Every bearing that runs smoother wastes less energy. For us sustainability is an integrated aspect of innovation and engineering. And we do it without adding cost for our customers.
Customers expect cleaner vehicles. Some nations and cities tighten emission targets. And your own sustainability commitments are becoming a competitive factor. The pressure lands on every component in the vehicle, including the bearing.
Reducing friction is inherently sustainable. It means less energy wasted, in combustion engines, hybrids and electric vehicles alike. Over the last decade, we have reduced friction in wheel end bearings by around 70%. The energy saved across the vehicles using those bearings is substantial. We are working to quantify it.
At SKF Vertevo we are working across three areas:
- enabling more sustainable supply chains for the materials
- developing new material combinations with lower footprint
- driving down emissions in our own operations.
The objective is clear: none of this should add cost for our customers. We need to make the bearing better and cleaner at the same cost. On materials, we cannot do it alone. Partnering with others across the industry is how sustainable solutions get to scale.
Racing has given us a laboratory for this. In Formula 1, we developed a wood-based SiC plain bearing, and came up with a manufacturing process that cuts emissions while improving performance. Scaling it is the next challenge. We are working on it.
Sustainable. From day one.
Bring us your targets. We'll help you meet them.