DURING 2023, SKF authorised Distributor, Bearings 2000, supported SKF’s remanufacturing services with a strong focus on remanufacturing mostly spherical roller bearings (SRB) used in food & beverage applications. Additionally, larger-sized SRB and deep groove ball bearings (DGBB) for the pulp & paper industry were also processed. This collaborative effort resulted in the reuse of 5 354 kg of high-quality bearing steel, contributing to a total energy saving of 42 080 kWh in 2023.
The outcome of this translates to avoiding a total of 19 120 kg of C02 emissions, without any compromise. The avoided CO2 emissions are estimated from the avoided energy use in SKF’s and suppliers’ production phases, based on SKF Group data 2022.
“Wynand Jurg, responsible for regional business development at Bearings 2000 and partner to SKF, is driving the Reman Project with the objectives of maximising and accelerating our joint contributions to the circular economy. More importantly, he is instrumental in assisting customers achieving their economic and environmental goals,” says Lourens Pretorius, SKF circular economy centre manager. “Beyond making an indelible contribution to the circular economy, SKF’s bearing remanufacturing solutions have proven instrumental in delivering benefits to a large number of customers operating in a variety of industries – objectives achieved!”
Bearing remanufacture plays a paramount role in the global drive to decarbonise and promote environmental sustainability; the process of remanufacturing a bearing, compared to manufacturing a new bearing, eliminates the use of raw materials and reduces energy consumption and CO2 emissions. SKF’s remanufacturing centre located at the bearing and rotating technology specialist’s head office in Jet Park, Johannesburg, aligns with the global organisation’s commitment to be an active contributor to the circular economy through the development of cutting-edge products, advanced technology and professional service solutions.
“Our specialist remanufacturing services is a three-way win, adding value for customers, for the environment and for SKF!,” says Pretorius. “Additionally, owing to our remanufacturing lead times of between five to ten working days, depending on volume and current orders, we are able to deliver remanufactured bearings back to the customer in a very short time frame. This is particularly impressive if you compare this to the delivery period of an overseas order.
“The waiting period for certain large-size bearings can be up to several months. For our customers, these short delivery times mean minimum downtime and maximum productivity and production!”
“We applaud Bearings 2000 and extend our sincere thanks for their sustained support of our Bearing Remanufacturing Services. We will continue to bolster our collaborative efforts in a bid to sustainably achieve our environmental and circular economy goals to the ultimate benefit of our valued customers and our fragile planet,” says Pretorius.
