SKF: Decarbonised Factories Lowering Energy Consumption

The manufacturing sector accounts for one-fifth of global carbon emissions, according to the World Economic Forum, prompting numerous companies to pursue decarbonisation initiatives across their factories and operations.

SKF, a global industrial machinery manufacturer, has positioned itself among these organisations by prioritising energy waste reduction and environmental impact improvements.

As of December 2025, the company has achieved verification for six additional decarbonised sites, expanding beyond its three previously recognised sustainable facilities.

Understanding decarbonised manufacturing sites

The six newly verified decarbonised factories complement the existing recognised facilities in Steyr, Austria, Tudela, Spain and Gothenburg, Sweden.

SKF has developed individual decarbonisation roadmaps for each factory, mapping out the site-specific emissions reduction pathways.

The company-wide strategy incorporates detailed actions, investment plans and anticipated improvements, supporting each location with energy efficiency measures and the elimination of fossil fuel dependency.

To achieve decarbonised site status, locations must satisfy specific defined criteria:

• Emissions reduction: sites must demonstrate a minimum 95% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions against a 2019 baseline
• Energy performance: continuous improvement in energy performance must be evidenced
• Future planning: sites must maintain clear, actionable strategies to address and reduce remaining greenhouse gas emissions

These requirements apply to SKF sites with annual energy consumption exceeding 2 GWh.

Sofie Runius Cederberg, Head of Sustainability at SKF, says: "We are proud to see six additional decarbonised SKF factories, representing an important step in our overall net zero journey.

"By reducing the carbon footprint of our products, we are also enabling our customers to develop sustainable solutions as well as supporting society in the transition to a more sustainable future."

Expanding decarbonisation across global operations

The newly verified facilities enable SKF to extend its environmental impact across multiple continents, with sites situated in Malaysia, Mexico, India, Italy and the US.

At these locations, SKF has deployed energy efficient technologies, including heat pumps and advanced chillers, delivering energy savings whilst accommodating increased production volumes.

Each facility has implemented tailored decarbonisation strategies that address local energy infrastructure and operational requirements. The company has invested in on-site renewable energy generation where feasible, alongside power purchase agreements to secure renewable electricity supplies.

The transition process at these sites has involved comprehensive energy audits, employee training programmes and the integration of real-time monitoring systems to track emissions reductions and energy performance improvements.

The nine total decarbonised facilities account for nearly 20% of SKF's baseline manufacturing emissions, contributing to the reduction of its overall carbon footprint.

Susanne Larsson, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP Finance at SKF, says: "Climate change is a global challenge and this achievement reflects our commitment to climate action and operational excellence.

"By investing in renewable energy, energy efficiency and innovative solutions, we are also increasing our own resilience by lowering our energy demand."

Alignment with corporate sustainability objectives

SKF's decarbonised facilities support the company's progression towards its operational decarbonisation target of 2030.

The organisation has additionally established a science-based target to achieve net zero emissions across its entire supply chain by 2050.

SKF was among the first industrial companies to receive validation from the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), with its sustainability objectives aligned to the Paris Agreement's 1.5 C target.

According to SKF, the 2030 decarbonisation goal will be realised through energy and material efficiency enhancements combined with transitioning to renewable energy sources for operations.

The company also intends to optimise its supply chain, particularly by supporting customers in reaching their own sustainability targets.

This approach involves developing products that are lighter, more efficient, longer lasting and repairable, thereby reducing the environmental footprint of both products and materials utilised.

Rob Jenkinson, Net Zero Manager at SKF, says: "Achieving our net zero goal by 2050 is ambitious, but also needed to speed up both innovation and change in society.

"To do this we need to continue working with all stakeholders involved, to not just be a part of creating the change in our own operations but going further by calling for change along the entire supply chain."