Federal Minister of Economic Affairs Robert Habeck and NRW Minister of Economic Affairs Mona Neubaur visited our Gelsenkirchen site on 25 August 2022. The visit was initiated by the DGB region Emscher-Lippe and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) Nord Westfalen via Member of Parliament Dr. Irene Mihalic. In addition to a factory tour, the focus was on the current challenges posed by increased energy costs and gas shortages, as well as the hydrogen flagship project „Klimahafen Gelsenkirchen“. The goal of the Klimahafen initiative, of which our managing partner Lars Baumgürtel is also spokesman, was emphasised several times during the discussions: a rapid transformation to climate neutrality through our own actions and, where this is not sufficient, a joint commitment to creating suitable framework conditions. Baumgürtel explained how companies in Gelsenkirchen are working together to develop circular business models. With Planet ZINQ, we are already implementing a circular business model today as the first company in the surface technology sector, based on an integrated sustainability and innovation strategy.

Joint press release from the DGB Region Emscher-Lippe and IHK Nord-Westfalen