Focus on environmental and climate protection
For over 25 years, active protection of the environment and climate has been a central component of our corporate philosophy. Since 2009, we have been able to identify and specifically reduce our emissions by recording our carbon footprint.
Environmental and climate protection is firmly anchored in our DNA
Sustainability has characterized our actions for decades. We took our first important step back in 1997 and had ourselves certified in accordance with the EC Eco-Audit Regulation. Since 2004, we have been continuously developing our environmental standards in accordance with ISO 14001.
Accounting as the first step
In order to take targeted action, we need to know where emissions are generated. The Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF) and the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) form the basis of our climate strategy.
Since 2009, we have calculated our corporate carbon footprint annually in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. This covers all relevant sources of emissions. You can find more information in the sustainability report.
to the current sustainability report
The PCF breaks down the emissions of each individual product in detail. This enables customers to track the CO₂e emissions of the products they purchase.
Avoid and reduce
We are doing everything we can to constantly reduce our CO₂e footprint. We have switched to CO₂e-efficient processes in our production and are consistently minimizing our internal CO₂e emissions
Some selected measures
All companies in our group have been using more sustainable raw materials for many years in order to reduce environmental impact and conserve resources
We focus on energy-efficient production processes. The two production sites are at the heart of our group of companies and therefore offer significant opportunities to reduce our environmental impact.
The entire vehicle fleet at the German sites consists of electric and hybrid vehicles, which are supplemented with their own charging infrastructure and photovoltaic systems. To keep emissions from site visits as low as possible, there is an internal company carpooling scheme.
Our employees can lease up to two JobRäder bikes for their commute to work and for private use. There are also shower facilities, covered bike racks and bike stations with tools at the sites.
Annual mobility challenges have been organized since 2022. The aim is to motivate employees to switch to more sustainable means of transportation and thus reduce the emissions caused by employees' commutes.
We rely on the use of renewable energies wherever possible.
Electricity:
Photovoltaic systems are installed at the Oberhaching, Mindelheim and Bystrice sites and the remaining electricity requirements are covered by green electricity
Heat:
The Oberhaching site has been using geothermal energy since August 2014. Two heat pumps were installed at our Mindelheim production site in 2023 in order to become independent of fossil fuels.
Cooling:
Mindelheim has had an efficient well cooling system since 1995, which was modernized in 2016. The intelligent control system enables extremely precise adjustment and risk monitoring.
A document management system (DMS) ensures less paper filing throughout the Group. All documents are stored and found digitally. Production-related documents are also increasingly being created digitally.
We also offer our customers 3D visualization so that they can test different materials, embossing or colour variants before they are produced.To ensure that the digital infrastructure can be operated as sustainably as possible, the secondary energy consumption of the purchased services is covered exclusively by green electricity from the data center.
We look for the most sustainable packaging solutions in the RATHGEBER Group. For example, we use filling material made from 100% recycled material and adhesive tape made from paper instead of polypropylene. In general, we make sure to reuse intact packaging materials in order to extend their life cycle.
Environmental and Climate Protection
The responsible use of natural resources and the protection of the climate are integral parts of corporate responsibility. My goal is to systematically reduce environmental impacts, make progress measurable, and continuously develop mitigation measures.
The foundation for this is a structured assessment of greenhouse gas emissions across the entire value chain. It establishes transparency, comparability, and the basis for effective reduction measures.
Science-Based Climate Targets
Rathgeber’s emissions reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as 1.5°C-aligned. They are therefore science-based, internationally recognized, and clearly aligned with the Paris Agreement.
The validation confirms the quality and ambition of the climate targets. At the same time, it serves as a binding benchmark for their rigorous implementation – in investment decisions, processes, and throughout the supply chain.
Holistic Emissions Approach: Scope 1, 2, and 3
The climate targets are based on comprehensive greenhouse gas accounting according to recognized international standards. The distinction is made between:
-
Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned processes and operational activities
-
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased energy
-
Scope 3: Further indirect emissions along upstream and downstream value chains
This holistic approach is a prerequisite for realistic, effective, and comparable climate targets.
Targets
-
Near-term targets in Scope 1 and 2: 42% reduction by 2030
-
Net-Zero target in Scope 1, 2, and 3: Net-Zero by 2045
What the SBTi Validation Means
The Science Based Targets initiative is globally recognized as the reference framework for Paris-aligned corporate climate targets. It is backed by organizations including the WWF, WRI, CDP, and the UN Global Compact.
Crucially, the SBTi assesses actual targets, not letters of intent. The evaluation is based on recognized climate science and IPCC emissions pathways – not voluntary self-disclosures. The 1.5°C classification currently represents the highest level of ambition within the SBTi framework.
For many years, we have been committed to reducing our emissions out of conviction. With the confirmation of our climate targets by the SBTi, we are now giving this commitment a clear, recognized and scientifically sound framework.
Andreas SchrägleManaging Director RATHGEBER
Reduction as the Main Focus
The focus lies on the avoidance and reduction of emissions. Climate protection is not viewed as a one-off initiative, but as a continuous transformation process. The real work begins with the implementation – today and in the years to come.
Transparency and Responsibility
Progress, assumptions, and further measures are reported on a regular basis. Detailed information regarding the greenhouse gas inventory, Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, as well as other environmental metrics, can be found in the current RATHGEBER Group Sustainability Report.