Climate

Pfleiderer is committed to the Paris Climate Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C. This goal guides our measures to reduce climate-relevant emissions in all three scopes. By 2045, we want to reduce gradually our net carbon footprint to zero.

Through investments and further measures at our locations between 2020 and 2023, we have already been able to shrink emissions in Scope 1 and especially Scope 2 significantly and achieve values at the 2025 target level. For example, we caused 129,914 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in Scopes 1 and 2 in 2024, compared to 150,846 tonnes in 2022 and 220,164 tonnes in 2020.

Under our previous methodology, we reduced Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 41% between 2020 and 2024.1 As part of our commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), we have aligned our target-setting approach with SBTi requirements, including the use of a new base year.2 As a result, our emissions reduction pathway has been recalculated. We now aim to reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 35% by 2030 from a 2022 base year. In 2025, we achieved a reduction of 25% against this baseline.

¹ For definitions on the Scopes, please refer to ghgprotocol.org/calculationg-tools-faq

² The target was set following engagement with the SBTi and is informed by decarbonisation pathways applicable to the furniture and fittings sector, as well as the SBTi Absolute Contraction approach pathway. See sciencebasedtargets.org

In 2023, we transitioned to self-supply; the three CHP plants feed the electricity into a virtual power plant from which five locations draw their electricity simultaneously. In 2025, we covered 100% of our heat demand and 97% of our electricity demand through our own combined heat and power generation.

The company’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon intensity, measured as tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per million USD of revenue, amounted to 153 tCO₂e/USDm in 2023, increased to 184 tCO₂e/USDm in 2024, and improved to 160 tCO₂e/USDm in 2025. The temporary increase observed in 2024 is primarily attributable to a reduction in revenue rather than a deterioration in operational emissions performance, while the subsequent decrease in 2025 reflects both improved business performance and continued emissions management. When benchmarked against comparable European wood based panel manufacturers, the company’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon intensity remains within the normal peer range. Year on year comparability of the reported intensity is partly influenced by currency effects, as revenue is denominated in USD for intensity calculation while underlying earnings are generated in EUR, resulting in distortions from exchange rate fluctuations rather than production or emission rates. 

In addition, Pfleiderer aims to increase the use of low emission and zero emission technologies within its company owned fleet. By 2030, at least 15% of the fleet shall be powered by zero emission technologies, such as battery electric vehicles, while the remaining fleet shall be transitioned to HVO or other certified low emission fuels to significantly reduce transport related emissions. These targets are supported by the deployment of new vehicle technologies, tyre optimisation and continuous improvement measures. 

Indirect carbon emissions occur throughout our value chain, including from the sourcing of raw materials used in our wood-based products. By using a high proportion of recycled wood for the production of our main product, particleboard, the product-related climate-relevant emissions are already lower than if only fresh wood were used. Moreover, our cascading use of wood cuts climate-relevant emissions in other areas as well, such as energy production. The majority of our Scope 3 emissions arise from the purchase of chemical products. As part of the development of our science-based climate targets, Pfleiderer commits to reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services 37% from a 2022 base year.