Glückstadt, 12.03.2026 – Europe’s market leader in recycled graphic papers made from 100% recovered paper is presenting its TOWARDS ZERO strategy – with concrete milestones, complete transparency and integral cycles on its way to achieving net zero emissions.

Steinbeis Papier is bringing together all its sustainability activities under a new strategic concept: TOWARDS ZERO. The initiative consolidates the recycled paper manufacturer’s journey towards climate-neutral production by 2040 and makes it absolutely clear for everyone through measurable targets, complete transparency and concrete measures. It is based on the consistent approach to the circular economy that has been shaping the company ever since it switched to 100% recycled paper back in 1976.

Ambitious milestones: 96% reduction in direct emissions by 2030
Steinbeis Papier is using its TOWARDS ZERO strategy to set clear and ambitious intermediate targets on the way to achieving climate neutrality by 2040. By 2030, direct and indirect emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) will be reduced by 96% and total emissions across the entire value chain (Scopes 1 to 3) by 73% – compared to the base year (1990) in each case. These measurable milestones make all progress transparent and easy to understand.

Transparency as a compass: full reporting of carbon emissions in line with the international standard
At the heart of the TOWARDS ZERO strategy is a comprehensive approach to reporting the company’s carbon footprint in line with the internationally leading Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. Steinbeis Papier is not only recording direct emissions at its Glückstadt site (Scope 1) and indirect emissions produced by the energy sector (Scope 2), but also all emissions along the entire value chain (Scope 3) – from raw material procurement to logistics and business trips. This integral approach makes it possible to precisely identify the best ways of mitigating climate change so that they can be adopted in a targeted manner.

“The Corporate Carbon Footprint is our compass on the journey TOWARDS ZERO,” explained Andreas Steenbock, Sustainability Manager at Steinbeis Papier. “We communicate it in a transparent manner because it is the only way we can create trust and work with our partners to identify the best ways of mitigating climate change.”

Concrete measures: from the green electricity offensive to future technologies
The journey towards climate neutrality follows a clear road map with measurable stages:

• Green electricity offensive: Steinbeis is gradually increasing the share of green electricity from its own group of companies to around 80% in 2026 and is set to fully achieve a supply of 100% sustainably generated electricity in 2030.

• Increased efficiency: energy efficiency will be increased by a further 1.5% by 2040. Every kilowatt-hour saved directly reduces the carbon footprint.

• Involvement of the supply chain: climate change mitigation doesn’t end at the factory gate. Steinbeis is actively involving suppliers and partners so that it can work with them to reduce emissions in all areas within their control.

• Future technologies: from 2040 onwards, specific investments in carbon capture storage (CCS) technologies are planned in order to eliminate emissions that are difficult to avoid and also become carbon-negative. At the same time, the company is also evaluating the use of green hydrogen.

Integral cycles are the foundations
The basis for TOWARDS ZERO is formed by the four integral cycles that have shaped production in Glückstadt for a number of decades: the paper cycle (100% recycled paper instead of virgin fibre), the water cycle (an almost entirely closed-circuit system, with only surface water from the Elbe used), the energy cycle (an integrated combined heat and power plant) and waste recycling (where waste is turned into energy). Compared to the production of virgin fibre paper, these cycles use 100% less wood, 79% less water and 73% less energy – as evidenced by life cycle assessments conducted by the Federal Environment Agency.

“We are convinced that we will be able to make the transition to climate-neutral production processes by 2040,” stressed Marc Gebauer, Managing Director of Steinbeis Papier. “This takes courage, investment and belief in our innovative strength, but it is the only way to make our industry fit for the future.”

An invitation to join in the work
Rather than seeing TOWARDS ZERO as a solo effort, Steinbeis Papier views it as an invitation to its customers, suppliers and partners. A profound transformation towards a really sustainable industry can only be achieved if everyone works together. Further information on the TOWARDS ZERO strategy can be found at www.stp.de/nachhaltigkeit.