OPTIMA publishes first sustainability report in accordance with CSRD

Optima’s first sustainability report highlights the company’s leadership in driving sustainability within the machinery industry. Aligned early with new EU standards and honored again with the EcoVadis Platinum Medal, Optima demonstrates a strong commitment to transparency, innovation, and continuous environmental improvement.

In its first sustainability report for the 2024 fiscal year, the Optima Group discloses its strategies, measures, targets, and key performance indicators. The report has already been prepared in accordance with the new European standards (ESRS) and is thus future-oriented and aligned with the requirements of the EU under the CSRD. Although Optima is not yet subject to reporting requirements, the company is taking the opportunity to establish structures and processes at an early stage – and thus continue to play a pioneering role in the field of sustainability.

"Our goal is to make effective contributions to climate protection in the short term while also achieving excellence in the areas of environment, social affairs, and governance. Transparency makes progress binding and visible. We now have the foundation to get better every day,“ says Dr. Stefan König, CEO of the Optima Packaging Group.

Under the central theme “We care for tomorrow”, Optima pursues a holistic approach with four areas of action: employees, customer solutions, responsible corporate management, and the environment. The company offers customers durable, modular, and energy-efficient machine solutions that reduce material and energy consumption, as well as new concepts such as recyclable, fiber-based packaging solutions. In corporate management, the focus is on compliance with guidelines, fair partnerships, and social commitment.

For employees, sustainability means more contributions to health, safety, diversity, and development opportunities. Optima is also implementing concrete measures in the area of the environment: In Germany, the company's own photovoltaic systems generate around 900 MWh of electricity per year, of which around 68% is used directly on site. The charging infrastructure is growing continuously. At the same time, the proportion of alternative drive systems in the vehicle fleet is increasing significantly.

By 2030, direct emissions (Scope 1 and 2) are to be reduced by more than 40%, and emissions generated by customers (Scope 3) by 25%. In the long term, Optima is aiming for net zero emissions in Scope 1 and 2 and a 90% reduction in Scope 3 by 2050. These targets have already been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.

The fact that the sustainability course Optima has set itself is having an effect is confirmed by the EcoVadis Platinum Medal - for the second time in a row and despite increased requirements. This means that Optima continues to rank among the top one percent of machine and plant manufacturers worldwide.

“Awards such as EcoVadis Platinum are a strong signal that our commitment is having an impact. However, it remains crucial that we deliver continuously – with measurable results and real added value for the environment, society, and customers,” summarizes König.