KION commits to net zero and to the Science Based Targets initiative

KION Group, a major provider of industrial trucks as well as warehouse automation solutions via its Dematic brand, announced today that it is committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), adopting a methodological framework towards the goal of the Paris Agreement on climate change, which aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. Through the SBTi, KION establishes the long-term climate target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions along its value chain (Scope 1, 2, and 3) before 2050, as well as corresponding interim targets by 2030. KION aims for validation of the targets in 2024.

"With our commitment to the SBTi, we are taking a transparent and clear path to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. This underscores our commitment for climate-neutral business practices, especially towards our customers and suppliers. While we are already diligently working on our own emissions reductions, close collaboration with our business partners is crucial to achieve effective reductions across the entire value chain," says Valeria Gargiulo, Chief People & Sustainability Officer (CPSO) of KION. "Sustainability is a central part of the KION 2027 strategy. The global material handling industry has tremendous potential for climate protection, and as a leading global company, we have a special responsibility."

In 2022, KION already achieved its first target of reducing its energy-related emissions (Scope 1, 2, 3.3) by 30 percent compared to 2017, set to be accomplished by 2027. Over the years, the scope has been expanded to include the value chain, and a target has been developed that fully aligns with the SBTi criteria in preparation for a formal commitment. On the net-zero pathway, KION currently aims to achieve an absolute linear reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (in CO2 equivalents) by 4.2 percent per year in Scope 1 and 2, and by 2.5 percent per year in Scope 3, compared to 2021, until 2030. As stated in the KION GROUP AG sustainability report, these targets were surpassed in 2022. The KION Group's climate management is currently rated "Leadership" ("A-") by the CDP Climate Rating.

The KION Group is one of the world’s leading providers of industrial trucks and supply chain solutions. Its full spectrum of services includes industrial trucks, such as forklift trucks and warehouse trucks, as well as integrated automation technologies and software solutions for the optimization of supply chains—including all related services. The KION Group’s solutions ensure the smooth flow of materials and information in customers’ warehouses, production plants, and distribution centers in over 100 countries.