Our targets
In line with Evonik’s company-wide commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), we have set our own climate goals for our Smart Effects Business Line:
| Target | Year | Status 2024 | Icon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reduce direct emissions from our own operations (Scope 1) and indirect emissions from purchased energy (Scope 2) emissions by 25% compared to 2021 | 2030 | 20% | ⏳ In progress |
| Reduce all other indirect emissions across our value chain (Scope 3) emissions by 11% compared to 2021 | 2030 | 6% | ⏳ In progress |
| Switch to 100% low carbon electricity* | 2030 | X% | ⏳ In progress |
Our climate transition plan focuses first on reducing our CO2 emissions in line with our validated SBTi targets by 2030. From 2030 to 2050, we will continue to reduce remaining greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to achieve net zero emissions along all scopes in 2050.
* low carbon means renewable and nuclear
Actions to achieve our targets
To reach these ambitious goals, we are implementing a broad range of measures across our value chain.
To decouple our production activities from environmental impact, we incorporate bio-circular and renewable energy-based feedstocks, effectively reducing emissions associated with raw material use.
To reduce emissions, we are increasing raw material efficiency and lowering carbon intensity through intensified collaboration with both existing and new suppliers. As a proud member of the Together for Sustainability (TfS) initiative, we actively engage our suppliers in driving transparency and sustainability across the supply chain. Our Supplier Engagement Program invites all suppliers to join us in disclosing the carbon footprints of procured raw materials, logistics, packaging, and other goods and services. Together, we co-develop specific roadmaps for carbon footprint reduction and the implementation of circular feedstocks — contributing to shared climate goals and responsible sourcing.
Our goal is to switch all externally purchased electricity to 100% low carbon electricity* in 2030. We are ahead of schedule: by mid-2026, this goal will be achieved for all but one site. One element are long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with various energy providers – contracts that offer high planning and supply security for electricity from renewable sources due to fixed terms and conditions.
*excluding Taoyuan; low carbon means renewable and nuclear
Our company-wide energy target is to reduce energy consumption by 1,200 GWh by 2030 (baseline: 2021), with the Smart Effects business line contributing to this goal. Our ISO 50001 certified energy management system ensures ongoing and lasting improvements in energy efficiency at our sites. By 2026, 100% of relevant sites will be covered. In addition, we are implementing energy efficiency measures as part of Evonik’s EAGER project (Next Generation Technologies).
EAGER - An ambitious project to reduce carbon emissions
We continuously evaluate alternative packaging solutions. For example, we eliminated the PE coating of our AEROSIL® and AEROXIDE® bags and reduced the packaging from three to two layers. This saves resources and simplifies recycling, as the new bag can be recycled as pure paper (PAP 22) according to EU recycling standards.
Decarbonizing transportation requires a multidisciplinary approach over the coming years. We are reducing emissions by optimizing transport planning, tracking CO2 emissions and working with carriers on new solutions. Examples include reducing air freight, using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) instead of diesel, and introducing dual-fuel hydrogen trucks for silica transport.