Climate strategy: ALTANA on the way to “net zero emissions” along the entire value chain

• Goal: virtually greenhouse gas-free worldwide in all three scopes by 2050
• Already by 2040, a reduction of emissions within ALTANA’s direct influence (Scope 1 and 2) by 90 percent
• Science-based approach: ALTANA’s climate targets have been confirmed by the renowned Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
• Progress so far: Between 2014 and 2023, ALTANA already reduced greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 1 and 2 by 70 percent

The globally active specialty chemicals group ALTANA has pledged to operate virtually greenhouse gas-free worldwide by 2050 and to achieve “net zero emissions.” Specifically, emissions across the entire value chain (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) will be reduced by 90 percent by then. The company will permanently remove any remaining unavoidable emissions from the atmosphere using recognized processes. Already by 2040, ALTANA aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within its direct sphere of influence (Scopes 1 and 2) by 90 percent.

These targets are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as recently confirmed by the renowned Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). ALTANA is building on its substantial progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions over recent years. Between 2014 and 2023, the company successfully cut its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by approximately 70 percent. Starting in 2025, ALTANA will mitigate any remaining greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 1 and 2 by funding climate protection projects beyond its own value chain.

"Footprint in innovations, not in emissions"

"We have always said that we want to leave our footprint in innovations, not in emissions. And we are consistently pursuing this path," says Martin Babilas, CEO of ALTANA AG. "Whether it's solutions for improving the recyclability of packaging or for the reliable operation of the world's largest wind turbines, we have been making our customers' products more sustainable through innovation for many years. Now we are extending this commitment across our entire value chain. This is our responsibility and our contribution to the urgent need to limit global warming.”

To operate virtually greenhouse gas-free worldwide in all three scopes by 2050, ALTANA is prioritizing the electrification of processes and vehicles, the purchase of sustainable raw materials – increasingly from suppliers who have committed themselves to SBTi-approved climate targets - and the further reduction of transport routes through increased use of the company's decentralized purchasing and production network.

In 2020, ALTANA transitioned its global electricity procurement to renewable energy sources. Currently, over half of this renewable energy is generated regionally, with an increasing share produced directly at ALTANA’s production sites, primarily through solar systems.

In its commitment to sustainable raw materials, ALTANA’s ECKART division sources nearly all its aluminum from production processes powered by renewable energy. Moreover, ECKART already incorporates recycled aluminum, positioning it as an industry pioneer. The effect pigments made from this material are used in applications like metallic vehicle paints, which help reduce the CO₂ footprint of both ECKART’s products and those of its customers.

ALTANA CEO Martin Babilas: “Industry plays a key role in achieving climate protection targets by driving innovation. The European Green Deal makes high demands but also offers great opportunities. Politicians must create the framework for this, for example by providing access to sufficient energy from renewable sources at competitive prices.”