SCHOTT Pharma, a leading provider of drug containment solutions, announced that its updated climate targets, developed within the SCHOTT Group framework, have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This validation underscores the company's commitment to aligning its operations with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The new framework introduces an absolute Scope 3 emissions reduction target, marking a significant evolution in the company's climate strategy.
The updated targets maintain the existing commitment to reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 46.2% by fiscal year 2030, compared to a 2019 baseline. Additionally, the company now commits to a 27.5% reduction in Scope 3 emissions from the most impactful value chain categories, including purchased goods and services (Scope 3.1), fuel- and energy-related activities (Scope 3.3), and processing of sold products (Scope 3.10). This shift from a previous focus on supplier commitments to absolute emission reductions enables the company to prioritize measures based on their potential to reduce emissions, directing efforts toward the most significant sources.
Reinhard Mayer, CFO of SCHOTT Pharma, emphasized the importance of this updated approach: "While our commitment to climate action remains unchanged, the updated Scope 3 emissions target enables us to prioritize actions in a more impact-oriented way and focus on the emission reductions that matter most across our value chain."
With the validation, SCHOTT Group and SCHOTT Pharma have discontinued their previous internal goal of "climate neutral by 2030," which was limited to Scope 1 and 2 emissions and included compensation. The new science-based targets align with SBTi requirements and are designed to drive measurable reductions without relying on offsets.
Decarbonization remains a core element of SCHOTT Pharma's corporate strategy. The company has sourced Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) from renewable energies for its global manufacturing network since 2021, and continues to improve energy efficiency across its processes and site infrastructure. At its site in Switzerland, for instance, the company has adopted an advanced membrane-based system for generating Water for Injection (WFI), replacing conventional distillation. This innovation reduces reliance on natural gas, improves water efficiency from 70% to over 90%, and maintains full compliance with pharmaceutical quality standards.
SCHOTT Pharma also collaborates with suppliers and customers to lower emissions throughout the value chain. This includes partnerships on renewable energy sourcing, material efficiency, circular economy approaches for secondary packaging, and product carbon footprint transparency. For glass-based pharmaceutical packaging, emissions from the production of pharmaceutical glass tubing constitute a significant share of the overall carbon footprint. Innovations in the SCHOTT Group's tubing business, including new low-emission melting technologies, are crucial for reducing Scope 3.1 emissions.
In supplier sourcing decisions, SCHOTT Pharma evaluates climate targets and renewable electricity sourcing. Through the industry initiative Energize, the company supports suppliers in their decarbonization efforts by providing access to expertise, resources, and renewable electricity procurement opportunities. Additionally, participation in collaborations like the Alliance to Zero helps advance decarbonization across the healthcare value chain.
The validation of these targets is a critical step for SCHOTT Pharma as it seeks to integrate climate action into its core business strategy, ensuring that its growth is sustainable and aligned with global climate goals.
