From November 5th to 10th, the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) was grandly held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). SKF, a global innovative solutions provider, was invited to exhibit in the Sweden National Pavilion. Centered around its century-long journey of innovation, SKF displayed multiple innovative products and solutions, showcasing its profound technical expertise and forward-looking industry insights to distinguished guests and visitors.
On November 6th, at the CIIE booth, SKF China unveiled its first near-zero carbon bearing. This product sets a new industry standard with its remarkable ultra-low carbon footprint of 0.91 kg CO2e. Behind this achievement lies SKF's firm commitment to sustainable development: the manufacturing process not only utilizes 100% scrap steel and is powered by 100% renewable energy but also achieves a significant performance improvement with friction reduction of up to 70%. The product has already been certified by the authoritative third-party organization SGS, complies with international standards, and is ready for seamless delivery to global customers.
The inner and outer rings and steel balls of this bearing are made from green steel using electric arc furnace technology, ensuring maximum material recycling and minimal carbon emissions. Seals and cages use high-performance bio-based polyamide materials instead of fossil-based materials. While pioneering the use of thermoplastic seal solutions, manufacturing with 100% renewable energy further reduces the carbon footprint. The upgrade to bio-based lubricating grease reduces friction by half, significantly enhancing performance.
These industry-leading near-zero carbon solutions are complemented by ongoing innovative exploration. At the CIIE booth, SKF also exhibited various products representing "intelligence" and "cleanliness." A bearing suspended in mid-air demonstrated how "ceramic ball" materials are lighter than standard steel balls and provide insulation against electrical erosion. In aerospace applications, they serve as a green "weapon" for reducing weight, increasing power density, extending service life, and minimizing maintenance time. SKF remanufactured bearings require only 10% of the energy needed to produce new bearings, achieving a win-win for cost and environmental protection. The RecondOil Box, dubbed a "blood dialysis machine" for lubricating oil, uses DST (Double Separation Technology) for intelligent purification, deep cleaning, high efficiency, energy savings, and reliability, extending oil life. It is widely used in shipping, aviation, metallurgy, and industrial sectors.
In addition to relentlessly developing innovative products, SKF launched a technology sharing platform – "The Patent Bay" – offering selected SKF patents free of charge to enterprises to accelerate the innovation and application of sustainable development technologies.
Since entering China in 1912, SKF's century-long development has been closely intertwined with the progress of Chinese industry, providing solid support for the development and upgrading of over 40 sectors, including industrial and railway applications. Throughout its journey of cooperation with Chinese partners, SKF has fostered mutual growth. At this year's CIIE, witnessed by Peter Kullgren, Swedish Minister for Rural Affairs; Swedish Ambassador to China, H.E. Fredrik Jörgensen; Consul General of Sweden in Shanghai, Marie-Claire Swärd Capra; and Jan Larsson, CEO of Business Sweden, SKF signed cooperation agreements with COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., China Coal Development Co., Ltd., and Jiamusi Electric Machine Co., Ltd., respectively.
This year's CIIE served as an important window for SKF to demonstrate the achievements of its "Intelligent and Clean" strategy. Both the launch and display of innovative products and the cooperation with strategic partners stem from its firm confidence in the Chinese market. Hui Wang, President of SKF China and Northeast Asia, stated: "SKF is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in its global manufacturing operations by 2030 and net-zero emissions globally by 2050. This not only responds to China's 'Dual Carbon' goals but also sets an example for transformation practices. Moving forward, SKF will continue to support the transformation and upgrading of various Chinese industries with forward-looking green solutions. We are willing to join hands with all partners to integrate technological innovation into every step of sustainable development and collectively advance towards an efficient, low-carbon future."
