Engel Aims for Net Zero Emissions, Commits to Standard

Engel (Schwertberg, Austria) has set science-based reduction targets to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions at its production facilities, subjecting them to a review under the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). Engel noted that SBTi’s defined targets will help satisfy the requirements of the Paris Climate Agreement.

Currently, Engel uses 100% “green” electricity in all its Austrian plants, including a growing proportion generated by its own photovoltaic systems. In a press release, Engel CEO Stefan Engleder noted that for this fiscal year, the company has budgeted euro 10 million for the expansion of its renewable energy production. In addition to that, Engel notes that it offers molders proprietary technologies to process recycled plastic waste. Last year, Engel improved its sustainability ranking from the global environmental consultancy Eco Vadis from silver to gold status.

Engel is reducing all Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 50% and Scope 3 emissions by 42% by 2030 compared with 2022. Scope 1 emissions are those that a company owns or controls directly. Scope 2 emissions are ones that a company causes indirectly and those that come from the energy it uses and how it’s produced. Scope 3 emissions aren’t directly produced by a company, but are ones it is indirectly responsible for across its value chain.

In addition, Engel announced that its St. Valentin large-machine plant in Austria was recognized as a ClimatePartner certified production plant. Following a successful audit, production plants receive this seal by calculating their emissions; naming CO² reduction targets; implementing reduction measures; supporting climate protection projects; and communicating transparently.

Engel notes that the successful certification was due in part to conversion of heat generation to biomass, pushing the company “very close” to net zero direct emissions for St. Valentin.