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Sustainability & Energy
Demand for climate-friendly energy technologies is growing rapidly. Here, mechanical and plant engineering can expand its key position as a supplier and user of sustainable energy systems. However, this will only succeed if energy costs do not develop into a locational disadvantage and technology paths remain explicitly open through forward-looking legislation.

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Draft EU Packaging Regulation: VDMA participates in consultation process

The European Commission has published a proposal for a regulation on packaging and packaging waste on November 30, 2022. The VDMA will participate in a public consultation.

Material Compliance Guide now available

Product-related environmental regulations, many of which are known by the widely used term "Material Compliance (MC)," have been explained by VMDA in a comprehensive guide.

VDMA battery event with great response

Under the heading "Battery legal requirements - From the BattG to the EU Battery Regulation", the VDMA held an event on March 20, 2023. Here is the most important in brief.

New Ecodesign Regulation and digital product passport

With the publication (March 30, 2022) of the new Ecodesign Regulation and the establishment of a digital product passport (DPP), the EU Commission has set an important milestone under the Green Deal. When is the final agreement expected? And what is the current status?

Supporting documents for the ZVEI-VDMA Code of Conduct

Here you will find accompanying documents to support you in implementing the contents (compliance and sustainability topics) described in the ZVEI-VDMA Code of Conduct in your company.

VDMA Award "Carbon Busters 2.0" starts a new round - Next generation reduces emissions!

Get active! Young teams from VDMA member companies can develop creative concepts for reducing emissions and, with a little luck, win the second VDMA "Carbon Busters 2.0" award.

REACH-PFAS restriction: Cefic-Ricardo study on economic impact

Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, plans to commission a study on the economic impact of the planned PFAS restriction. Input from VDMA member companies is also sought.

The 10 "R-strategies" of the circular economy

Maintaining products, components and materials at their highest utility and value, extending life cycles and thus reducing waste and resource consumption, that is the goal of the circular economy. The way to achieve this is to apply the 10 "R strategies" of the circular economy.

Sustainability and Additive Manufacturing

Board and technology working groups have prioritized the topic of sustainability in the context of AM. What is really sustainable about AM? Which system boundaries are considered? Facts & data on BestPractice examples will provide an overview.

PFAS ban from VDMA's point of view: position paper published

Due to environmental and potential health hazards, the EU intends to restrict the broad group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the REACH regulation.

No energy transition without PFAS

When things get "hot" in industrial production, PFAS are indispensable. The chemical substances can withstand high temperatures just as well as aggressive production environments. For seals, valves, hoses or compressors, there is often no substitute for PFAS. The EU's planned comprehensive ban on around 10,000 of these substances in one fell swoop would therefore have devastating consequences - especially for the technologies of the energy transition.

"Comprehensive PFAS ban would have devastating effect"

The EU's planned ban on the entire PFAS group of substances would endanger many industrial processes - especially the technologies of the energy transition. Many entrepreneurs from the mechanical and plant engineering sector are calling for the ban to be stopped and for a differentiated view of the substances.

Assessing company climate competence: new maturity model

The new VDMA maturity model enables companies to self-assess their level of climate ambition and competence as well as how they compare to the sector average.

VDMA participates in public consultation on the first product groups under the new Ecodesign Regulation

The VDMA participated in a public consultation of the European Commission on the first product groups under the new Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products (ESPR) on 11 May 2023.

On the draft of a German energy efficiency law

On April 18, 2023, the German cabinet presented a draft law to increase energy efficiency and amend the Energy Services Act. An overview of the current status.

Wind energy from the North Sea

So far, the offshore potential of the North Sea has remained largely untapped. Now the littoral states want to make speed - and double the wind energy output.

Delegation Green Gases Italy - express your interest now!

From November 6 - 10, 2023, a BMWK delegation will visit Italy's gas, petrochemical, and chemical industries to exchange ideas on supply security and climate-neutral solutions. Visits and presentations to top EPCs and industry companies in Milan, Ravenna and Porto Marghera are planned.

Vera Fritsche on the goals of the EU Packaging Regulation

In an interview at interpack, Vera Fritsche of the VDMA talks about why the EU has launched the new regulation, what its objectives are and when it is due to come into force.

The privileges for net-zero technologies

As part of the Green Deal Industrial Plan, the EU Commission has published the Net-Zero Industry Act to boost green manufacturing in Europe. Which technologies will be favoured? And where will the funding come from?

Drastically subsidized industrial electricity price is misguided

A drastic across-the-board subsidy of the electricity price for energy-intensive companies is a mistake. This is because watering-can subsidies are a burden on federal finances and thus on the economy, including mechanical and plant engineering, as well as on citizens.

Disruptions challenge controlling and accounting

Corporate planning is particularly challenging in times of various disruptions. Sustainability reporting and the Ukraine war are having an impact on controlling and accounting.

"PFAS ban threatens existence of many mechanical engineering companies"

With the impending ban on around 10,000 PFAS industrial chemicals in one fell swoop, the EU is overshooting the mark by a long way. Indispensable components such as seals would be affected - and consequently many products for people's everyday lives. The VDMA is calling for exemptions for PFAS substances that are in machinery and do not come into contact with the environment.

Launch of the "Managing Sustainable Innovations" survey

The VDMA is a partner in a newly launched consortium benchmarking study by the Machine Tool Laboratory WZL at RWTH Aachen University and Complexity Management Academy GmbH, which is looking for success factors for sustainable product development. Interested companies can participate in a survey until June 30, 2023. In addition to benchmarking their own status quo, there is also the opportunity to be recognized as a "Successful Practice Company" yourself.

Germany needs to pick up speed without delay

The traffic light coalition now wants to pick up the pace for more infrastructure and climate protection - and that is urgently needed. The right thing to do is to abandon the sectoral targets that have been authoritative to date.

eFuels are essential for ambitious climate targets

There will be no ban on internal combustion engines in the EU from 2035 after all. This is the right decision, as synthetic fuels in internal combustion engines are essential for running mobile machinery from excavators to tractors in a climate-neutral way.

"EU sends a signal for climate protection on the high seas".

The EU has agreed on ambitious targets to help rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions on the high seas. The EU shipping industry, like marine engine manufacturers, now has clarity on how to get there by 2050.

Make the wind summit a success - break down blockades and secure energy sovereignty!

For the annual expansion of onshore wind energy of 10 GW, all players must pull together. An appeal by several associations.

Technologies to combat climate change must be deployed faster

The report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) shows that the available technologies and strategies for reducing emissions are still being applied worldwide far too slowly and hesitantly.

Put all framework conditions to the test

The EU Commission's ambition to make the EU a competitive location for climate protection technologies is right and important. The Net Zero Industry Act can make a contribution to this - especially with its regulations on faster approval procedures.

The importance of the right framework conditions in the EU

VDMA and Schubert & Salzer discussed with MEP Walsmann how the EU can support the mechanical engineering sector with right framework conditions, such as on sustainability obligations.

EU’s reaction to the energy crisis: short to middle term plan

Since April 2022 the EU has released measures to respond to the rapidly changing energy situation within 27 member state block. What exactly are these measures and how do they differ? This article provides a concise overview.

Combustion engines with CO2-neutral fuels are part of the solution!

From 2035, no more passenger cars with internal combustion engines are to be registered in the EU. However, the use of climate-friendly eFuels in passenger cars must continue to be possible, because combustion engine technology in combination with CO2-neutral fuels is part of the solution for global climate protection.

Pharmaceutical and cosmetic machines: new challenges in the future

In pharmaceutical companies, the need for fast, lean processes is increasing. In this context, digitization can help shorten market entry times, while maintaining and even improving product quality. However, players must also arm themselves against threats.

Industrial production capacities for the energy turnaround: "Companies need a reliably economical market"

Commenting on the 3rd Roundtable of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection on industrial production capacities for the energy transition, Dr. Dennis Rendschmidt, Managing Director VDMA Power Systems:

"A political fairy tale that mid-sized companies won't be burdened"

With their far-reaching obligations, the German and planned EU supply chain laws overburden small and medium-sized companies in particular. VDMA members make their displeasure clear.

REACh restriction project on PFASs

On 07.02.2023 ECHA has pre-published the restriction dossier on the broad restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Delegated acts finally pass EU Commission

Two delegated acts on hydrogen have passed the EU Commission.

Position paper on Euro 7

The VDMA has drawn up a position paper on Euro 7 emissions legislation and submitted it to the EU as feedback.

Government must remove brakes on energy system transformation

Above all, the expansion of wind energy needs land and permits - and it needs them on a permanent basis. Climate neutrality in the energy system urgently needs investments and projects that have an economic perspective. The German government must lay the cornerstones for electricity market reform before the end of this legislative period.

Info day on 20.03.2023: From BattG to EU Battery Regulation

Two years after the first draft was presented, the EU Parliament and the European Council agreed on the key points of the new regulation on batteries and spent batteries in December 2022.

The first steps in carbon footprint calculation

The topic of sustainability has long played an overriding role for the mechanical and plant engineering industry. The ecological transformation will dominate the coming decade. The topic of CO2 management plays a significant role in this process, as it influences corporate activities in many places.

Good decisions and some question marks

To achieve the EU climate targets for 2030, Europe really must be made 'fit for 55'. The solutions of the mechanical and plant engineering sector are ready for action. The VDMA expressly supports the fact that emissions trading remains the leading instrument of European climate protection policy and will be strengthened.

Energy price brakes ease the burden on small and medium-sized businesses

Energy costs are an enormous challenge, also for small and medium-sized enterprises: That is why the policy's curbing mechanisms are the right step. It is now important to focus firmly on the upcoming reform of the electricity market.

The Directive must become more manageable

The Council of the EU defined in December 2022 its position on corporate sustainability due diligence. Although there are some positive elements, VDMA calls on the Council to revise its position.

VDMA members can calculate their product carbon footprint free of charge and pragmatically with PCF STARTER

As part of the VDMA's PCF expert group "Product Carbon Footprint Calculation in Mechanical and Plant Engineering", the association is working with the software company Tanso to develop a pragmatic PCF calculator, the "PCF STARTER".

VDMA publishes Product Carbon Footprint Guideline for the Machinery and Plant Engineering Industry

Calculating the carbon footprint at the product level poses many challenges. In cooperation with various member companies, the VDMA is developing a "PCF calculation guideline" for the machinery and plant engineering sector.

Italy: Environmental labeling of all packaging as of 01.01.2023 - Obligation also for mechanical engineering

Italy is one of the few countries in Europe to make environmental labeling of packaging mandatory for distributors not only in the B2C sector but also in the B2B sector, regardless of whether the distributor is an Italian or foreign company.

Supply chain laws: Well-intentioned, badly done!

The German Supply Chain Act is becoming increasingly unbearable in its implementation and EU regulation is set to reach far beyond the German precedent. The consequences are no longer calculable.

The EU Parliament's draft report must be amended

The Legal Affairs Committee of the European Parliament approved in April 2023 the draft report on corporate sustainability due diligence. The draft goes even further than the EU-Commission's proposal. VDMA is calling for this to be changed.

COP is the backbone of global climate policy - but that is not enough!

The final phase of the COP27 world climate conference has been difficult, with the joint final declaration on the back burner for a while. Although the world climate conference remains a decisive format, it needs strong complementary initiatives that bring concrete climate protection forward. Keyword "Climate Club

Gesetzliche Anforderungen

Gesetzliche Anforderungen
CSRD: CSR reports mandatory for all non-SMEs in the future!

On April 21, 2021, the EU Commission published a proposal for the revision of the so-called CSR Directive (Non Financial Reporting Directive - NFRD), which has been in force in Germany since 2017, and which significantly expands the scope of application: in Germany from currently around 500 to 15,000 companies! The expansion was confirmed by the conclusion of the trilogue procedure on 21.6.2022.

EU Commission with ambitious circular economy package

"Closing the loop" is the motto of the EU Commission's comprehensive circular economy package. It aims to do much more than just save a little bit of resources and recycle a little bit more.

Threat or opportunity for mechanical and plant engineering?

The EU's Taxonomy Regulation makes it more difficult for mechanical and plant engineering companies to access financing for the development of energy-efficient technologies of the future - but it also offers opportunities.

Business and human rights update: Corporate due diligence enshrined in law (LkSG and CSDD).

On February 23, 2022, European Commission presented its proposal for a directive on corporate due diligence in the field of sustainability. In Germany, the Bundestag has already passed a Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) in summer 2021.

EU Regulation: Due Diligence on Conflict Minerals

Since the beginning of 2021, importers of conflict minerals such as tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold from risk areas into the EU are subject to mandatory due diligence requirements.

Our expert and focus topics

Our expert and focus topics
PFAS - Indispensable for industrial processes
Industrially indispensable but facing a potential EU ban. Learn more about the reasons and consequences of the impending PFAS ban for machinery and plant engineering on the new VDMA expert topic page.
Go For Green Tech!
Mechanical and plant engineering is an enabler for climate protection and resource efficiency. Only with green technologies and innovative strength can climate targets be achieved and transformation shaped.
Green Deal
With the "Green Deal", the European Commission has presented a far-reaching program for more climate and environmental protection in the EU in 2019. The central goal is to become climate neutral by 2050, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% compared to 1990 emission levels and to further promote the circular economy in Europe.
Sustainability Management
Whether climate protection targets, suitability for grandchildren or human rights due diligence obligations - sustainability is on everyone's lips and the expectations on companies to act responsibly are constantly increasing.
Blue Competence
Blue Competence is an initiative of the VDMA aimed at promoting sustainability in the mechanical and plant engineering sector. At the same time, the initiative has the goal of informing the industry about sustainable solutions which will lead to new energy concepts, to the efficient use of limited resources, or to an improvement in the overall quality of life.
Circular Economy
The more people live on earth, the greater the demand for resources, the mountains of waste and the emission of climate gases are likely to become. In the future, it will no longer be enough to make raw material extraction and material processing more efficient.
International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaic (ITRPV)
The International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaic (ITRPV) is developed by the PV industry for the PV industry. Twice a year, data is collected from the contributors and processed anonymously as well as evaluated by the VDMA. Participation is free of charge.
Sustainable Processing and Packaging
With the Sustainable Processing and Packaging initiative, the VDMA wants to make a contribution to objectifying the discussion about packaging. In addition, we would like to highlight the many facets of sustainability, in both processing and packaging technology.
Battery Production
Electromobility and battery production are gaining ground worldwide, and this is just the beginning. To make the right decisions early and be competitive, it is essential to have your finger on the pulse of innovative production solutions.
Hydrogen Economy
The use of hydrogen offers enormous potential towards decarbonizing industries and achieving climate neutrality. Through the use of hydrogen and power-to-X (P2X), new value chains are emerging ranging from renewable energy plants, process engineering and components all the way to applications.

Level 1 Themenwolke

Podigee

To the point

To the point

Auf den Punkt Zitat Sustainability

"We must ignite the necessary transformation turbo for investments in climate protection, efficiency and digitalisation. The mechanical and plant engineering sector is ready for this with a broad portfolio."

Karl Haeusgen, VDMA president

Auf den Punkt Zahl Sustainability

97

percent

of all biological waste accepted at waste disposal facilities was recycled in 2020. In total, private households in Germany composted around 2.6 million metric tons of biowaste in 2020. From this, biological waste treatment plants produced, among other things, 4.8 million metric tons of specification compost and 746.6 million cubic meters of biogas.

Source: Federal Statistical Office (Destatis)

Auf den Punkt Zusammenfassung Nachhaltigkeit

Summary
Fit for 55 - EU climate targets become concrete
    By 2030, the EU wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% compared to 1990 levels:
  • With its "Fit for 55“ package the EU Commission has published concrete measures to achieve its climate targets
  • The package comprises 13 measures - from energy taxation to energy efficiency
  • VDMA represents the political interests of its members in Brussels

VdmaSambaEvents

Events

Tue. 11.07.23 Tue. 11.07.23

  • Power-to-X

Climate protection and energy independence are at the top of the socio-political agenda. It is necessary to achieve far-reaching climate neutrality quickly and comprehensively to protect the climate and at the same time secure independence and prosperity. In this context, Connect2Discover@VDMA looks at the topic and the performance variety of "Power-to-X for Applications".

Places available

Unsere Leistungen

Unsere Leistungen
FAQ on the subject of substance policy
Our FAQ provides answers to all important questions on the subject of "European substance law"
Climate-neutral production Guide
Our guideline demonstrates how you can produce in a climate-neutral way and implement reporting on the supply chain.
VDMA Database Technical Regulations (DaTeR)
Technical market access conditions, Japan RoHS or Korea REACH: In the VDMA-DaTeR you will find international regulatory guidelines and information from more than 70 countries.
Stay up to date: our newsletters on this topic
Subscribe now: The VDMA Newsletter Technology, Environment and Sustainability and the VDMA Newsletter Forum Climate and Energy provide information on all important innovations in the field of energy and sustainability on a regular basis.
CSR-Management: Software Offer in Cooperation with the VDMA
In cooperation with the sustainability startup Verso, we are offering you a software-based controlling and reporting tool with which you can control your company's internal CSR management.
Substance Policy Working Group
The Substance Policy working group is concerned with all questions relating to the topic of substance regulations and the obligations they entail for the mechanical and plant engineering sector. Among others, the CLP Regulation, the REACH Regulation, the POP Regulation and the RoHS Directive play an important role.
Corporate Responsibility Working Group
The working group addresses strategic issues of sustainability and ecosocially responsible corporate management.
Working Group Industry Dialogue Human Rights
The German government is launching a company survey ("monitoring") on the subject of human rights. The VDMA expects this to set the course for future specifications. It is therefore essential for as many companies as possible to participate!

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Benefits for you as a member

Largest industry network in Europe

3,600 primarily medium-sized member companies in the capital goods industry make the VDMA the largest industrial association in Europe and the most important network organization in the industry.

Strong representation of interests

The VDMA is the most important voice of the machinery and equipment manufacturing industry. It represents the common economic, technical and scientific interests of the industry in Germany and around the world.

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More than 500 VDMA employees worldwide support you with practical services to make the right decisions in your company - along the entire value chain.