Südzucker Group updates science-based climate targets in accordance with the SBTi FLAG Standard

Südzucker Group has updated its existing SBTi-validated climate targets based on the current FLAG (Forest, Land, and Agriculture) standard of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and supplemented them with separate FLAG targets for agricultural emissions. The updated targets have been submitted to SBTi Services for validation. 

Südzucker Group has had SBTi-validated climate targets since 2023. This made it the first European sugar producer with validated greenhouse gas reduction targets for Scope 1 and 2 in line with the 1.5-degree target. 

Climate Targets aligned with FLAG requirements 
The current SBTi FLAG standard establishes a specific framework for science-based climate targets for land-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and CO₂ removals, particularly those resulting from land-use changes and land management. This is particularly relevant for companies in the agriculture and food industry, as a significant portion of their emissions originates from these areas. The update ensures that the climate targets comply with the current requirements of the Science Based Targets initiative and increases transparency regarding progress in reducing GHG emissions along the value chain. 

Through the 2030/31 fiscal year, Südzucker Group is pursuing four emission reduction targets relative to the 2018/19 base year, which have now been submitted to SBTi Services for validation: 

• Reduction of non-agricultural Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions (own production processes and energy use) by 50.4 percent 
• Reduction of non-agricultural Scope 3 emissions (purchased goods and services) by 30 percent 
• Reduction of agricultural Scope 1 emissions (own agricultural operations) by 36.36 percent 
• Reduction of agricultural Scope 3 emissions (purchased agricultural raw materials) by 36.36 percent 

“By submitting our updated SBTi targets, we are establishing a science-based foundation for reducing emissions across our entire value chain – including agriculture. This enhances transparency for our customers, investors, and other stakeholders and underscores our commitment to combining sustainability with economic success”, says Dr Theresa von Fugler, Chief Commercial Officer of Südzucker Group.

Reducing Emissions together with farmers 
For Südzucker Group, agriculture plays a central role in achieving its climate goals, as a significant portion of its emissions originate there. That is why Südzucker Group works closely with its agricultural partners to further reduce emissions and promote sustainable farming practices. These include, for example, carbon farming initiatives, in which adapted agricultural practices reduce GHG emissions and enhance carbon sequestration in the soil. In addition, Südzucker Group is implementing further measures to continuously improve the greenhouse gas footprint of agricultural raw material production.

Next step: validation of the targets 
The validation of the updated targets by the Science Based Targets initiative is expected in the coming months. At the same time, Südzucker Group is working on its group-wide transition plan for climate protection and the implementation of further measures. The integration of the FLAG targets is an important milestone in the group-wide Sustainability Strategy “Growing in Balance”. The submitted targets build on progress already made: Compared to the base year 2018/19, Scope 1 and 2 emissions have already been reduced by 30 percent, and Scope 3 emissions by 16 percent.