Despite economic turbulence, regulatory uncertainty and high energy prices, the surface industry is sending a surprisingly positive signal: there was a remarkable sense of optimism at the ZVO Surface Technology Days 2025 - at a time that many companies are experiencing as very challenging.
More than 560 participants, over 95 specialist presentations and an accompanying exhibition with over 70 exhibitors once again made Berlin the center of electroplating and surface technology. This was particularly evident: Artificial intelligence (AI) is developing into a real leading topic - not only as a distant vision of the future, but increasingly also in concrete applications.
AI - from hype to industrial reality
For the first time, "Artificial intelligence in electroplating and surface technology" was specifically represented with several presentations - and with a noticeable response. Whether for inline measurement, process monitoring or production planning: speakers showed how AI can already take over production-relevant tasks today. "AI for efficiency - automate, analyze, simplify" was one of the programmatic titles.
At the same time, however, there was also a hint of skepticism. Although AI is often cited as the answer to the shortage of skilled workers, there is ultimately the possibility that AI will be used to replace more highly qualified personnel.
Regulation remains a drag - but the tone has changed
With regard to the topic of chromium VI , the mood was constructive and realistic, even if the restriction proposal contains numerous flaws, it is still perceived as better than the previous authorization. However, one must seriously ask why state authorities can go down such a wrong path without any recognizable consequences for those responsible. With this approach, the ECHA has forced companies out of the market and imposed massive costs on companies, which are now lacking for more sensible investments. But regulatory uncertainties are still weighing on many companies, not least in the PFAS sector. "Uncertainty kills the ability to innovate and the willingness to invest," Dr. Malte Zimmer from the ZVO's Environmental and Chemicals Policy department put it in a nutshell. But instead of resignation, a different tone could be heard in many conversations: "We know that the rules of the game are changing. Now it's about finding solutions."
For example, it became clear during the "Regulatory consultation hour" that companies are now on the way to developing PFAS-free solutions - with some surprisingly good results, such as a bio-based sealant for hard anodic coatings that was presented.
Positive momentum despite economic difficulties
What was striking was that despite all the challenges, the general mood was almost entirely solution-oriented and open; industry experts spoke of a real spirit of optimism, although this is still being held in check by numerous slowing elements.
ZVO Chairman Jörg Püttbach was also satisfied: "The industry is alive, you could feel that in every conversation. And that in an environment that is anything but easy". The exhibitors were also consistently satisfied, the exchange was intensive and personal, the response to new solutions was great - from digitalization to circularity to process optimization.
You can read more details on the topics in the next issue of mo and you will soon be able to watch video interviews from the ZVO Surface Days online.