New ZVO position papers published - PFAS, Omnibus, Seville and energy transition

Europe is at a crossroads: between the aspiration to set global environmental and economic standards and the reality of growing economic burdens for manufacturing companies in the EU. In its OMNIBUS position paper, the ZVO therefore expressly welcomes the European Commission's omnibus procedure to strengthen industrial competitiveness. However, the catalog of proposals presented so far falls short of the urgent political requirements in key points. The transformation can only succeed if ecological objectives are combined with industrial policy realism and technological feasibility.

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances -PFAS

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are currently at the center of regulatory discussions at EU level. The aim is to comprehensively restrict this group of substances within the framework of the REACH Regulation. In the PFAS position paper, the ZVO welcomes the objective of protecting the environment and health and reducing the use of problematic chemicals in the long term. At the same time, it is of central importance to consider the technological reality and the industrial necessity of specific applications and process products. This applies in particular to the use of PFAS-containing wetting agents in the field of electroplating, where these substances are currently indispensable to ensure the safety of employees, the quality of products and compliance with environmental regulations.

Seville/BREF process

The so-called Seville process is the central European procedure for drawing up BAT (Best Available Techniques) conclusions within the framework of the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED). Under the leadership of the European IPPC Bureau in Seville (EIPPCB), the requirements for plant operators are defined throughout Europe - and are subsequently directly binding for national permits. The consequences for Germany as a business location are serious. The German government has a duty to act decisively now and turn the Seville process into an instrument that seriously supports ecological goals without destroying the industrial base, as the ZVO writes in its position paper on the Seville/BREF process.

Energy transition and potential for flexibility

The energy transition is one of the greatest social and economic transformation tasks of our time. It will not only determine whether climate neutrality is achieved, but also the future competitiveness of Germany as an industrial location. In view of the predicted burdens of the energy transition, it is imperative to use cost-efficient and practical flexibilities, writes the ZVO in the position paper OT's contribution to the energy transition/flexibilization potential. As a key industry, surface technology has considerable flexibility potential that can make a targeted contribution to stabilizing the energy system - provided the political framework conditions allow this use.