Vilsa becomes first German beverage maker with validated net-zero targets

The Vilsa Group is claiming to be the German beverage manufacturer to set science-based climate targets and have them validated according to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) net-zero standard.

Since joining the SBTi in 2023, VILSA has consistently worked to define and validate its climate targets based on scientific evidence.

“The validation of our net-zero targets demonstrates our verifiable commitment to a sustainable future,” says Henning Rodekohr, managing partner of Vilsa-Brunnen Otto Rodekohr. “We take responsibility across the entire value chain – and instead of short-term compensation, we focus on genuine emission reduction. We will offset any remaining residual emissions according to SBTi criteria.”

Since 2018, Vilsa has been producing at its headquarters in Bruchhausen-Vilsen using 100% renewable electricity and has reduced production-related emissions directly generated at the site by approximately 70% per filling between 2010 and 2024.

With its certification by the SBTi, the Vilsa Group commits to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions along its entire value chain to net zero by 2050 at the latest – in line with the 1.5-degree target of the Paris Climate Agreement.

The Science Based Targets initiative is a global organisation that supports companies in defining science-based climate targets. It develops standards, tools, and guidance that enable companies to set targets in line with the Paris Climate Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to a maximum of 1.5°C. Companies that join the initiative commit to developing ambitious climate targets and having them verified by the SBTi. They must also report regularly on their progress.

The clear focus is on emissions reduction and long-term sustainability in order to advance the urgently needed measures to combat climate change.

The goals in detail:

• Scope 1 and 2: Emissions will be reduced by 42% by 2030 and by 90% by 2050.
• Scope 2: Electricity procurement will be switched from 95.86% in 2022 to 100% renewable energy by 2030.
• Scope 3: Emissions along the supply chain are to be reduced by 25% by 2030 and by 90% by 2050.
• Concrete measures for a climate-neutral future

To achieve its ambitious climate goals, Vilsa is focusing on concrete measures in production, packaging, and logistics. These include, for example, packaging solutions such as the Vilsa NIX-PACK to reduce plastic, the increased use of recycled materials, energy efficiency measures, its own biogas-based combined heat and power plant, and the expansion of electric trucks and charging infrastructure.