climate actions
decarbonization is our responsibility and a value driver for our customers
At delfort, we are fully committed to advancing energy efficiency and transforming our production towards genuine decarbonization, with the long-term goal of reaching net-zero emissions. Our near‑term, long‑term, and Net Zero climate targets are validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), ensuring our approach aligns with global climate science.
To make this transformation real, we rely on a dedicated Climate Care Roadmap, guiding us through the scale and complexity of the task. It is a holistic program that considers evolving regulations, market expectations, customer requirements, best available technologies, operational improvements, and responsible sourcing of energy, materials, and equipment - all the way through to transparent reporting and disclosure.
near term target by 2033 from base year 2023
- reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 54.6%
- reduce scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 32.5% across key categories including purchased goods and services, fuel‑ and energy‑related activities, upstream transportation and distribution, processing of sold products, and end‑of‑life treatment of sold products
explanation:
Scope 1: Direct emissions from sources a company owns or controls
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy
Scope 3: All other indirect emissions across the value chain
long term target by 2050 from base year 2023
- reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 90%
- reduce scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 90% across key categories including purchased goods and services, fuel‑ and energy‑related activities, upstream transportation and distribution, processing of sold products, and end‑of‑life treatment of sold products
- achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2050. This includes a 90% reduction across all three scopes compared to our base year 2023, with remaining residual emissions fully neutralized
keeping you ahead
- Reduced product carbon footprints enable you to meet your own sustainability targets.
- Regulatory readiness helps you stay aligned with tightening ESG reporting standards and supply chain transparency requirements.
- Energy-efficient production processes strengthen operational resilience by reducing exposure to energy-related risks and helping ensure reliable supply.
- Materials produced with genuine climate responsibility strengthen brand value and reinforce customer trust.
200
200
Mio EUR planned for decarbonization projects from 2023 - 2033
50
50
Mio EUR already invested from 2023-2025
our climate transition plan
To advance our sustainability ambitions, we adopted a company‑wide Climate Transition Plan. It outlines concrete actions and guiding principles to systematically reduce greenhouse gas emissions - both within delfort’s own operations and across the entire value chain.
A core component of our transition plan is the delfort Climate Care Program, which consolidates detailed, site‑specific pathways into a group‑wide plan for achieving decarbonization by 2050.
Both the Climate Transition Plan and the Decarbonization Roadmap are continuously reviewed to ensure alignment with emerging technologies. New developments are assessed from both a technical and an economic perspective and incorporated into the plan whenever feasible.
The ways we cut our GHG emissions
Our delfort Climate Care Program is built on five strategic levers, four of which address Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions:
1. procurement of renewable and carbon-free energy
2. generation of renewable energy
3. electrification
4. improvement of energy efficiency
5. removal of greenhouse gases (GHG removals) from our own processes and the value chain
1. procurement of renewable and carbon-free energy
By transitioning from fossil‑based electricity to renewable energy, we are actively lowering our Scope 2 emissions. Since these emissions originate from the generation of purchased electricity, choosing power from wind, solar, or other renewable sources - rather than carbon‑intensive fossil fuels - reduces the indirect emissions associated with our operations.
We also strive for a sustainable, decarbonized, and competitive energy supply. To address geopolitical uncertainties and regulatory changes, we seek long-term partnerships with energy suppliers and rely, among other things, on power purchase agreements (PPAs). This includes entering long‑duration contracts with energy suppliers to ensure consistent procurement of CO₂‑free power at predictable conditions.
2. generation of renewable energy
By expanding renewable electricity generation and upgrading our own energy systems for low‑carbon operation we are steadily increasing efficiency and cutting emissions while making our energy supply more resilient.
We are expanding our use of renewable electricity by investing directly in on-site generation. This includes developing and installing photovoltaic (PV) systems at our paper mills and printing sites, as well as leveraging hydropower where available. We run 3 photovoltaic plants and 5 water power plants in all our sites.
Additionally, we operate 5 hybrid and multi‑fuel boilers that can run on alternative, low‑carbon fuels. At the same time, we are evaluating the use of biomass at some of our sites.
3. electrification
We are focusing on the electrification of suitable processes, particularly through the use of electric steam generation systems. 4 electric heat generation boilers are already in operations.
Electrification projects are currently being evaluated at additional locations or are already in the planning phase.
The world’s largest steam producing heat pump
In 2025, we commissioned the world’s largest steam generating heat pump and an electrode boiler in one of our mills and can now produce all specialty papers entirely without the use of fossil energy. With that, one of the world’s most modern and highly efficient paper production facilities has been created. With a total investment of more than 50 million euros, we are reducing energy consumption, eliminating the use of fossil fuels, and enabling the site to achieve zero emissions.
4. improvement of energy efficiency
We set an energy efficiency target for our paper-producing sites to reduce specific energy consumption by 11% until 2030 compared to the 2023 baseline.
We invest steadily in the modernization of production facilities and the optimization of operational processes. To this end, we rely on the latest technologies, proven methods, and standardized processes to reduce energy consumption.
Invest in Best Available Technologies
Our mills use advanced drying systems and multiple heat‑recovery solutions – from process and boiler‑house recovery to wastewater heat reuse. We also operate a steam‑producing heat pump powered by waste energy and recover additional waste heat through our steam and condensate systems.
real time action
We use control systems to monitor and analyze production processes in real time. In addition, a preventive maintenance system is in place to detect efficiency losses at an early stage. Regular cross-site collaboration further promotes the exchange of best practices regarding energy-efficient processes and projects.
5. removal of greenhouse gases from our own processes and the value chain
To reduce emissions beyond our own operations, we are taking targeted actions across our entire value chain. By working closely with suppliers, logistics partners, and customers, we aim to lower carbon impacts at every stage from sourcing to transport.
purchased goods and services
Priority is given to suppliers that account for the largest share of Scope 3.1 emissions. A key measure to enhance accuracy and transparency is the collection of primary emissions data from suppliers. This enables more precise calculations and supports better management and decision‑making.
raw material, chemical, and packaging suppliers
Many of the major raw material, chemical, and packaging suppliers already share our decarbonization ambitions or have defined their own science‑based targets aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
logistics
In the logistics sector, tangible emission reductions are anticipated through measures such as optimized transport routes and a shift towards electric vehicles.
