SCHOTT Pharma, a supplier of drug containment and delivery systems, is reinforcing its dedication to science-based climate action following the validation of its parent group's updated climate targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The new targets, which apply to the entire SCHOTT Group, including SCHOTT Pharma, introduce a more rigorous approach to reducing emissions across the value chain, moving beyond a previous focus on direct operations.
The updated framework retains the existing commitment to cut absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 46.2% by fiscal year 2030, using a 2019 baseline. Importantly, it adds a new absolute Scope 3 target, aiming for a 27.5% reduction in emissions from key 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). This shift emphasizes tangible emission reductions in the supply chain and product lifecycle.
“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. By centering on absolute Scope 3 emissions, the company can better direct decarbonization efforts toward the most significant sources of emissions, including those beyond direct suppliers.
The validation by SBTi confirms that the targets are aligned with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. As part of this update, SCHOTT Group and SCHOTT Pharma are discontinuing their previous internal goal of “climate neutral by 2030,” which only covered Scope 1 and 2 emissions and relied on compensation. The new science-based targets are designed to drive real reductions.
SCHOTT Pharma has been actively pursuing decarbonization for years. Since 2021, it has sourced Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) for its global manufacturing network, ensuring that a significant portion of its electricity comes from renewable sources. The company is also enhancing energy efficiency and adopting innovative technologies. For instance, at its site in Switzerland, SCHOTT Pharma switched from conventional distillation to an advanced membrane-based system for generating Water for Injection (WFI). This new technology eliminates the need for high fuel consumption and relies primarily on electricity and heat recovery, improving water efficiency from typically 70% to over 90% while maintaining pharmaceutical quality standards.
Collaboration across the value chain is also a priority. SCHOTT Pharma works with suppliers and customers to identify emission reduction opportunities, including renewable energy sourcing, material efficiency, circular economy practices for secondary packaging, and product carbon footprint transparency. For glass-based pharmaceutical packaging, the production of pharmaceutical glass tubing is a major contributor to carbon emissions. Innovations in the tubing business, such as new low-emission melting technologies, are crucial for reducing Scope 3.1 emissions.
In supplier selection, 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 and renewable electricity procurement. It also participates in collaborations like the Alliance to Zero to advance decarbonization across the healthcare value chain.
These updated targets underscore SCHOTT Pharma’s commitment to aligning its operations with the latest scientific consensus and international standards. By focusing on absolute emissions reductions across the entire value chain, the company aims to make a measurable contribution to global climate goals.
