Environmental responsibility
Transformation of the glass industry
As a global technology group, we are part of an energy-intensive industry with high greenhouse gas emissions. SCHOTT is actively addressing the challenges of a complex and long-term transformation and is driving targeted measures to advance this transition.
Science-based climate targets
As a research-driven technology group, we are committed to a science-based climate strategy. That is why we have joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and had our CO₂ reduction targets for all three emission scopes (Scopes 1–3) revalidated. The SBTi, which assesses and validates companies’ science-based climate targets, confirmed the revised targets in August 2026.The Scope 1 and Scope 2 reduction target established in 2023 remains part of our climate strategy through 2030. In addition, SCHOTT has set a target to reduce selected Scope 3 emissions along the value chain by 27.5 percent by 2030 (Further information in the implementation plan).
Our action plan
Our climate strategy follows a clear hierarchy: On our path to reducing emissions, we prioritize avoiding and reducing emissions (Further information in the implementation plan).
Technological change
Reducing our emissions requires fundamental technological changes in glass production. The biggest challenge is the technology change itself – particularly given the time required to implement it. This transformation is complex and long-term, spanning decades.
Our focus is on glass melting, the most energy-intensive step in the production process. In developing new technologies, we are particularly advancing electrification (Further information in the implementation plan). In research and pilot projects, we are also testing additional approaches, including heating our melting tanks with microwaves, hydrogen, and plasma burners.
Energy efficiency
Using energy efficiently is an important part of our production processes. Through structured energy management, we continuously analyze where additional efficiency potential can be realized.
The digitalization of the melting process opens up new opportunities: Modern sensor technologies and AI-powered data analysis provide us with deeper insights into the processes within our glass melting tanks.
Renewable energies
Value chain (Scope 3)
The majority of our emissions occur outside our own operations. They are primarily generated during the production of the materials we purchase and the downstream processing of our products (Scope 3). As a result, Scope 3 emissions represent a key opportunity for further reductions. To address them, we follow a structured approach across our value chain (Further information in the implementation plan).
Our initiatives focus on knowledge transfer, increasing the use of renewable energy among our suppliers, and improving process efficiency. In this way, we support our suppliers in implementing effective emissions reduction measures step by step.
Corporate Carbon Footprint
Glass production is energy intensive
In the base year 2019, our direct and indirect emissions (Scope 1 and 2) amounted to around 1 million tonnes of CO₂e. The exact (location-based) footprint was 641,081 tonnes of CO₂e.
Upstream and downstream emissions (Scope 3) amounted to around 1.3 million tonnes of CO₂e.
In the 2024 fiscal year, we offset our business flights as part of our compensation efforts.
Our carbon footprint is audited annually by independent experts in accordance with the internationally recognized Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG). Since 2019, our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions have been externally verified. As of 2024, the audit includes our entire carbon footprint, including Scope 3 emissions.
We record all greenhouse gases and express them in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e) for better comparability.
We calculate our Scope 1 and 2 emissions using both the market-based and location-based methods and disclose both perspectives.
We track our Scope 3 emissions using a hybrid approach based on both primary and secondary data.
Product carbon footprint: Reliable CO₂ balances according to international standards
More and more customers are looking for products with the lowest possible climate impact. The Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) – the CO₂ footprint of a product – provides transparency when it is calculated in a traceable and standardized way.
As part of our sustainability strategy, we are preparing PCF declarations for selected initial products along the system boundary from cradle to gate. This is based on a company-wide guideline aligned with ISO 14067, which has been validated by independent auditors.
It also takes into account the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and the PCF Guideline of the industry initiative “Together for Sustainability” (TfS). In doing so, we support the establishment of internationally compatible standards for transparent CO₂ accounting.
Innovation for the glass industry
By using modern technologies and continuously improving our processes, we have helped advance industrial standards in the glass industry.
Integrated EHS management system
Since 1995, we have managed environmental, health and occupational safety aspects (Environment, Health & Safety – EHS) through an integrated management system.
The system is based on internationally recognized standards, in particular ISO 14001 (environmental management) and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety). Material Compliance is an integral part of this system.
Our EHS standards complement national laws and regulations where SCHOTT addresses relevant compliance topics consistently across the Group and define a Group-wide minimum standard.
The management system ensures transparency, clear responsibilities and a reliable foundation for continuous improvement – across countries and functions.
Other key areas of responsibility
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