In focus: The topics of VDMA North Rhine Westphalia
With the omnibus proposal, the EU Commission plans to simplify ESG regulations, reduce bureaucracy and optimize sustainability reporting - we analyze the latest developments.
The workshop series of the Effizienz-Agentur NRW (efa) provides practical support for the NRW mechanical and plant engineering industry when entering into circular business models - this offers enormous potential even in times of crisis.
EU substance policy is bringing about far-reaching regulatory changes that will have a lasting impact on mechanical and plant engineering - we have shed light on the challenges and prospects.
Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technology offers a promising opportunity to reduce unavoidable CO₂ quantities. This involves not only capturing carbon dioxide, but also reusing it as a valuable raw material in industry.
The EU Battery Regulation aims to minimize the negative environmental impact of batteries. This has far-reaching consequences for the mechanical and plant engineering industry.
From September 24 to 27, 2024, companies and initiatives from NRW will be exhibiting at the joint state stand at WindEnergy Hamburg.
The strategic integration of sustainability reporting obligations in companies is becoming increasingly important, as the increasing transparency requirements will affect a large proportion of SMEs in the future.
ProduktionNRW looks at different areas of the transformation megatrend. Practical examples from the mechanical and plant engineering sector are used to show how implementation can succeed and which success factors are important.
Do you combine environmental protection with economic success? Show it in the Environmental Business Award.NRW 2024 and submit your application by April 30, 2024!
QM Corner stands for one topic, one hour and virtual. The established format will be continued in 2024. The first session dealt with the topic of sustainability and management systems.
The EU omnibus package is intended to significantly reduce the burden on companies. This applies in particular to the limitation of due diligence obligations to direct business partners. The EU must not be dissuaded from this course.
Experts from industry, science and politics discussed engines, technologies, legislation and the energy transition in Tübingen - with presentations, exchanges and new impetus.
The first year under the EU Battery Regulation - The new German Battery Law Implementing Act (BattDG): What do producers and manufacturers need to consider?
Discussions on double testing, cyber and sustainability regulation as well as change of presidency at eurosafe General Assembly 2025 in Cologne
The 31st CIMAC World Congress brought together around 1000 experts from the fields of combustion engines, drive technology and power generation in Zurich.
The CO2 border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) should be simplified. This is also urgently needed: Small and medium-sized companies in particular must be exempted.
The Centre for European Policy provides a good overview of the current state of the German energy sector with reference to natural gas and hydrogen as important energy sources and formulates recommendations for policy makers
Renewable fuels are a sharp sword against climate change. This is currently being demonstrated by the Tour d' Europe, which is highlighting the decarbonization potential of renewable fuels.
The new Clean Industrial Deal seeks to answer the industry calls for competitiveness as the successor of the EU Green Deal?
Good news from Brussels: the suspension of several reporting obligations gives companies the capacity to act in order to focus on important areas of transformation.
In economically difficult times, the VDMA supports its members with valuable information and personal advice. Together we will find the right course and strengthen the resilience of the companies.
Recently, 37 organizations called for the equal treatment of green hydrogen for use in hydrogen combustion engines. Now an event has taken up the issue.
Have you already calculated your company's climate footprint and defined ambitious climate targets? But what specific measures can a company take to achieve these goals?
Emissions trading is the lead instrument for climate protection. EU countries are using additional instruments to achieve further targets. An IMPULS study examines the challenges of the instrument mix.
With the introduction of the new Ecodesign Regulation and the creation of a Digital Product Passport (DPP), the EU Commission has implemented key elements of the EU Green Deal.
Associations of the plastics industry and waste management industry continue to work together
At the end of November 2024, the European Court of Justice ruled that the "customer installation" grid category is unlawful.
With the ‘Sustainability Talks’, the VDMA is organising a web series on current and relevant sustainability topics for the mechanical and plant engineering industry. You can find an overview of the topics and dates here.
The EU wants to noticeably relieve companies of the bureaucratic costs associated with CBAM. This is a welcome relief for many small and medium-sized companies.
On 26 February, the European Commission published the omnibus proposal on sustainability. The EU Commission is thus responding to the concerns of the overburdened economy and strengthening competitiveness.
The objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal are fundamentally correct. However, EU policy must urgently improve the conditions in Europe across the board. Not only the symptoms of crisis industries must be treated.
The RES program supports a marketing concept with funding and expert advice on reference plants for climate-friendly energy solutions abroad.
The modern production world depends crucially on a secure and equally modern energy supply. The variety of solution ideas will be presented at Hannover Messe.
Energy efficiency measures in refrigeration technology help to achieve climate protection and economic efficiency targets. The Fachverband Allgemeine Lufttechnik therefore called together experts on the subject.
We have sat down and compiled an overview for you of the prizes and awards available, the structures and cost models behind them and how they are perceived and received by the public.
The Motors and Systems newsletter provides information on current trends, news and events within its sector and the VDMA. It is published every two weeks and is of course free of charge.
The VDMA has addressed extensive demands to politicians. What do the parties think? Our overview shows the extent to which the mechanical and plant engineering industry is taken into account in the programs for the federal election on February 23, 2025.
In the IEA's 2024 "Energy Technology Perspectives" report, the agency looks at global market developments in green technologies and the resilience of their production chains.
Energy and climate policy remain highly relevant in politics. This is why the amendment to the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Act is a positive measure.
The VDMA is calling for reliable framework conditions for growth and competitiveness in Germany in 2025. Together we can master the challenges of the future. You can find the details in the economic policy positions for 2025.
With the Omnibus Regulation, Commission President von der Leyen wants to consolidate, reduce and simplify various ESG reporting obligations. The VDMA welcomes the initiative and is submitting specific proposals for improvement.
Crops need nutrients and must be protected from pests. Innovative agricultural machinery and efficient fertilizers and pesticides ensure that this is achieved in a climate-friendly way.
In January, VDMA Power Systems is launching a new series of events entitled "Into 2025 with new knowledge", in which relevant technical and regulatory topics for companies in the power plant engineering sector will be highlighted.
Under the name "Forever Lobbying Project", media partners from 16 countries have joined forces to research the topic of PFAS. The rather one-sided findings are currently being published in various countries.
2025 is the last year before CBAM’s full implementation, what are the latest developments EU companies need to consider?
The mechanical and plant engineering sector is at the forefront of driving the sustainable transformation. To remain competitive, companies must be relieved of red tape, and ESG requirements must be implemented in a practical manner.
The transformation to climate neutrality presents a significant competitive opportunity for Germany and Europe. To fully capitalize on this potential, emissions trading and climate protection technologies must be designed effectively.
The agricultural technology industry is an important enabler of the agribusiness of the future. This is because it makes it possible to harmonize economy and ecology. We will be demonstrating this at the Green Week on three sustainability paths.
Thinking about the defossilization of tractors is a complex field of action.
The call for sector specific sustainability benchmarks has increased as mechanical engineering companies come under pressure from legislation and customers to report their sustainability impact.
Many mechanical engineering companies supply the technologies needed for a circular economy. This makes it all the more important that the EU and the future German government seriously pursue a circular economy policy.
In the dispute over the regulation of PFAS, ECHA is signaling initial openness to alternatives to a comprehensive ban. For the industries in Europe that rely on PFAS, this is a cautious signal in the right direction.
The COP29 climate conference in Baku has opened the way to a global carbon market - but postponed crucial questions on financing global climate protection. Small steps, but not nearly enough.
The agreement reached at the COP climate conference on a voluntary global carbon market is a milestone. It has the potential to accelerate the global use of particularly efficient technologies to avoid emissions.
AMT was founded as a new working group within the VDMA in November 2024. Its Managing Director Daniel Erdmann explains the background in an interview.
VDMA AMT - Advanced Maritime Technology Platform is the new network for automation and digitalization in maritime shipping.
China wants to promote the development of domestic sorting technology. The expansion of the textile recycling industry is being promoted by the state, provinces and municipalities.
The ‘Circular Production NRW’ funding programme is supporting innovative projects for sustainable, resource-efficient and circular value creation in SMEs with 21 million euros.
By efficiently bundling personal contacts, trade fairs make an important contribution to climate protection and sustainability because additional travel is avoided.
The COP29 world climate conference is taking place in Baku (Azerbaijan) from November 11 to 29. Find out here what topics will be discussed there and how the results could affect the mechanical and plant engineering sector.
Climate protection needs sufficient resources - both financially and technologically. The climate conference in Baku must set the right course for this.
Grants for the further development and scaling of bio-based processes - the new funding guideline for the establishment of an industrial bioeconomy in Germany makes it possible.
Optimized packaging design and innovative processing techniques have led to packaging becoming lighter and lighter over the years, with the same or better packaging performance and stability.
On October 29, the European Commission hosted a webinar explaining the application process for strategic recognition of manufacturing projects under the Net-Zero Industry Act.
Simplify construction processes, but never compromise on standards
The new project to support the further development of OECD Tractor Codes began in mid-September.
24 associations are now calling for an early, technology-neutral revision of the regulations for CO2 emission standards.
HAINBUCH has created a sustainable recycling solution for paper, plastics and corundum waste. Through optimized collection and pick-up cycles, we promote recycling, reduce emissions and conserve resources.
On August 29, Germany published its updated national energy and climate plan. In these plans, each EU member state provides comprehensive information on its national energy and climate policy for the next 10 years.
The German Supply Chain Act places an undue burden on small and medium-sized industrial companies. The CDU/CSU is therefore quite rightly calling for it to be repealed in the Bundestag.
LASCO's measure includes the installation of a solar system with 3,692 modules, which means that the solar power capacity exceeds the megawatt threshold for the first time. The aim is to sustainably cover energy consumption and reduce CO₂ emissions.
The new European chemicals package must take greater account of the needs of small and medium-sized companies in particular. General bans are the wrong approach.
The EU Commission proposes postponement of the Deforestation Regulation by one year following massive criticism.
Industry associations warn of the loss of battery technology of the future
The entry into force of the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is to be postponed by one year - this is a first step. The regulation now needs to be fundamentally revised.
At this year's CHILLVENTA, the Forschungsrat Kältetechnik e.V. and the Forschungsvereinigung für Luft- und Trocknungstechnik (FLT) e.V. will be exhibiting together with the Fachverband Allgemeine Lufttechnik at the VDMA stand for the first time.
Batteries are of immense importance for the success of our sustainability efforts, especially the electrification of the transport sector. However, in order not to miss the boat in this key technology, we need to step up our efforts now.
Food and packaging machinery plays a crucial role in reducing food waste. Advanced processes in food processing and packaging extend shelf life and protect against spoilage.
SORG CLEAN Melter® - a new melting tank technology for decarbonizing the glass industry
To implement our sustainability strategy, project teams consisting of over 50 "sustainability ambassadors" have been established. All areas of the company are actively involved in the process.
The DESMA PCF Navigator helps to significantly optimize the carbon footprint of elastomer articles
Use of (green) hydrogen as an alternative heating medium to natural gas for energy-efficient use in textile finishing plants (drying plants). The use of hydrogen contributes to climate protection.
The EU Deforestation Regulation is a prime example of well-intentioned but poorly implemented regulation. It must be postponed and fundamentally revised.
District heating generation with multi-stage large-scale turbocompressor heat pump
The deforestation regulation forces us to act.
Regulations are instruments used to ensure the stability and integrity of markets and industries. They serve to protect consumers, promote fair competition and ensure compliance with legal stability.
Transformation will only succeed if the framework conditions for Germany as an industrial location are improved. Reforms must not be put on the back burner any longer.
Popular science publications are full of statements about the "end of oil & gas". But what is the reality?
The industry is focusing on sustainability. At this year's AMB in Stuttgart from September 10 to 14, manufacturers and VDMA will be demonstrating the approaches that will enable manufacturers and customers to work in an even more climate-neutral way in the future.
The "Produktives.NRW" competition call supports investments in critical technologies in the areas of digital innovations, environmentally friendly and resource-efficient technologies and biotechnology in NRW.
The “Engines and Systems” directory provides a quick overview of who supplies what.
The time-limited funding for the decarbonization of SMEs is the right thing to do. It will enable innovations to be brought to market more quickly.
Mechanical engineering is indispensable for a European circular economy. The Circular Economy Act is an important building block, but it must not end in the minutiae of regulation.
The German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHSt) provides information on the possibility for companies to provide evidence of their efforts to obtain data on CBAM goods and the use of its discretionary powers in the assessment of CBAM reports
We are excited to announce our partnership with RE+ USA. RE+ is the largest clean energy event in North America.
The ramp-up of renewable energies is sometimes a challenge for stability. Pumped storage can provide a flexible remedy here and thus ensure the stability of the grids and security of supply.
The EU's upcoming Clean Industrial Deal addresses the right issues from the perspective of the mechanical engineering industry. Implementation must now be a priority, involving the relevant stakeholders.
Exclusive opportunities for VDMA members to take part in conferences
Development of a product category rule for determining the CO2 footprint of thermo processing equipment - call for cooperation in the development of a VDMA standard sheet.
VDMA companies are partners for sustainable production. They promote a circular economy with efficient processes and binding rules and call for Germany and the EU to be strengthened as locations for innovation and competitiveness.
The cabinet agreement on CSRD is to be welcomed. However, there are downsides: these include the limited group of authorized auditors. The additional costs for affected companies are also significantly underestimated in the draft legislation.
As part of the Green Deal Industrial Plan, the Net-Zero Industry Act is now in force aiming at boosting green manufacturing in Europe. Which technologies will be favoured? And how is resilience secured?
CO2 reduction is on everyone's lips. But many industrial processes will continue to emit significant amounts of it in the short term. However, with forward-looking carbon management (CCM), we can make use of this raw material.
In a first pre-kickoff meeting (26.6.2024 at VDMA Frankfurt) the aim and direction of the approval guideline were discussed with 40 interested parties. Next date 3.9.2024.
New: Data collection on packaging not subject to system participation. The amended Environmental Statistics Act came into force on 16.05.2024, which will also be used to collect data on packaging not subject to system participation from June 2024.
The energy research report shows that Germany has a strong research landscape. However, energy research must respond more strongly to market offensives by competitors such as China.
In the ESRS project group, members exchange views on questions relating to the reporting requirements under CSRD. The VDMA provides its members with the interim status of the discussion as a Q&A.
CSRD, Supply Chain Sustainability Obligations Act & Co.: The seminars of the Mechanical Engineering Institute provide you with practical knowledge and solutions to the current requirements for more sustainability and climate protection in mechanical and plant engineering.
The Energy Services Act is intended to make companies more efficient in their use of energy. To achieve this, companies now need planning certainty quickly in order to implement the numerous regulations!
Important challenges relating to the OECD Tractor Codes recently dominated the agenda at a working group meeting in Slovakia.
QTK - quality, time, cost: this triangle of customer benefit dimensions has defined the economy for generations. Sustainability now adds another corner - the square QTKN.
On 19 June the EU Commission held a webinar for companies who are currently obliged to report emissions related to imports under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.
The VDMA publishes the first benchmark for industry-wide materiality in accordance with the European Sustainable Reporting Standard (ESRS) of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
With its new building in Waldkraiburg, NETZSCH Pumpen & Systeme GmbH is setting new standards in terms of climate protection and sustainability. The global specialist for complex fluid management aims to achieve complete climate neutrality by 2045.
The use of recyclable or reusable packaging not only makes ecological sense, but also saves direct costs. Reducing packaging sizes offers additional efficiency potential for companies.
Losses in the compressed air systems of manufacturing companies often lead to unnecessarily high energy costs. More energy-efficient systems and preventive diagnostic and maintenance measures save money.
Creating a heating and ventilation concept in conjunction with an autonomous control system can reduce CO2 emissions throughout the company.
On 1st October 2023 the transitional phase and first reporting period of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) began.
The PIK article published in the magazine "nature" calculates the economic losses of climate change up to the year 2100.
Training employees to become energy scouts can help to identify hidden efficiency potential in companies and thus reduce costs.
EU Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius announces action on reusable transport packaging quota.
Heat losses in company buildings contribute to higher energy bills and thus also to a higher greenhouse gas emissions balance for the company.
This measure contributes to the optimization of building efficiency by reducing the building area to be managed.
The continuous replacement of existing conventional light sources is a low-threshold measure to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
In a study, the Federal Environment Agency examined the potential and obstacles to carpooling in Germany. It was found that these solutions "are an essential component of environmentally-oriented mobility management.
Millions around the world are suffering from water shortages. Mechanical engineering offers innovative solutions for efficient water use and treatment.
Together with member companies, the VDMA has developed training documents from October 2023 to spring 2024 that can be used to raise awareness of human rights risks in your own company and supply chain.
In this article we want to inform you at irregular intervals about important developments in the CO2/CO market on carbon capture, transportation, storage, CCUS.
In our interview with Hans-Josef Fell, we shed light on Germany's untapped hydropower potential. According to the Energy Watch Group, the whole of eastern Germany could be supplied with renewable electricity if hydropower were optimally utilized.
The Joint Research Center of the European Commission has compared several possible development scenarios for an emerging CO2 transport network in Europe to identify positive and negative factors.
In a world where the search for sustainable energy sources is becoming increasingly urgent, hydropower is making a comeback as one of the oldest and most reliable forms of energy generation.
Traditionally, production halls are supplied with alternating current from the public power grid. However, switching to direct current would have a number of advantages.
The more material - for example metals or plastics - that is not part of the final product, the higher the total material consumption and the higher the total greenhouse gas emissions.
On March 15, 2023, the Federal Cabinet adopted a National Water Strategy for Germany. This strategy and the action program lay the foundation for the sustainable management of water resources and water protection.
The energy efficiency of your own production equipment, such as machine tools, can be improved by measuring and visualizing electricity consumption.
Enabling more climate-friendly commuting for employees
The International Space Station (ISS) as a pioneer.
Water crisis in Europe: How mechanical engineering and the circular economy offer a solution. Which technologies are crucial? What role does digitalization play?
The good news first: industry is using less and less water. Technologies and innovative system approaches are needed to reduce it even further and at the same time avoid waste water.
The value of water is still underestimated. This applies to water as an elixir of life and to water in the context of industry.
The IEA's latest report on the development of global electricity markets with a short-term forecast for the next two years on technologies, infrastructure and price developments.
PFAS are now also being scrutinized in the USA. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has defined reporting and retention requirements for PFAS in US TSCA. The VDMA supports its member companies with a fact sheet.
Workshop on 10.6 & 11.06 at VDMA in Frankfurt - Recycling of rotor blades
The European Sustainable Finance Taxonomy Regulation aims to define what environmentally sustainable economic activities are and thus create a standardized classification system within the EU.
Here you will find links to our publications that have already been published. We make the latest analyses available exclusively to VDMA member companies via our mailing list.
On 26 October 2023, the focus day at the Future Food Factory OWL of the Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences (TH OWL) revolved around the topic of sustainability through digitalization in food production.
The VDMA has published a questionnaire on the LkSG, which can be used to further specify potential risks in your own business area and in the supply chain.
With its energy market simulation software "Power2Sim", Energy Brainpool created a scenario for an energy economy based on hydrogen and green electricity as the main energy carriers.
The demand for alternative raw materials from chemical recycling processes is growing. The Chemical Recycling Corporate Forum has defined fields of action for the politics to create better framework conditions for the development of the industry.
On 05 June 2023, the EU Commission presented plans against food waste with the revision of the EU Waste Framework Directive (2018/851/EC).
Zur Vorbereitung auf den G7 Gipfel in Japan entwarf die IEA ein Klassifikationssystem für Wasserstoff, auf Grundlage der im Herstellungsprozess freigesetzten Emissionen.
The IEA examines current trends and risks of future energy technologies and recommends that responsible parties actively pursue solutions.
On behalf of the German Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur), industrial sectors are analyzed for their importance in case of a gas shortage in order to enable better decisions for a shutdown sequence in case of a crisis.
In its EV Outlook 2023, the IEA presents current trends in the global EV market. This has continued to grow strongly over the past year and is driving further innovation.
EU Regulation 2022/1616 on recycled plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food came into force on October 10, 2022, replacing the previously applicable EU Regulation 2008/282. The new regulation applies to all plastic types and recycling technologies.
Your contacts in the trade associations and regional subsidiaries on this topic
