Third consecutive gold medal: Krones announces this year’s EcoVadis rating

• Sustainability remains a key driver of Krones’ corporate strategy.
• Sustainability targets raised once again in 2024.
• EcoVadis rating highlights progress in sustainable procurement and environmental performance.
• Krones ranks among the top three percent within its industry sector.

Krones relies on external validation: In light of the current, at times controversial, public discourse surrounding the fields of Environment, Social responsibility and Governance – collectively referred to as “ESG” – this represents an important signal to all stakeholders.

“Krones regards sustainability as a fundamental pillar of our corporate strategy – and that will not change. We firmly believe that a consistent path towards sustainability is key to unlocking future growth opportunities, both for ourselves and for our global customers,” says Krones CEO Christoph Klenk.

This aligns with the fact that Krones raised its sustainability targets once again last year. For example, the current goals in the “Environment” category include reducing the water footprint of products sold by 20 percent between 2022 and 2030. The Group’s climate protection measures aim to cut its own emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 80 percent by 2030, and those from the upstream and downstream value chain (Scope 3 downstream) by 30 percent. By 2040, the entire value chain is expected to reach net zero. The baseline for all targets is the Group’s 2019 emissions. Both the mid-term emissions targets and the net-zero ambition have been validated and confirmed by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Among the top three percent

Krones’ consistent pursuit of its sustainability transformation is also reflected in its latest EcoVadis scorecard. With a score of 80 out of a possible 100 points, the Group has improved for the fifth consecutive year (previous year: 78). The most significant progress was made in the categories of “sustainable procurement” and “environment”. Globally, this places the technology group among the top five percent of all rated companies – and within its own industry, even among the top three percent.

These results are not only important for internal motivation, but also play a key role in collaboration with many customers, emphasises Martina Birk, Head of Sustainability at Krones:
“We’ve observed for several years now that the rating is gaining traction in the market. Our own scorecard is actively reviewed by 135 customer companies and is increasingly factored into upcoming investment decisions. With our improved result, we reaffirm the trust our customers place in us – and send a clear message: when it comes to shaping the future, we are the right partner.”

Grade “B” in the CDP rating

The result of this year’s CDP rating, however, is viewed with a degree of self-criticism by the Neutraubling-based Group headquarters. Krones received a “B” rating, a slight decline compared to the previous year’s “A-”.

“Even though we’ve only dropped half a grade, we take this result very seriously and are taking appropriate action,” says Dr Peter Steger, Head of Sustainability and responsible for ESG ratings. The team began analysing the causes immediately after the results were published, with the aim of implementing corrective measures and working ambitiously towards regaining the top rating.

About Krones

The technology company Krones headquartered in Neutraubling, Germany, is a global leader in developing and manufacturing state-of-the-art machines and complete lines for the fields of process, filling and packaging technology. Its portfolio is perfectly complemented by additional products and services provided by the Krones subsidiaries, such as solutions for anything to do with digital transformation, intralogistics and plastics recycling. Krones employs more than 20,000 people worldwide. Consolidated sales in 2024 totalled 5.3 billion euros. The Krones Group includes not only Krones AG (listed on the stock exchange), but also more than 100 subsidiaries and further production, sales and service companies worldwide.