Environment
Sartorius is committed minimizing environmental impact in the life science and pharmaceutical industries. Our solutions help reduce energy, water, and chemical consumption while optimizing cleanroom space.
At the same time, we work to lower our own ecological footprint by focusing on emissions, waste reduction, and circular economy initiatives.
Climate Change
As a supplier to the biopharmaceutical industry, we are not an emissions-intensive sector. However, we also have an obligation to society as a whole and have set ourselves the goal of achieving net-zero total emissions by 2045.
Our ambitions for 2045: Complete decarbonization of business activities
As a mid-term climate target for scope 1 and 2, Sartorius has committed to an absolute CO₂eq reduction goal: The emissions are to be reduced by 42% by 2030 compared to the 2022 baseline, equivalent to an average annual reduction of around 5.4%. According to the SBTi, this target is aligned with the United Nations’ 1.5 degree objective and the Paris Climate Agreement.
Mid-term ambitions until 2030
- Reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 CO2eq emission by ~5.4% per year on average
- Reduce emissions in scope 1 and 2 by 42% compared to 2022
- 51.6% lower CO2eq emissions intensity in scope 3
Targets are validated by SBTi, scope 1 and 2 targets in line with 1.5 degree goal
In close cooperation with our business partners along the value chain, we have already initiated numerous activities to reduce emissions. These include, for example, purchasing electricity from renewable sources, switching from air to sea transportation, reducing business travel and introducing eco-design for products and packaging - especially with regard to the use of CO2-intensive petroleum-based plastics.
About 89% of Sartorius’ total emissions are indirect CO₂ equivalents generated along the value chain, both upstream and downstream. For these Scope 3 emissions, assuming continued company growth, Sartorius has defined an intensity target to reduce emissions by 51.6% by 2030 compared to the 2022 baseline. This corresponds to an average annual reduction rate of 8.7%.
What are Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions?
Emissions in Scope 1 are direct emissions. They result mostly from the use of fossil fuels to generate heat and power at our sites or process emissions.
Switching to renewable energy at our sites will have a major impact in reducing Scope 1 emissions. The process emissions generated during membrane production are currently deemed unavoidable based on the technology available at present.
Indirect emissions within Scope 2 occur during the generation of purchased energy, particularly electricity.
We are working to switch to zero-emission energy from renewable sources wherever possible. The success of this effort is subject to the availability of renewable energy at our global locations.
Scope 3 emissions arise along the entire value chain. Upstream emissions include CO₂eq associated with purchased or acquired goods and services. Downstream emissions refer to emissions generated through the use and end‑of‑life treatment of our sold products and services.
In line with our net-zero ambition by 2045, we are working closely with our business partners along the value chain to reduce these emissions.
Resources and Circularity
Sartorius is committed to improving resource efficiency and advancing the circular economy along the value chain. Key focus areas include eco-design, reducing dependence on fossil-based materials, enhancing product recyclability, and eliminating operational landfill waste.
Find more information in the 2025 Sustainability Report under "Pollution".
Water and Wastewater
At Sartorius, water is mainly used for the production and modification of membranes. Our manufacturing processes are designed to minimize the use of rinsing water and reduce wastewater and pollution. Organic solvents are treated and largely recycled.
Distillation plants are installed at the relevant consumption sites in Göttingen and Yauco to ensure almost closed solvent cycles. In addition, the Yauco and Bangalore sites have a cistern system that collects rainwater for various applications.
Find more information in the 2025 Sustainability Report under "Pollution".
Stories on global and local initiatives
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Sartorius complies with the WEEE directive 2012/19/EU in Europe and partners with the European Advanced Recycling Network for product returns.
