The road to zero: MartinBauer achieves its annual target; global CO2e emissions in Scopes 1, 2 and 3 reduced by nine percent

MartinBauer and the other members of global group of companies the nature network have TÜV-certified proof that they reduced CO₂e emissions by a total of 29,000 tonnes within a single year.

Consistent reduction efforts
As part of global group of companies the nature network, MartinBauer is committed to becoming climate-neutral by 2030 – along its entire supply chain. To achieve that, the whole group must reduce its CO₂e emissions by at least 23,000 tonnes (seven percent) each year. Following thorough scrutiny of the 2021 carbon footprint calculations, independent certification body TÜV Rheinland has confirmed that the nature network achieved and even surpassed its first annual target with a reduction of 29,000 tonnes (nine percent). TÜV Rheinland checked that the data in the carbon footprint were genuine, plausible, complete, and in line with the international Greenhouse Gas Protocol. So it’s official: in 2021 the nature network left a carbon footprint of 298,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalents in Scopes 1, 2 and 3.

MartinBauer’s climate strategy
The most important components of the group’s climate strategy are: measure, reduce, avoid. Only those CO₂e emissions that cannot be reduced or avoided should be compensated for through the promotion of high-quality, certified climate protection projects. The group has its progress on its journey towards climate neutrality assessed by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which it joined in 2022.

Reduce and avoid
The nature network is working to reduce its carbon footprint at all its sites worldwide, for example by improving energy efficiency, installing new production facilities, and employing intelligent energy management practices. In 2021 it set up a new Global Energy Management team. It also tries to use renewable energies wherever possible – both purchasing them and generating its own. To avoid CO₂e emissions, the group promotes environmentally-friendly transportation and urges its employees to make use of digital technology for business meetings wherever possible rather than traveling.

How was the result achieved?
A combination of many different measures led to the clear reduction in the nature network’s carbon footprint. The switch to green electricity had the greatest impact at the German sites. Already, 50 percent of the nature network’s global electricity consumption comes from green sources. That figure is set to increase to 80 percent by 2025. Increasingly, photovoltaic facilities are being erected at nature network sites. There are currently twelve PV facilities up and running, with another four being installed or planned.

When will the measures take effect?
Some measures, such as purchasing green electricity, have immediate results. Other investments, such as the erection of PV facilities at the sites, first have to be planned, projected and implemented before they can have any impact on the carbon footprint. And then there are other types of measures, such as setting up the Global Energy Management team, that are part of the groundwork and only generate visible results gradually – while having a long-term positive impact on the nature network’s climate objectives.

Outlook
The nature network’s sustainability strategy represents a clear commitment to the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement. To make good on this commitment, the group has set science-based emission
reduction targets, which it is submitting to the renowned Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for scrutiny and validation.

About MartinBauer
Since 1930, MartinBauer has stood for unique expertise in premium botanical solutions worldwide. We work with our customers to develop tailor-made solutions for the tea, beverage, food and animal feed industries. Our products are based on responsibly sourced, high-quality botanical raw materials from over 80 countries. With more than 20 production sites and sales units worldwide, we keep our finger on the pulse of local markets. Our goal is to drive creativity and innovation for the successful products of tomorrow. MartinBauer is part of the nature network®, a fourth-generation family business. More than 4,000 employees worldwide – many of them with decades of experience – work to maintain our competitive edge.