SCHOTT Pharma, a leading provider of drug containment solutions, has reaffirmed its commitment to science-based climate action following the validation of its parent group's updated climate targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The validation, announced on August 17, 2026, marks a significant step in the company's sustainability strategy, emphasizing measurable reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its value chain.
The updated targets, which include the business scope of SCHOTT Pharma, maintain the previously validated commitment to reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 46.2% by fiscal year 2030, using 2019 as the baseline. More notably, the new framework introduces an absolute Scope 3 emissions reduction target of 27.5% over the same period, focusing on categories with the greatest climate impact: 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, highlighted the strategic importance of the updated Scope 3 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," he said. This shift from supplier commitments to concrete product and process improvements allows the company to direct decarbonization efforts toward the most relevant emission sources.
With the validation, SCHOTT Group has discontinued its previous internal goal of "climate neutral by 2030," which was limited to Scope 1 and 2 emissions and included compensation. The new science-based targets align with the Paris Agreement's goal to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, ensuring the company's climate strategy evolves alongside scientific and technological progress.
SCHOTT Pharma continues to pursue a broad portfolio of decarbonization initiatives. Since 2021, the company has sourced Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) from renewable energies for its global manufacturing network. Additionally, it focuses on improving energy efficiency and integrating new technologies. For example, at its site in Switzerland, SCHOTT Pharma switched from conventional distillation to an advanced membrane-based system for generating Water for Injection (WFI). This innovation eliminates the high fuel demand of distillation, relies primarily on electricity and heat recovery, and improves water efficiency from typically 70% to more than 90%, while maintaining strict pharmaceutical quality standards.
Addressing supply chain emissions is critical, as pharmaceutical glass tubing production represents a significant share of the carbon footprint for glass-based packaging. Innovations within the SCHOTT Group's tubing business, including new low-emission melting technologies, are expected to play a crucial role in reducing Scope 3.1 emissions. In procurement, SCHOTT Pharma evaluates suppliers' climate targets and renewable electricity sourcing, and through the industry initiative Energize, it supports suppliers in their decarbonization efforts. The company also participates in collaborations such as Alliance to Zero to advance decarbonization across the healthcare value chain.
These efforts underscore SCHOTT Pharma's commitment to integrating climate action into its core corporate strategy. By aligning with validated science-based targets, the company aims to make a tangible impact on reducing global emissions while maintaining its leadership in pharmaceutical packaging innovation.
