SCHOTT Pharma, a leading provider of drug containment solutions, announced that the updated climate targets of its parent group, SCHOTT Group, have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The validation reinforces the company’s commitment to science-based climate action and introduces a new absolute Scope 3 emissions reduction target, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain.
The updated framework maintains the previously validated Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions reduction target of 46.2% by fiscal year 2030 compared to a 2019 baseline. It also introduces an absolute Scope 3 target, committing to a 27.5% reduction in emissions from the most impactful value chain categories 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).
Reinhard Mayer, CFO of SCHOTT Pharma, emphasized the importance of the updated target: “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 shift to absolute Scope 3 emissions represents a strategic move from focusing on supplier commitments to implementing concrete product and process improvements. This approach allows decarbonization efforts to be directed toward the most significant emission sources, including those beyond direct suppliers. As a result, the company can more effectively address emissions from materials, logistics, and product use.
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 measures. The new science-based targets are aligned with the Paris Agreement and support efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
SCHOTT Pharma continues to pursue a broad range 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 and integrating new technologies. For example, at its site in Switzerland, SCHOTT Pharma has transitioned from conventional distillation to an advanced membrane-based system for generating Water for Injection (WFI). This new technology reduces fuel demand and reliance on natural gas while improving water efficiency from typically 70% to over 90%, all while maintaining compliance with pharmaceutical quality standards.
Collaboration across the value chain is another key element. SCHOTT Pharma works with suppliers and customers to identify emission reduction opportunities, including renewable energy sourcing, material efficiency, and circular economy approaches for secondary packaging. For glass-based products, emissions from pharmaceutical glass tubing production represent a significant share of the carbon footprint. Innovations in the SCHOTT Group’s tubing business, such as new low-emission melting technologies, are crucial for reducing Scope 3.1 emissions.
In supplier selection, 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 and renewable electricity procurement opportunities. SCHOTT Pharma also participates in collaborations like Alliance to Zero to advance decarbonization across the healthcare value chain.
These actions demonstrate SCHOTT Pharma’s commitment to integrating climate action into its corporate strategy and contributing to global sustainability goals.
