Against a backdrop of the energy transition, new European regulations, rapid technological innovation and ongoing geopolitical tensions, the first half of 2026 confirms that European manufacturing is entering a period of profound transformation. Through the MATISSART Observatory, we regularly share our insights into the major developments shaping our industrial environment.
Carbon Is Becoming a Competitive Business Criterion
Carbon management is no longer viewed solely as an environmental issue. It is increasingly becoming a key factor in industrial competitiveness. Major manufacturers now expect suppliers to demonstrate a clear understanding of their greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and decarbonisationDecarbonisationThe progressive reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with an activity, product, process or value chain. strategies. This trend is gradually extending throughout the entire value chainValue chainAll activities, stakeholders and flows upstream, within and downstream of a company, from raw-material purchasing through product use and end of life., including small and medium-sized industrial companies.
For mould manufacturers, it also creates new opportunities through:
- optimised mould design;
- reduced material consumption;
- improved process energy efficiency;
- longer equipment service life.
The Circular Economy Is Entering a New Dimension
Recycling remains an essential component of the circular economyCircular economyA model aimed at keeping the value of products, equipment, materials and resources in use for as long as possible through durability, maintenance, repair, reuse and recycling.. However, industrial circularity begins long before products reach end of life. Today, it is built around several complementary principles:
- designing durable products;
- facilitating maintenance;
- extending service life;
- enabling refurbishment;
- promoting reuseReuseUsing a product or piece of equipment again for the same purpose or a compatible purpose, without it having become waste and without major material transformation. whenever technically feasible;
- directing materials towards appropriate recycling and recovery channels at end of life.
For industrial moulds, maintenance, refurbishmentRefurbishmentAn operation aimed at restoring, improving or adapting existing equipment in order to extend its useful life and, where relevant, avoid premature replacement. and technical adaptation often represent the most effective ways of reducing environmental impactEnvironmental impactA positive or negative effect of an activity, product or decision on the environment, for example on climate, resources, water, air, soil or biodiversity..