Corporate press release
GEA achieves key milestone: Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validates 2040 net-zero target
25 Jan 2024
The Science Based Targets initiative has validated GEA’s 2040 net-zero target. This is based on a scientifically validated assessment of the climate targets and the associated reduction measures. The SBTi validation confirms that GEA’s pathway to net zero is consistent with the Paris Climate Agreement.
“We are proud of the validation by the SBTi,” said CEO Stefan Klebert. “This shows that we are taking a pioneering role in climate action, because our net-zero pathway is not just ambitious but also in line with latest climate science.”
“The SBTi validation of our net-zero target puts GEA at the forefront of the mechanical engineering sector,” says Chief Sustainability Officer Dr. Nadine Sterley. “To achieve our climate targets, we have drawn up a comprehensive Climate Transition Plan 2040. This sets out how we will further accelerate the transformation of our operations, our product portfolio and our supply chain.”
GEA’s Climate Transition Plan 2040 specifies timings, the measures to be implemented as well the investments needed to achieve the net-zero target. The detailed Climate Transition Plan will be presented in March 2024. At the next Annual General Meeting on April 30, 2024, GEA plans to hold an advisory vote by shareholders on the Climate Transition Plan 2040 – the first of its kind within the DAX Index family of companies.
"This shows that we are taking a pioneering role in climate action, because our net-zero pathway is not just ambitious but also in line with latest climate science."- Stefan Klebert, CEO
GEA Climate targets
In December 2023, GEA announced its upgraded climate targets.
Short-term target 2026:
Reduction in GHG emissions from our own operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 60 percent by 2026. This target was originally set for 2030.
Medium-term targets for 2030:
Reduction in GHG emissions from our own operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 80 percent (previously: 60 percent reduction) by 2030. Reduction in product related GHG emissions (Scope 3) by 27.5 percent (previously: 18 percent reduction) by 2030.
Long-term target 2040: net zero.
Matthias Schnettler
Media Relations
About GEA
GEA is one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems and components to the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.
The international technology group, founded in 1881, focuses on machinery and plants, as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. For instance, every second pharma separator for essential healthcare products such as vaccines or novel biopharmaceuticals is produced by GEA. In food, every fourth package of pasta or every third chicken nugget are processed with GEA technology.
With more than 18,000 employees, the group generated sales of about EUR 5.5 billion in more than 150 countries in the 2025 fiscal year. GEA plants, processes, components and services enhance the efficiency and sustainability of customers’ production. They contribute significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions, plastic usage and food waste. In doing so, GEA makes a key contribution toward a sustainable future, in line with the company’s purpose: ”Engineering for a better world.”
GEA is listed on the German MDAX, the European STOXX® Europe 600 Index and is also a constituent of the leading sustainability indices DAX 50 ESG, MSCI Global Sustainability and Dow Jones Best-in-Class World.
