Sustainability plays an important role for society and the economy in preserving sensitive ecosystems and the basis of our lives. The factory and production of the future are at the focus of interest. Methodical considerations through life cycle engineering and life cycle assessment make it possible to understand and optimise the influences of product development in the context of the sustainability of a product. With the help of surface technologies, product properties can be modified and adjusted in such a way that their sustainable use is made possible and improved. In addition, surface technologies play an important role in the establishment of hydrogen as an energy carrier of the future, which is why surfaces are particularly in the focus of research.