On the right track
As part of its ambitious climate protection strategy, KHS is implementing an increasing number of measures designed to cut its carbon emissions. In doing so, the machine and systems manufacturer is gradually achieving its goals validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Together with parent company Salzgitter AG, the Dortmund systems supplier has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Its concrete goals were validated in August 2024 by the SBTi. By 2028, for example, KHS’ direct and indirect Scope 1 and 2 emissions are to be cut by 36%. Moreover, the emissions generated throughout its entire value chain (Scope 3) are to drop by 20%. “Our responsibility goes beyond our own production plants. We supply our customers with holistic solutions that measurably improve their climate footprint,” says Kai Acker, CEO of the KHS Group.
“Our responsibility goes beyond our own production plants. We supply our customers with holistic solutions that measurably improve their climate footprint.”
CEO, KHS
Efficient, renewable energies
KHS is continuously optimizing its infrastructure – above and beyond its full conversion of all production sites in Germany to green electricity by 2021. Measures such as efficient heating and lighting systems, use of waste heat, heat-efficient factory doors and intelligent building automation are in part already in place. At the company headquarters in Dortmund, Germany, modern, sensor-controlled LED technology is cutting electricity consumption. The vehicle fleet is being switched over to electric models. Moreover, renewable sources of energy are replacing fossil fuels: independent factory heating networks at the plants in Dortmund and Worms have done away completely with the need for any gas or oil. Photovoltaic systems at various German facilities are also cutting energy and CO2 consumption, with this also planned for international sites.
Helping customers to save resources
Besides cutting its own carbon emissions, KHS is also helping its customers to cut theirs and thus save on valuable resources. One good example of this is the new-generation InnoPET Blomax stretch blow molder: thanks to its optimized Double Gate heating system, it consumes up to 40% less energy compared to single-lane stretch blow molders of the same capacity. Optimized heat recovery systems on Innopas SX pasteurizers mean that they use considerably less water. Furthermore, the extremely light PET bottles devised by KHS’ Bottles & Shapes[DB1] service prove convincing with their lower consumption of materials.
Net zero by 2050
In addition to its short-term targets, together with Salzgitter AG KHS pledges to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest, with this date even brought forward to 2045 as regards its Scope 1 and 2 emissions. “The next few years are key to us firmly staying the course we’ve embarked on and becoming climate-neutral in production in the long term,” says Acker. “I’m absolutely convinced that we’ll achieve our ambitious climate goals.”
