sustainability

Industrial decarbonization that works

Achieving net zero is about making the right decisions early, investing in technologies that create long-term value, and never stopping to improve. At delfort, this approach has led to a 15.2% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2023. In addition, we have surpassed our emissions reduction targets defined by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for the second consecutive year, highlighting the strong progress of our decarbonization efforts.

We spoke with Hannes Kinast, COO of delfort, about pioneering investments, measurable progress and how innovation is shaping the path to a low-carbon future.

Why did delfort choose to invest early in decarbonization?

Because we are convinced that the challenges of tomorrow require better and sustainable solutions. For us, taking responsibility means recognizing opportunities early and not waiting until change becomes unavoidable.

This is also why we launched the delfort Climate Care Program back in 2019. By the end of 2025, our climate targets had been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The program translates our long-term climate ambitions into concrete projects and investments across the entire delfort Group, ensuring that we drive progress in a structured and systematic way.

Today, this approach is reflected in investments of more than €50 million between 2023 to 2025 and a wide range of implemented projects that are already making a measurable contribution to reducing our emissions.

To me, progress means never being satisfied with what has already been achieved. There will always be new challenges, new technologies, and new opportunities. Our role is to recognize them early and turn them into meaningful progress.

Hannes Kinast, COO of delfort

Many companies wait until new technologies are widely established before adopting them. Why has delfort consciously chosen a different path?

Because industrial transformation does not happen by waiting for perfect conditions. We chose to bring new solutions into practice early, rather than waiting for them to become standard.

A good example is the commissioning of the world's largest steam-generating heat pump combined with an electrode boiler. We leveraged unique opportunities at our site to implement new technology, push the boundaries of what is possible, and set new benchmarks for energy-efficient production processes.

Today, this pioneering achievement demonstrates that the electrification of industrial heat generation is possible even at large scale. As a result, we can operate the site without the use of fossil energy, proving that ambitious climate goals and industrial performance can go hand in hand.

How do you translate your climate ambitions into concrete action and continuous progress?

We view decarbonization across the entire value chain. Every tonne of CO₂ we avoid in our processes helps reduce the carbon footprint of our products and supports our customers in reducing Scope 3 emissions, creating measurable value across their value chains.

Progress comes from combining many solutions. From four photovoltaic systems and four electric boiler systems to 22 energy-efficiency projects and a new heat recovery system, we are continuously turning ambition into action. The results speak for themselves: for the second consecutive year, we have surpassed our SBTi emissions reduction targets, putting us ahead of plan on our decarbonization journey.

Climate solutions

What opportunities do you see on the path to decarbonization by 2050?

Industrial decarbonization offers tremendous opportunities to unlock new possibilities, drive innovation and advance industrial performance. New technologies, alternative energy sources, and intelligent energy systems make production even more efficient, resilient, and lower carbon emissions in the future.

That is why we focus on flexibility. We develop projects at an early stage, closely monitor technological developments, and create the conditions needed to capitalize on new opportunities as soon as the right framework conditions are in place. At the same time, we invest in a range of technologies and energy sources to unlock potential and actively drive the transformation of our sites.

What bold and creative energy initiatives will drive your journey to net zero for the next years?

On our path, we are consistently investing in the expansion of sustainable and future-ready energy infrastructures. Planned initiatives include investments in biomass combined heat and power (CHP) plants, photovoltaic, wind, and hydropower projects, as well as the further electrification of heat generation through electric boilers and heat pumps.

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