Sustainability at BENTELER
We set our emissions to zero.
The BENTELER Group has long been involved in various areas that are now understood as aspects of sustainability or ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance). As a fourth-generation family business, we have been committed to combining economic success with social responsibility, employee orientation and ecological awareness for more than 140 years.

"BENTELER is an energy-intensive company. This makes us even more aware of our social responsibility. We take a holistic approach to our sustainability activities. We set ourselves concrete, measurable goals that we will achieve – and gladly exceed – together as a team. In addition, with our products, we also contribute to making the mobility of tomorrow even more sustainable."
Ralf Göttel, Chief Executive Officer
Our Sustainability Strategy
To align its previous commitment more effectively and with greater focus, BENTELER has therefore drawn up a sustainability strategy based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. To this end, potential effects were first analyzed and evaluated at the sub-target level. In addition, the BENTELER Group has established a Sustainability Office to, amongst other things, effectively implement this sustainability strategy and achieve the ambitious climate targets.
The Sustainable Devolopment Goals from the United Nations
In 2015, the global community adopted 17 global goals for sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda, the socalled Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), form a roadmap for the future. This includes areas of action such as increased commitment to peace and the rule of law, the fight against corruption, but also education for all and the protection of our climate and resources. In this way, the global community aims to make decent living possible worldwide while at the same time preserving the natural foundations of life. All states are called upon to orient their actions accordingly.
Goals for sustainable development
As a result of the strategy process, ten SDGs on which BENTELER has a relevant impact through its business activities were identified.
To effectively implement measures where BENTELER has the greatest impact, the Executive Board has decided that our sustainability goals should primarily contribute to five SDGs. In the coming years, we as the BENTELER Group will report transparently on the status of target achievement and relevant measures.

Within the five key SDGs, two SDGs are of particular importance because they influence the activities and organization of all disciplines and the way we do business as a whole:
-
SDG 7: Sustainable and modern energy for all – ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
-
SDG 13: Take immediate action to combat climate change and its effects
We are pursuing a clear climate strategy to make our value chain climate-neutral. To be able to pursue the ambitious goals effectively and to initiate further measures if necessary, they follow the goals of the Paris climate agreement. In addition, the BENTELER Group is currently preparing an SBTi validation of the emission targets as part of the sustainability strategy developed in 2021. For this purpose, the methodology and emission figures were assessed and confirmed by external auditors.
BENTELER is pursuing the goal of achieving net zero emissions for scopes 1, 2 and 3 (upstream) for the entire group by 2050.
„Since 2018, we implemented fundamental transformation programs at BENTELER and achieved important milestones together. We will pursue the new sustainability strategy just as rigorously.“
Dr. Stefan Melchior, Managing Director BENTELER Business Services GmbH

Our emission targets at a glance

related to internal emissions such as electricity and natural gas:
- Steel/Tube Division: -100% Scope 1 and 2 emissions, depending on available hydrogen infrastructure
- Automotive Division: -50% Scope 1 and 2 emissions, in particular through the use of renewable energies

for purchased goods and services as well as fuel and energy-related emissions:
- Division Steel/Tube: -30% Scope 3 emissions (upstream)
- Division Automotive: in particular, consideration of decarbonization aspects in steel and aluminum purchasing and aluminum
The Science Based Target initiative (SBTi)
Against the background of a specific carbon budget available globally for achieving the Paris target of limiting global warming to below 1.5°C if possible, results in an emissions scenario emerges. That is, a future development path as a result of human emissions of greenhouse gases. Science-based targets are one approach that companies can use to determine reduction targets for emissions. In this case, it defines the minimum extent to which emissions must be reduced in certain time periods in order to achieve the target.
The SBTi has therefore published criteria and recommendations that companies must meet in order to verify corporate goals as science based. In addition, the GHG (Green House Gases) Protocol Corporate Standard, the scope 2 Guidance and the Corporate Value Chain (scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard must be taken into account.
At a glance: Our Sustainability Communication
Sustainability: Every contribution counts!
There is no planet B.
As a global company, we are aware of our responsibility to society and the environment. That’s why we are working on a group-wide sustainability strategy. In addition to our measures in production and logistics, however, there are also many small measures and initiatives by our employees that, taken together, make a valuable contribution to making our planet a livable place.
You’ll find a selection of our global activities in our sustainability world map: From new recycling ideas and the use of environmentally friendly materials to a flower meadow at one of our locations – all examples of how we can do something good for our environment, even in small ways. Many thanks to our 25,000 solution-makers, whose commitment not only makes mobility more sustainable!
Please click on the respective country below to learn more about our global sustainability activities.