Beckers Pledges Ambitious Science-Based Targets, Aiming for Net Zero by 2050

Beckers has set a pioneering milestone by becoming the first coil coatings company to announce its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with its broader strategy to decrease emissions across its entire value chain. The company plans to establish climate targets that adhere to the rigorous criteria of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and intends to submit these targets for verification by SBTi in the near future. This proactive step underscores Beckers' dedication to sustainability leadership within its industry, aiming to mitigate its environmental impact significantly and contribute to global efforts in combating climate change.

Gavin Bown, Chief Technology Officer at Beckers, expresses pride in Beckers becoming the first company in the coil coating industry to adopt a Net Zero target. He emphasizes their proactive strategy across the value chain to mitigate climate impact, positioning it as a significant competitive advantage presently and in the future. This commitment underscores Beckers' leadership in sustainability within their sector, aiming not only to reduce their carbon footprint but also to inspire industry-wide change towards a more sustainable future. Bown's statement reflects Beckers' strategic vision to integrate environmental responsibility into their business operations, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and meet stringent sustainability goals.

Beckers has made significant strides in reducing its own operational CO2e emissions (scope 1 and 2), achieving a 51% decrease from 2013 to 2023. However, the vast majority of its emissions, over 98%, stem from its customers and suppliers (scope 3). To effectively address this, Beckers recognizes the need for comprehensive collaboration across its entire value chain. This approach is crucial for achieving further reductions and aligning with its sustainability goals, emphasizing a holistic strategy to mitigate environmental impact throughout its operations and beyond.

Bown emphasizes collaboration and innovation as key to sustainability. While Siemens has its own goals, they recognize the importance of partnering with suppliers and customers.  They believe true progress relies on everyone working together throughout the entire production and use cycle of a product.

Beckers' commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) underscores its strategy to swiftly decrease its CO2e emissions in alignment with current scientific guidelines. Recognized by the Financial Times as a top European Climate Leader, Beckers aims to submit its science-based climate targets to SBTi. This initiative marks Beckers' ongoing transformation towards a lower climate impact business model, emphasizing enhanced collaboration with its value chain partners.

The SBTi, a collaboration among CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), the UN Global Compact, the World Resources Institute, and the World Wide Fund for Nature, aims to promote aggressive corporate climate action by urging companies to establish emissions reduction targets based on scientific criteria.

Net-zero emissions imply achieving a balance where any greenhouse gas emissions released are offset by equivalent removals, achieved through natural methods such as reforestation or technological innovations like direct air capture and storage. This approach ensures that the total carbon footprint does not increase, supporting global efforts to combat climate change effectively.