufacturing

SKF's Sustainability Milestone

In a groundbreaking development for climate-conscious manufacturing, SKF has announced that six of its factories around the world have attained decarbonized status. This achievement is part of the company's broader commitment to reach net-zero operations by 2030 and marks a pivotal step in their sustainability journey.

The newly recognized factories are located in Nilai, Malaysia; Puebla, Mexico; Haridwar and Pune in India; Massa, Italy; and Ladson, USA. Decarbonization for these facilities means that they have achieved a remarkable reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, truncated to 95% compared to their 2019 emissions baseline, while also establishing clear plans to address any residual greenhouse gas output. These factories also showcase continuous improvements in energy performance and management.

Sofie Runius Cederberg, the Head of Sustainability at SKF, expressed pride in this accomplishment, emphasizing that it represents a critical stride toward the company’s overarching net-zero goal. "By reducing our carbon footprint, we empower our customers to pursue sustainable solutions, aligning with societal needs for a greener future," she stated.

Noteworthy transitions at these facilities include a shift to renewable electricity sources and the phase-out of any fossil fuel-dependent heating systems. SKF has also invested in energy-efficient technologies such as heat pumps and advanced chillers, with substantial energy savings validated even during peak production periods.

Susanne Larsson, SKF's Chief Financial Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer, highlighted the broader implications of their decarbonization efforts. She acknowledged climate change as a pressing global issue, affirming that these recent achievements reflect the company's dedication to climate action and operational excellence. Larsson further explained that by prioritizing renewable energy and energy efficiency, SKF is not only reducing its environmental impact but also enhancing its resilience by lowering overall energy demand.

The six new decarbonized locations join previously acknowledged facilities in Steyr, Austria; Tudela, Spain; and Gothenburg, Sweden. Together, these nine factories now account for nearly 20% of SKF's baseline manufacturing emissions. SKF's climate targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), which endorses the decarbonization roadmap based on the latest climate science. This validation affirms SKF's trajectory to meet its SBTi-approved aim for decarbonized operations by the target year of 2030.

For those interested in exploring more about SKF's decarbonized sites and their ongoing sustainability strategies, detailed information is available on their official website at SKF Sustainability.

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, SKF's efforts set an example for manufacturing industries globally. Through innovation, strategic investments, and a steadfast commitment to reducing emissions, SKF is taking significant strides in its responsibilities towards the environment and society. As this global challenge persists, their advancements offer hope and inspiration for businesses seeking to meet sustainability goals and contribute positively to climate action.