In this section of the website, you will find information about our approach, the actions we take, and how we assess and continually improve the environmental performance of our operations.
Integrating Sustainability into Healthcare - for People and Planet
Addressing Environmental Sustainability at Fresenius Kabi
Learn how Fresenius Kabi addresses environmental topics relevant to healthcare operations, including greenhouse gas emissions, climate targets, renewable energy, water stewardship, wastewater management, circularity, waste reduction, and environmental certification. This section provides information on our approach, key initiatives, and reported performance.
Our focus areas
Fresenius Kabi is working to improve the environmental performance of its healthcare operations – by addressing emissions, water, and waste across global operations.
Our climate targets
Fresenius Kabi closely monitors greenhouse gas emissions to track and report progress toward Fresenius Groups’ group-wide climate targets. By the end of 2025, Fresenius Kabi was able to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by almost 33% compared to the 2020 base year.
Scope 1 comprises direct emissions that we cause through our own business activities.
Scope 2 relates to indirect, energy-related emissions that are caused by the consumption of purchased energy.
Scope 3 covers other indirect emissions from our value chain.
Group Targets:*
Target by 2030: a 50% absolute reduction of our total Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions (base year: 2020)
Target by 2040: greenhouse gas neutrality* in our own operations (Scope 1 &2) (base year: 2020)
Target by 2050: net zero greenhouse gas emissions from our operations and along our value chain**
* See Fresenius Group's audited Sustainability Statement 2025 for definitions, interim targets, methodology and climate transition plan.
** Net zero emissions means that Fresenius reduces its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions via Scope 1 to 3 as much as possible by 2050 and offsets the remaining unavoidable GHG emissions (no more than 10%). Fresenius has defined interim targets for the path to net zero and created a transition plan for climate protection. Detailed information on our climate targets and our transition plan can be found in our audited Sustainability Report 2025.
We pursue our climate targets by following a clear transition plan. We have identified four key levers for achieving our primary target of halving our Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Increasing our energy efficiency
We monitor our significant energy users to optimize energy consumption across heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting and processes. Improvement measures are documented and tracked via an internal management system. In addition, further insulation of buildings and infrastructure, e.g. pipes and valves, has also contributed to reducing energy consumption in 2025.
Increasing the share of renewable energies
The use of renewable energy is part of our Fresenius Environmental Policy and an important part of achieving our climate targets.
In 2025, 33% of the electricity was attributed to renewable sources. This figure includes electricity covered by Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs), electricity and heat generated from photovoltaic systems, biomass-based installations, and thermal or electrical cogeneration as well as pellet boilers.
While we purchase most of our renewable electricity from external sources, we also increase the share of our own on-site generation. We currently have photovoltaic systems at 20 of our sites and continue to expand our on-site renewable electricity generation. In 2025, construction began on four new photovoltaic systems.
Adapting fuel use, technologies and process changes
We are continuously assessing opportunities to adapt our production processes by using innovative technologies and switching to energy sources with lower or no emissions. In 2025, projects are being implemented to reduce steam consumption in our production processes, such as the installation of heat pumps. An additional focus lies on the production of pharmaceutical products, where Water for Injection (WFI) is an important component. In 2025, we launched projects at two production sites to transition WFI production to processes that require significantly less energy and water.
Electrifying our vehicle fleet
In 2025, the electrification of the vehicle fleet further advanced. We continued to replace both additional vehicles and trucks in plant traffic with electric alternatives like at our sites in Austria, Belgium, Denmark and Norway. In parallel we are also increasing the number of charging infrastructure.
Managing emissions and resource use
Measuring our value chain emissions
To systematically reduce the impact of the healthcare sector on climate change, it is crucial to consider the entire value chain. More than 80% of Fresenius Kabi’s greenhouse gas emissions are generated in our value chain – from the extraction and purchase of raw materials down to the end-of-life treatment of our sold products.
Fresenius Kabi regularly calculates and monitors its Scope 3 emissions across 9 applicable categories according to the European Sustainability Reporting Standards under the applicable Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. Of particular significance is the category of purchased goods and services, as shown in the chart below.
Overview of Fresenius Kabi's Scope 3 emissions
Fresenius Kabi engages with suppliers and business partners on climate-related topics and collects information relevant to Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions.
Product packaging is one of the areas analyzed within Scope 3 emissions reporting and management. Fresenius Kabi has conducted pilot projects evaluating packaging material quantities and alternative packaging formats, one example being the plastic weight reduction within the EasyBottle. These projects support identification of further potential reduction measures.
What is a water-stressed area and why is it important for us to scan the landscape?
A water-stressed area is a region where the demand for water significantly exceeds the available renewable surface and groundwater resources. This includes water use for homes, industry, agriculture, and livestock, while also factoring in the effects of upstream users and infrastructure like dams.
Scanning the landscape for water stress is vital for sustainable business practices. It helps us identify at-risk regions, manage resources responsibly, and plan operations to minimize environmental impact. By understanding where water is scarce, we can contribute to local water stewardship, ensure long-term resilience, and support the well-being of communities and ecosystems.
For Fresenius Kabi water plays a crucial role in terms of product quality.
Curious about the role water plays in the manufacturing of our healthcare products? Find out more in the video.
Water in water stressed areas
In 2025, Fresenius Kabi reduced process water by 2.6% in areas with water stress compared to the 2023 base year.
By 2030, we aim to reduce process water at production sites in areas of water stress by 20% in absolute value (baseline: 2023).
Find out more about our Water target in our audited Sustainability Report 2025.
Process water is used for operating production facilities. At the same time, process water is also used directly in our products. We measure our water withdrawal with an internal data management tool and have quarterly reporting processes to stay on track.
Water recycled
Water which is generated or used and reused in the same facility, for example the recycling of reverse osmosis concentrate.
Water reuse
Water which was generated or used in one facility and is reused in another with same owner, for example, reusing cleaning water in cooling towers.
Wastewater reclaiming
Treat wastewater streams and reuse them elsewhere.
We support these levers by investing in our own solutions and strengthening pioneer thinking within our organization.
France: Using heat pumps to reduce water demand
The production site in Louviers, France, has so far used a significant amount of water to cool its facilities. Starting in 2026, Fresenius Kabi will fundamentally redesign the system. This allows waste heat to be put to meaningful use while reducing the plant’s overall cooling-related water demand. According to internal calculations, the implementation of heat pumps is expected to reduce water use by around 160,000 m³ per year.
Ensuring water quality
We are maintaining stringent water standards and manage water use throughout our production processes. Through continuously improved processes, we are establishing a responsible water management system. Below you will find insights into how we manage water quality and wastewater during production.
Water used in our products
- In accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, the water used in products like infusion solutions must meet strict quality requirements that differ from those of regular drinking water.
- We use different technologies to meet the high quality standards for water for injection (WFI)
Wastewater from production
- The production of our pharmaceutical products generates wastewater.
- To comply with relevant legal wastewater requirements, we use various methods to clean and treat the water beforehand.
Around 5% of the water we use is incorporated directly into our products.
AMR Industry Alliance
Fresenius Kabi produces antibiotics that help treat bacterial infections worldwide. During production, residues may enter wastewater and pose risks to water quality and the development of antibiotic resistance. We take this responsibility seriously and work to manage these risks in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Beyond regulatory requirements, we joined the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Industry Alliance in 2020 and have been actively involved in its governing bodies since 2021. Through our involvement in the AMR Industry Alliance and collaboration with other industry partners, we contribute to the development and implementation of industry standards and frameworks aimed at minimizing antimicrobial resistance risks associated with antibiotic manufacturing activities.
In 2025, Fresenius Kabi received BSI Kitemark™ certification for Minimized Risk of Antimicrobial Resistance from the AMR Industry Alliance for four antibiotics produced at three sites in Austria, Poland, and Portugal. The certification applies to defined antibiotics produced at identified sites and confirms alignment with the requirements of the standard at the time of audit. The certification provides independent verification that antibiotic residues from the manufacturing process of the certified antibiotics are effectively controlled, helping to minimize the risk of contributing to antimicrobial resistance in the environment.
Interview with Zyad Hatqui: Antimicrobial Resistance and Responsible Antibiotic Manufacturing
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized by the World Health Organization as a major global public health challenge. Resistant infections already affect patients worldwide and can limit treatment options.*
As a manufacturer of antibiotics, Fresenius Kabi considers AMR in the context of responsible manufacturing. This includes aligning relevant manufacturing processes with recognized external standards that address emissions from antibiotic production.
To better understand what this means in practice and why certifications like the BSI Kitemark certification matter, we spoke with Zyad Hatquai, Sustainability Manager at Fresenius Kabi and responsible for the AMR topic.
*Source: WHO, Fact sheet Antimicrobial Resistance, July 2026 (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance)
Circularity and waste management: our operational approach
Examples of our waste reduction and resource management:
Lifespans and maintenance
Our portfolio includes both single-use products and products designed for repeated use, such as pumping systems.In line with applicable legal requirements, for reusable products, we provide guidance on maintenance and servicing. The actual service life depends on factors such as usage conditions, maintenance, and operating environment.
Creating repairable products and facilitating repairs
Following legal requirements, we provide manuals and spare parts, which we keep in stock for 7 to 10 years after production. Ongoing software updates are also available.
Recycling wherever possible
Where technically and legally feasible, our materials such as manuals and corrugated packaging can be routed into established recycling systems. Recyclability depends on local infrastructure and applicable hygiene regulations.
Designing products to be more resource-efficient
Since 2011, we have reduced the plastic used for EasyBottle by 30%, in addition to removing the straw. Furthermore, by using a square-bottom bottle shape, unused air space on product pallets could be reduced by up to 39% compared to round shape bottles (internal calculations, data on file).
Advancing waste reduction through more sustainable packaging
Packaging is a key focus area when it comes to waste reduction and circularity.
Nevertheless, the influence on pharmaceutical products can be limited due to the importance of patient safety and product quality requirements. The design phase of a product must take environmental aspects into account, for instance, recycled components or packaging as part of the life cycle perspective.
Yet, there is still some way to go. During packaging development and optimization projects, Fresenius Kabi regularly assesses various design approaches that may contribute to reducing material use where technically feasible and appropriate. The applicability of individual measures depends on product-specific, regulatory, quality and logistical requirements. We consider the following steps:
Aligning more closely with our stakeholders and customers.
Embedding sustainable packaging principles into procurement, production, and research and development.
Driving cross-functional programs backed by product life cycle assessments (LCAs).
Advancing sustainability through our Environmental Management System
Based on our ISO 14001-certified Environmental Management System, we follow international standards to use natural resources efficiently and reduce emissions. By 2026, we plan to extend our current certifications to all manufacturing plants worldwide. In 2025, 47 out of 48 production units have already been certified in accordance with ISO 14001.
We are also working towards rolling out our ISO 50001 Energy Management System to all production sites worldwide by 2026. Currently, 38 out of 48 sites are certified.
To read more about our Corporate Environmental Management Certificates, see our Resource Center. Do you have questions about our ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 policies? Reach out to us at EHSpolicies@fresenius-kabi.com.
Disclaimer
Fresenius Kabi is a fully consolidated subsidiary of Fresenius SE. This website includes an overview of the Fresenius Kabi sustainability commitment. All data on this website corresponds to a subset of group data that is published in the Fresenius Group Sustainability Statement 2025 and thus is assured by an external auditor. The Sustainability Statement is prepared in full compliance with applicable legal requirements, incl. the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).