SKF to Highlight Friction Reduction Solutions at COP30 in Brazil

SKF at COP30: Driving Sustainable Change Through Collaboration

SKF, a leader in friction management, is gearing up for its participation in COP30, the crucial climate summit scheduled for November 2025 in Belém, Brazil. The company is determined to push forward systemic changes and promote sustainability through effective collaboration with various industry stakeholders. As the global community grapples with the pressing climate crisis, SKF emphasizes the urgent need for collective action and innovative solutions to reduce friction, both in physical products and within organizational mindsets.

The Urgency of Collaboration

Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO of SKF, pointed out that the company sees friction not just in its products but throughout the global value chain, noting that it manifests in mindsets, metrics, and business models. For SKF, driving alignment into action and transforming collaboration into competitive advantages is not just a goal—it's a responsibility. He stated, "Since 1907, SKF's products and solutions have reduced friction and enabled a more sustainable industry. Achieving our wider climate ambitions will require new forms of collaboration."

This year’s COP30 offers a vital platform for SKF to illustrate how sustainability is interwoven with their offerings and operational strategies. The company aims to showcase successful collaborations with customers and suppliers, positioning innovation as a crucial driver in achieving sustainability goals.

A Holistic Approach to Sustainability

Annika Ölme, CTO and Senior Vice President of Technology Development at SKF, underlined the importance of cross-sector collaboration. Ölme insists that advancing decarbonization and promoting energy-efficient solutions necessitates unity around shared objectives. "Our message to COP30 is that fostering a resilient industry demands open, systematic collaboration across every link in the chain. Sustainability is a core driver of business resilience, and SKF is committed to leading that shift," she explained.

As a vital part of the global industrial ecosystem, SKF operates in approximately 130 countries and supports around 17,000 distribution points worldwide. By leveraging deep customer insights, the company can turn challenges into practical solutions that minimize friction and facilitate progress. Their innovative technologies and services not only help lessen emissions but also enhance equipment longevity and promote more sustainable operational practices.

Pioneering Sustainable Practices

Sofie Runius Cederberg, Head of Sustainability at SKF, shared insight into the company's strides in minimizing its climate impact. She highlighted SKF's achievements, which are attributed to a mix of enhanced renewable energy sourcing, energy efficiency improvements, a phased-out reliance on fossil fuels, and a focus on productivity enhancement. This accumulated experience proves invaluable when partnering with customers and suppliers as they navigate their sustainability journeys.

The Importance of COP30

COP30, scheduled from November 10 to 21, 2025, is regarded as one of the most significant international gatherings on climate change. This summit serves as a crucial meeting point for global leaders, scientists, businesses, NGOs, and civil society, all working collaboratively toward solutions that address the climate crisis effectively.

Through its participation under the auspices of Business Sweden's 'Climate Matchmaker' initiative, SKF aims to connect pressing global climate challenges with scalable solutions from Swedish enterprises. The company is also proud to be a contributor to the Brazilian initiative SB30, which focuses on enhancing the role of the private sector in climate negotiations.

As we approach COP30, SKF's commitment not only highlights the company's ambition but also serves as a reminder of the essential role that business can play in forging a sustainable future. Together, by sharing knowledge and working closely, we can reduce friction across industries and champion a comprehensive approach to tackling the most pressing issues of our time.