SCHOTT Pharma, a leading provider of drug containment solutions and delivery systems, is intensifying its climate action efforts following the validation of its parent group's updated science-based climate targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The updated framework, which includes SCHOTT Pharma's operations, introduces a more rigorous approach to reducing Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the value chain, marking a significant shift from supplier-focused commitments to concrete product and process improvements.
“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,” said Reinhard Mayer, CFO of SCHOTT Pharma.
The revised targets, validated at the SCHOTT Group level, maintain the previously approved commitment to reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 46.2% by fiscal year 2030, compared to a 2019 baseline. Newly introduced is an absolute Scope 3 target, committing to a 27.5% reduction in emissions from the 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).
This strategic update aligns SCHOTT Pharma with the goals of the Paris Agreement, supporting efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. By centering on absolute Scope 3 emissions, the company can now direct decarbonization measures toward the most significant emission sources, including those beyond direct suppliers. The previous internal goal of “climate neutral by 2030,” which focused solely on Scope 1 and 2 emissions and relied on compensation, has been discontinued in favor of this more comprehensive framework.
Decarbonization remains a core pillar of SCHOTT Pharma's corporate strategy. The company has sourced Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) from renewable energies for its global manufacturing network since 2021. Additionally, it continuously enhances energy efficiency across its manufacturing processes and site infrastructure, exploring new technological approaches. For instance, at its site in Switzerland, SCHOTT Pharma transitioned from conventional distillation to an advanced membrane-based system for generating Water for Injection (WFI). This innovation eliminates the high fuel demand associated with distillation and relies primarily on electricity and heat recovery instead of natural gas. It also improves water efficiency from typically 70% to over 90%, while maintaining full compliance with stringent pharmaceutical quality standards.
The company is also collaborating with suppliers and customers to identify emission reduction opportunities throughout the value chain. This includes joint efforts in renewable energy sourcing, material efficiency, circular economy approaches for secondary packaging, and product carbon footprint transparency. In the pharmaceutical glass sector, emissions from tubing production represent a significant portion of the overall 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.
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 facilitating access to expertise and renewable electricity procurement opportunities. Participation in collaborations such as the Alliance to Zero further advances decarbonization across the healthcare value chain.
These validated targets signal a decisive move towards measurable, science-based climate action in the pharmaceutical industry. By focusing on absolute emissions reductions, SCHOTT Pharma is setting a precedent for how companies can effectively tackle indirect emissions, which often constitute the largest share of a company's carbon footprint. For industry leaders, this underscores the importance of aligning climate strategies with scientific frameworks and engaging the entire value chain to achieve meaningful environmental impact. As regulatory and stakeholder pressure mounts, such proactive measures may become a competitive differentiator, positioning SCHOTT Pharma as a sustainability leader in the healthcare sector.
