The United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda is a global plan to sustainably promote peace and prosperity and to protect our planet. Since 2016, countries and organizations have been working to implement this agenda with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our aim is for our business activities to create shared value that is both measurable and makes a recognizable contribution to society. We rely on the power of science and technology to make a positive impact.
Doing our part
Our sustainability strategy focuses on the seven SDGs on which we have the strongest impact through our entrepreneurial actions. In 2023, we added SDG 5 “Gender equality” and SDG 13 “Climate action” to our focus areas.
SDG 3 – Good health and well-being
With our products, we positively impact the health and quality of life of people around the world. Through technological and scientific innovations, we are also helping to improve the health of underserved populations in low- and middle-income countries.
SDG 5 – Gender equality
We are working to create an equitable, fair, inclusive, and tolerant working environment. One of our priorities is to enable all people to reach their full potential, regardless of their gender. For this reason, gender equality is enshrined in our corporate governance and we are committed to diversity and equal opportunity through our support programs, networks and partnerships.
SDG 8 – Decent work and economic growth
We see it as our responsibility to respect human rights both within our company and along our supply chain. That is why we are dedicated to upholding appropriate and fair labor and social standards. We want to drive sustainable economic growth through progressive resource efficiency.
SDG 9 – Industry, innovation and infrastructure
We use our expertise in science and technology to make our products, processes and infrastructure sustainable. In addition, we want to promote the work of scientists worldwide with our innovations and support programs.
SDG 12 – Responsible consumption and production
We use resources efficiently and reduce waste and emissions. We pay attention to this in our product development and in our manufacturing activities. We also help our customers to manufacture their products more sustainably and efficiently and to achieve their own sustainability goals.
SDG 13 – Climate action
Limiting climate change is one of the most urgent social responsibilities of the 21st century. Through our climate action, we intend to contribute to the Paris Agreement and achieve climate-neutral operations throughout our entire value chain by 2040.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the goals
We need strong partners in order to drive sustainable development within our company and beyond and to better meet societal challenges. To this end, we collaborate with a wide range of organizations, companies, federations, and networks.
Through our sustainability strategy, we help to solve challenges globally, not just within these seven SDGs. With our management approaches and projects, we also support SDG 4 (Quality education), SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation) and SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy).
Detailed information on our quantitative and qualitative contributions to the specific SDGs is provided in our interactive SDG tool.
The SDG tool was not part of the audit with limited assurance, conducted by the independent auditor Deloitte GmbH for our 2023 Sustainability Report.