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Simplify construction processes, but never compromise on standards

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

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.

With the omnibus proposal, the EU Commission plans to simplify ESG regulations, reduce bureaucracy and optimize sustainability reporting - we analyze the latest developments.

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.

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 modern production world depends crucially on a secure and equally modern energy supply. The variety of solution ideas will be presented at Hannover Messe.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

The ‘Circular Production NRW’ funding programme is supporting innovative projects for sustainable, resource-efficient and circular value creation in SMEs with 21 million euros.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 deforestation regulation forces us to act.

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.

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.

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 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

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.

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.

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!

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).

Unfortunately, no substantial progress was made on climate financing at the Bonn Climate Change Conference. Difficult negotiations now lie ahead at COP29 in Baku.

Major effort required to implement the CO2 border adjustment mechanism

The new Ecodesign Regulation aims to regulate products sustainably throughout their entire life cycle - the mechanical and plant engineering sector will be directly affected by this.

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.

Federal Economics Minister Habeck wants to suspend the German Supply Chain Act for two years. It would be a first sign that the concerns and alarm signals of the business community are finally being heard.

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.

Training employees to become energy scouts can help to identify hidden efficiency potential in companies and thus reduce costs.

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 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 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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The current episode of the VDMA Industry Podcast is dedicated to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as a bridging technology in mechanical and plant engineering. Industry needs to become independent of Russian gas and LNG offers a good opportunity here - if the infrastructure is right and the right political course is set.