Most pharmaceutical companies have set ambitious decarbonisation targets, with supply-chain-related emissions accounting for the largest share of their carbon footprint. To identify and prioritise effective Scope 3 reduction measures, they increasingly need objective product-level carbon data from their suppliers. However, differing calculation methodologies without external validation often make product carbon footprints difficult to compare across suppliers and products. SCHOTT Pharma addresses this challenge by aligning its calculation approach with the TfS PCF Guideline, which covers the requirements of most customer requests. To strengthen reliability and ensure consistent application, the methodology and calculation tool were independently validated by GUTcert.
The independent validation by GUTcert was conducted in accordance with ISO 14067:2019 (including Annex C), the GHG Protocol Product Standard, and the TfS 3.0 framework. It assessed the underlying methodology and SCHOTT Group’s PCF Guideline 2.0, as well as the calculation logic and data flows, system boundaries, data quality and assumptions, and reporting approach.
To demonstrate practical applicability, GUTcert also verified three representative product carbon footprints from SCHOTT Pharma’s portfolio: a sterile 1 ml long syriQ® glass syringe, a sterile 1 ml long SCHOTT TOPPAC® polymer syringe, and a 2 ml Core Vial in TopLine quality. Emissions were calculated in grams of CO2e per unit produced using a cradle-to-gate approach covering raw material extraction, pre-production, upstream transportation, production, and storage.
The combination of a validated methodology and representative PCFs demonstrates SCHOTT Pharma’s ability to reliably apply the standards of the TfS PCF Guideline to real-world pharmaceutical packaging solutions.
“Reducing Scope 3 emissions starts with informed decisions. Comparable PCF data helps us and our customers identify where product innovations can create the greatest environmental impact. With our validated calculation tool, we are now able to provide this data reliably across our portfolio,” said Dr. Arne Kloke, Head of Sustainability & Service at SCHOTT Pharma.
By creating a standardised and externally verified approach to product carbon footprinting, SCHOTT Pharma is helping establish the data foundation needed for decarbonisation across the pharmaceutical value chain.
The validation by GUTcert was conducted in accordance with ISO 14067, the GHG Protocol Product Standard, and the TfS PCF Guideline.
[1] Compared to conventional FIOLAX® pharma glass. More information: https://www.schott.com/en-gb/products/pharmaceutical-tubing-p1000372/product-variants/fiolax-pro-ocf
