Following a successful participation at the UN Climate Conference COP30 in Belém, Brazil, where SKF’s circular technologies and remanufacturing solutions were recognized as winners of SBCOP’s Best Cases, SKF is now taking the next step to accelerate industrial transformation. On 3-4 December, leading stakeholders from industry, academia and finance will gather in Gothenburg, Sweden, for the inaugural SKF Friction Fighting Summit. SKF has initiated this event to move the dialogue forward from COP30 towards concrete action. The Friction Fighting Summit is designed to address the barriers that slow down sustainable innovation – not only mechanical friction, but also the friction embedded in business models, incentive structures and decision-making processes. With a focus on scaling proven solutions such as remanufacturing, RecondOil and energy-efficient technologies, the summit aims to act as a catalyst for commercializing sustainability and strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy. “COP30 demonstrated that collaboration is essential for climate transition. Now it’s time to move from words to action. The Friction Fighting Summit brings together the players who can turn ambition into real change,” says David Johansson, President Industrial Region Europe & Africa. From COP30 to Gothenburg: building on proven progress At COP30, SKF showcased scalable solutions that contribute to net-zero emissions, including: Remanufacturing of roller bearings, which helped avoid 15,600 tonnes of CO?-equivalent emissions in 2024 alone[1]. RecondOil technology, enabling circular use of industrial oil. Magnetic and ceramic technologiesfor energy-efficient HVAC systems and heat pumps. Tidal power drivetrains. Internal decarbonization programmes. SKF’s remanufacturing solution won SBCOP’s Best Cases award, highlighting its leadership in sustainable innovation. At COP30, SKF also joined LeadIT, a global initiative driving heavy industry toward net-zero emissions. Additionally, SKF has also launched The Patent Bay, an open platform that shares selected patents to speed up sustainability-focused technologies. “We know technology exists. What’s missing are systematic measures and business models that reward sustainability. The Friction Fighting Summit is a bold initiative to actively drive this development,” says Vanja Winblad, Sustainability Director, Industrial Region Europe & Africa.
