SCHOTT Pharma, a leading provider of drug containment and delivery systems, has reaffirmed its commitment to science-based climate action following the validation of the SCHOTT Group's updated climate targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The updated targets, which now encompass the business scope of SCHOTT Pharma, maintain the existing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions reduction goals while introducing a new absolute Scope 3 target focused on reducing emissions in the value chain.
The SBTi validation confirms that the SCHOTT Group's climate targets are aligned with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. According to Reinhard Mayer, CFO of SCHOTT Pharma, “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.” This strategic shift emphasizes concrete product and process improvements over supplier commitments, directing decarbonization efforts toward the most significant emission sources, including purchased goods and services, fuel- and energy-related activities, and the processing of sold products.
Under the validated framework, the SCHOTT Group commits to reducing absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 46.2% by fiscal year 2030 compared to a 2019 baseline. Additionally, it introduces an absolute Scope 3 target, aiming for a 27.5% reduction in emissions from value chain categories with the greatest climate impact over the same period. These categories include purchased goods and services (Scope 3.1), fuel- and energy-related activities (Scope 3.3), and the processing of sold products (Scope 3.10).
SCHOTT Pharma continues to pursue a broad portfolio of decarbonization initiatives across its global operations. Since 2021, the company has sourced Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) from renewable energies for its manufacturing network. It also focuses on energy efficiency improvements and technological innovations, such as the advanced membrane-based system for generating Water for Injection (WFI) at its Swiss site. This new technology replaces conventional distillation, reducing fuel demand and improving water efficiency from typically 70% to more than 90%, while maintaining compliance with pharmaceutical quality standards.
In addition, SCHOTT Pharma collaborates with suppliers and customers to lower emissions throughout the value chain. This includes joint efforts on renewable energy sourcing, material efficiency, circular economy approaches for secondary packaging, and product carbon footprint transparency. Recognizing that pharmaceutical glass tubing production contributes significantly to the carbon footprint of its products, innovations in the SCHOTT Group's tubing business, including new low-emission melting technologies, are crucial for reducing Scope 3.1 emissions. The company also evaluates suppliers' climate targets and renewable electricity sourcing in its procurement decisions, and participates in initiatives like Energize and Alliance to Zero to support decarbonization across the healthcare sector.
With the validation of the updated science-based targets, the 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 relied on compensation. The new framework aligns with scientific developments and internationally recognized standards, ensuring that climate action remains a strategic priority for the company.
