Achieving the transformation to a climate-neutral and sustainable society and economy, while maintaining prosperity, needs the responsible and consistent use of technology and innovation, as well as comprehensive electrification and digitalisation. This requires norms and standards.

The use of recycled plastics is assessed as one of the core elements for a functioning circular economy, effective climate protection and the achievement of the (especially ecological) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.

As of January 5, 2021, suppliers of articles containing substances listed in the REACH Candidate List (Substances of Very High Concern) in a concentration above 0.1 percent by weight are obliged to provide the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) with the information according to REACH Art. 33 (1). These new requirements arise from Article 9 (1) i) of the EU WFD and have been implemented into German law within the framework of § 16f of the Chemicals Act (ChemG).

VDMA and ZVEI have founded the "Industrial Digital Twin Association" (IDTA) as a user organization for Industrie 4.0 together with Bitkom and 20 companies from the mechanical and electrical engineering industries. The aim of the association is to bring together parallel development strands, to transfer the core technology from the concept phase to the practical phase for clear demonstration of its benefits, and to internationalize it.

The transition to a data and platform economy represents both a great opportunity for growth and innovation and a considerable challenge for many companies. The Opportunity Compass for the Data Economy can show companies possible solutions and provide assistance.