SCHOTT Pharma, a provider of drug containment solutions and delivery systems, has reaffirmed its commitment to science-based climate action following the validation of SCHOTT Group's updated climate targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The new targets, which include a strengthened focus on reducing Scope 3 emissions across the value chain, have been officially validated, marking a significant step in the company's sustainability strategy.
The updated framework maintains the previously validated Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions reduction target while introducing an absolute Scope 3 emissions target. This shift emphasizes measurable reductions in emissions from value chain categories with the greatest climate impact, such as purchased goods and services, fuel- and energy-related activities, and the processing of sold products. By prioritizing actions based on their emission reduction potential, SCHOTT Pharma aims to direct decarbonization efforts toward the most relevant sources of emissions, including those beyond direct suppliers.
Reinhard Mayer, CFO of SCHOTT Pharma, stated, "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."
The validation confirms that SCHOTT Group's climate targets align with SBTi requirements and support the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Consequently, the company has discontinued its previous internal goal of "climate neutral by 2030," which was limited to Scope 1 and 2 and included compensation. The new science-based targets are more comprehensive and focus on absolute emission reductions.
SCHOTT Pharma continues to implement a broad portfolio of decarbonization initiatives. Since 2021, the company has sourced Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) from renewable energies for its global manufacturing network. It also focuses on improving energy efficiency across its operations and adopting innovative technologies. For example, at its site in Switzerland, SCHOTT Pharma has switched its technology for generating Water for Injection (WFI) from conventional distillation to an advanced membrane-based system. This change reduces reliance on natural gas and improves water efficiency from typically 70% to over 90% while maintaining compliance with pharmaceutical quality standards.
Collaboration with suppliers and customers is another key aspect of the company's strategy. SCHOTT Pharma works with partners to lower emissions through renewable energy sourcing, material efficiency, circular economy approaches for secondary packaging, and product carbon footprint transparency. For glass-based pharmaceutical packaging, emissions from pharmaceutical glass tubing production represent a significant share of the carbon footprint. Innovations in low-emission melting technologies within the SCHOTT Group's tubing business are crucial for reducing Scope 3.1 emissions.
In its sourcing decisions, SCHOTT Pharma evaluates suppliers' 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. SCHOTT Pharma also participates in collaborations such as Alliance to Zero to advance decarbonization across the healthcare value chain.
These actions underscore SCHOTT Pharma's dedication to reducing its environmental impact and contributing to global climate goals. The validation of the updated targets by SBTi reinforces the credibility of the company's approach and its alignment with internationally recognized standards. As the company continues to integrate sustainability into its core strategy, it aims to make tangible progress in reducing emissions across its operations and value chain.
