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Sustainability

The guiding principle of sustainability is deeply rooted in SCHOTT’s company history. It stems from our unique corporate model and has its roots in the Foundation Statute from 1896. Responsible corporate governance, responsibility for employees and society, as well as the environment and the climate are the core elements of our sustainability strategy.

Commitment to global goals for sustainable development

The United Nations (UN) has formulated Sustainable Development Goals as part of its 2030 Agenda to shape a sustainable future. They are aimed at governments worldwide, as well as civil society, business and science.To create a more sustainable future, the United Nations (UN) is calling on companies to commit to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

SCHOTT is also living up to this responsibility. Based on our sustainability strategy, the focus is on four SDGs where we can contribute the most. See how we, as a global innovative Group, are finding new ways to shape a sustainable future.

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Health is a human right

Our products enable new diagnostics and treatments to be developed and medicines to be delivered to people safely. We drive innovation – for better health and well-being. The health and safety of employees and partners in our supply and value chain is a top priority.
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Appreciating and living diversity

The Foundation’s Statute from 1896 already guaranteed social rights that were unique and groundbreaking at the time. Today, we promote a family-oriented HR policy, equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion. We respect different cultures and perspectives. Our goal is to increase the share of women in the top two management levels to at least 23% by 2026.
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Using finite resources sustainably

We have been reducing water consumption, waste and emissions for decades. Now we are driving forward solutions in the circular economy. We are developing innovative processes together with customers and processing companies. Our vision is to reprocess used products so that they can be integrated into the production process in an ecologically and economically sensible way.
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Climate protection concerns us all

We want to become climate-neutral in our production by 2030. On the way to achieving this, we are acting according to the principle of “Avoid – Reduce – Compensate.” By developing new technologies, we want to do without fossil energies in the long term and make an active contribution to climate protection – so that the world is worth living in for future generations.
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Our Responsibility

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Environmental Responsibility

Environmental protection has been one of SCHOTT's key corporate goals for decades. Time and again, we have set new sustainability standards in the glass industry, and we want to do the same when it comes to protecting the climate. As a globally operating group, we have a clear goal: We want to be the first specialty glass manufacturer to become climate neutral in its production by 2030.

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Social Responsibility

One of the fundamental ideas of our owner, the Carl Zeiss Foundation, is the special responsibility we have for employees and society. Health, safety and social security have top priority for us. However, our responsibility does not end at the factory gates. That is why we are also committed to the community around our locations around the world.

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Economic responsibility

As a foundation company, sustainable action and business development are firmly linked for us because we are already thinking about tomorrow today. With our products, we want to positively contribute to society and act responsibly in economic terms. For us, this means combining social responsibility, environmental protection, and profitable growth.

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Compliance

Compliance means more to us than just adhering to the rules and regulations of each country we operate in. Building and maintaining the trust of our employees and business partners in our company and products is our most valuable asset.

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German Sustainability Award for SCHOTT

In 2024, we received the prestigious German Sustainability Award twice for our commitment. We were honored in the Glass and Ceramics Industry division, as well as with the special award "Transformation Field: Climate". This makes us one of the 100 transformation pioneers in the German economy.
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Gold again for sustainability

The international rating agency EcoVadis has once again awarded a gold medal to SCHOTT for its sustainability management in 2024. With this sustainability rating, SCHOTT aims to reduce risks, drive innovation and promote transparency and trust among business partners.
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Scientifically based climate targets

As a research-driven technology group, a scientific approach to climate protection is vital to us. We have therefore joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The independent review confirmed that our targets align with the latest climate science.
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Sustainable business practices for the benefit of all

We are clearly committed to human rights, fair working conditions, and environmental and climate protection. At the same time, we oppose corruption and bribery. We are a participant of the UN Global Compact network. We thus support the world’s largest and most important initiative for sustainable and responsible corporate governance.
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Award-winning climate concept

The German Energy Agency (dena) presented us with the “Energy Efficiency Award 2022.” We received the award in the category “Concepts for a climate-neutral future.” The award recognizes outstanding technological successes and ambitious approaches to transforming industry and the energy sector.
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For more diversity in the workplace

Diversity is an opportunity. By signing the Charter of Diversity, we are sending a clear signal in favor of diversity and tolerance. In doing so, we show our appreciation for all our employees. We are committed to equal opportunities and a working world without prejudice, because this is the only way we can promote everyone’s potential.
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The future needs innovation

SCHOTT has won the “Innovation Award New Gases” in the category “Application Technology” 2024. Our project “100% Hydrogen in Glass Production” shows that converting from fossil fuels to hydrogen on an industrial scale is technically possible.
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Sustainability in the supply chain

We also want to significantly reduce our emissions in the supply chain together with our suppliers. In 2024, the Sustainability Championship Award from the Berlin Institute Supply Chain Management recognized our commitment to responsible, sustainable business practices and a transparent, ethical supply chain.
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Significant advancements in environmental sustainability

We received the SPIE Catalyst Award 2025 for continuously developing innovative solutions in specialty glass production. The project “Production of optical glass with 100% hydrogen” has shown that specialty glass can be produced exclusively with hydrogen without compromising quality. SCHOTT thus underscores that the goal of decarbonizing glass production is not only necessary, but also feasible.
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Good to know

You can find a concise overview of our sustainability activities in our two-pager.

Download two-pager
Close-up of the chimney of the SCHOTT plant in Mainz in the landscape

Good to know

In our “Sustainability@SCHOTT” white paper, we would like to provide you with a general overview of sustainability topics covering the three ESG criteria Environmental, Social and Governance.

Download whitepaper
Want to know more? Let's talk

If you need more information about our commitment to sustainability, please contact us.

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