SCHOTT Pharma, a leader in drug containment solutions, announced that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated the updated climate targets of its parent company, SCHOTT Group. The validation covers the business scope of SCHOTT Pharma and underscores the company's commitment to science-based climate action. The updated framework introduces a new absolute Scope 3 emissions reduction target, complementing the existing Scope 1 and 2 goals.
While the company's dedication to climate action remains steadfast, the revised Scope 3 target allows for a more impact-oriented approach. "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," stated Reinhard Mayer, CFO of SCHOTT Pharma.
The updated SBTi framework builds on the existing climate strategy, retaining the previously validated target to reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 46.2% by fiscal year 2030 compared to a 2019 baseline. Additionally, it introduces a commitment to reduce absolute Scope 3 emissions by 27.5% over the same period, focusing on categories with the greatest climate impact: purchased goods and services, fuel- and energy-related activities, and the processing of sold products.
This shift from supplier commitments to concrete product and process improvements enables decarbonization efforts to be directed toward the most relevant emission sources. As a result, SCHOTT Pharma will intensify collaborations with suppliers and customers to lower emissions throughout the value chain. The company is already engaging in initiatives such as the industry program Energize, which facilitates suppliers' access to renewable electricity procurement opportunities, and participates in the Alliance to Zero to advance decarbonization across the healthcare sector.
With the validation of the updated science-based targets, 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 as a key component. The new targets align with the Paris Agreement's goal to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Decarbonization remains at the core of SCHOTT Pharma's corporate strategy. Since 2021, the company has sourced Energy Attribute Certificates from renewable energies for its global manufacturing network. It continuously improves energy efficiency and explores new technologies. For instance, at its Swiss site, SCHOTT Pharma switched from conventional distillation to an advanced membrane-based system for generating Water for Injection, reducing natural gas reliance and improving water efficiency from typically 70% to over 90%.
In pharmaceutical glass containment solutions, emissions from tubing production represent a significant share of the carbon footprint. Innovations within the SCHOTT Group's tubing business, including new low-emission melting technologies, are crucial for reducing Scope 3.1 emissions associated with future packaging solutions. SCHOTT Pharma also evaluates suppliers' climate targets and renewable electricity sourcing in its procurement decisions.
These efforts reflect SCHOTT Pharma's commitment to integrating sustainability into its operations and value chain. The company's climate actions are detailed on its website, providing transparency on its progress.
