Packaging and labeling technology specialist HERMA has announced its commitment to abandon fossil fuels and transition entirely to green electricity. The company’s goal is to achieve a significant reduction of over 42% in CO2 emissions by 2030, measured against 2021 levels. To support its sustainability efforts, HERMA has joined the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and adopted the 1.5-degree Celsius target outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement.
By embracing green electricity, HERMA aims to reach its net-zero emissions target, including indirect emissions, by 2040. The SBTi is a global initiative with over 3,000 member companies that encourages participants to voluntarily adopt science-based actions to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-1850 levels, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. HERMA’s decision to join the initiative reflects its commitment to implementing ambitious and essential measures to combat climate change.
Marcus Gablowski, Chief Sustainability Officer at HERMA, highlighted the significance of SBTi’s stringent standards, stating, “The measures we are now initiating as a company illustrate our commitment to the 1.5-degree-Celsius target. The goals set by the SBTi are much more ambitious and definite than many general climate declarations. These are often based only on what is considered possible at the time. The SBTi is guided by what is absolutely essential.”
HERMA plans to make substantial investments, totaling an eight-figure sum, by 2030 to support its climate goals. The company’s headquarters in Filderstadt will undergo extensive electrification, relying solely on renewable sources such as wind, hydro, and photovoltaics for power generation. Over the next seven years, HERMA aims to increase the share of electricity in its overall energy consumption from just over 25% to at least 50%, while reducing the proportion of gas to below 50%. Additionally, HERMA intends to utilize electricity for heat and steam in its production processes to leverage the energy efficiency offered by electrical sources.
As an SBTi member, HERMA is committed to reducing CO2 emissions throughout its supply chain by over 25% by 2030, compared to 2021 levels. Collaboration with suppliers will be key to achieving this target. HERMA plans to work closely with its suppliers to explore options such as reducing emissions during raw material production, selecting suppliers based on their CO2 footprint, increasing the use of recycled materials, and implementing measures to improve recyclability while reducing material consumption.
Apart from investments in achieving climate targets, HERMA will allocate funds to support measures contributing to sustainability. These measures include transitioning to a climate-neutral vehicle fleet, optimizing the efficiency of drives in production machinery, pumps, and ventilation systems, installing on-site solar power generation through a photovoltaic system, and implementing energy-efficient LED lighting.
HERMA’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and embracing sustainable practices reflects its leadership in environmental stewardship. The company’s ambitious goals and substantial investments position it to make a significant contribution to combating climate change and ensuring a greener future.