Focus on climate and resources: Results of our member survey

The Swiss chemical, pharmaceutical and life sciences industries are committed to proactive and effective climate protection. The latest member survey by scienceindustries shows that many companies are reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, using alternative resources and promoting a circular economy. Supported by scienceindustries, they are leading the way with ambitious strategies and innovative approaches.

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time and requires decisive action at all levels of society and the economy. The member companies of scienceindustries recognise the reality of climate change and are actively committed to combating it. With the scienceindustries Sustainability Strategy, our members support the net-zero target for greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as a fundamental goal.

80% of the companies have implemented measures

This commitment is not new: it is reflected in the position paper ‘Proactive climate protection in the chemical, pharmaceutical and life sciences industry’ published in 2021. This paper sets out the central elements and specific demands for the path to climate neutrality, which remain valid without change. In addition, scienceindustries is the sponsor of the international Responsible Care® initiative in Switzerland – with the aim of continuous improvement in environmental protection, health and safety.

Numerous scienceindustries members participate in the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to set evidence-based and realistic targets for greenhouse gas reduction. A recent internal survey conducted by the association shows that a clear majority of companies have already taken steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Around 80% of the companies surveyed stated that they had already implemented measures (for companies with more than 250 employees, the figure is as high as 95%), and a further 10% plan to do so in the near future.

Concrete reduction plans for 2/3 of the members surveyed

Almost two-thirds of the companies surveyed have also set themselves targets for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. 20% of members have concrete plans to do so in the near future. Large companies are particularly ambitious: Half of all companies have already integrated a climate neutrality or net zero target by 2050 into their corporate strategy; for larger companies, this proportion is 80%.

Climate-friendly innovations and products play a key role – examples from the membership scienceindustries presented two films in the topics ‘Climate and Resources’ and ‘Sustainable Nutrition Systems’. In their measures, the companies are focusing in particular on energy efficiency, renewable energies and the electrification of production processes. Another important step on the road to climate neutrality is the replacement of fossil raw materials with alternative ones, i.e. specifically renewable, bio-based or recycled raw materials.

Resources and circular economy: potential for greater sustainability

Responsible resource procurement and the use of alternative raw materials are central to the circular economy. The survey shows that scienceindustries member companies are also active in the use of alternative resources. 65% of the companies have already integrated renewable, bio-based or recycled raw materials into their production, and 20% plan to do so in the near future.

Another key topic is the circular economy. More than half of the companies have already implemented specific measures in this area, and 30% intend to address the issue in the near future. There is still significant potential here to further increase resource efficiency and reduce dependence on fossil raw materials.

scienceindustries is driving a climate-neutral future

The Energy Agency for Industry (EnAW), a partner of scienceindustries, has been supporting companies with specific, cost-effective climate protection measures and a broad network since 2001. Another important scienceindustries initiative is ‘Go for Impact’. This initiative promotes cooperation between business, science, society and the public sector. The aim is to support the Swiss economy in reducing its negative and increasing its positive environmental impact, with a particular focus on raw materials and other materials.

The results of the survey show that the chemical-pharmaceutical industry has taken numerous measures to combat climate change and shape an ecologically sustainable future. Despite the major challenges that still lie ahead of us, the chemical, pharmaceutical and life sciences industry in Switzerland is on a promising path towards playing a pioneering role in climate protection. The coming years will be decisive, and the members of scienceindustries are prepared to tackle them together.