Krones has big plans regarding sustainability, as it demonstrated to striking effect at the drinktec 2022. As a supplier to the international food and beverage industry, the company has a responsibility to help solve three of humankind’s greatest challenges: firstly to supply the growing world population with affordable, sustainably produced food and drink; secondly to make sure that packaging materials are used responsibly, and thirdly to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

An inspiring and ambitious vision

Krones’ vision requires far more than simply developing customized solutions – which is what Krones is familiar with and therefore good at. “Our contribution towards achieving the 1.5°C goal laid down in the Paris Agreement will only be fulfilled once we have attained net zero and maintained it on a lasting basis,” to quote from the group’s recently published Carbon Transition Plan. This is no easy matter for a company whose revenue is generated mainly by selling producer goods. Christoph Klenk, the Krones group’s chief executive officer, is fully aware of that. “What Krones needs is an inspiring and ambitious vision which motivates us to improve and fine-tune our operations and expertise,” he says, adding, “That is precisely why we have adopted our new ‘Solutions beyond tomorrow’ target which is our contribution towards creating a future which is truly liveable, sustainable and successful.”

Anyone delving into the details of the Carbon Transition Plan will find that Christoph Klenk’s aspiring statement is nevertheless well-considered and based on an informed assessment. That is because the group has meticulously analyzed the climate-relevant opportunities and risks involved in its activities and is pursuing a sound and detailed action plan in order to reduce its emissions.

Reconciling cost-efficiency and sustainability

The measures taken range from changing over to green power and e-mobility, extending the scope of in-house energy generation from renewable sources (by using geothermic power at the Hungarian facility, for example) right through to developing new machines and lines with lower emissions. The longest chapter in the report deals with reducing emissions during the useful lifetime of the group’s products. “Like everybody else on this planet, our customers face the huge challenge of making a sizeable contribution towards holding back climate change. It is our task to provide them with suitable solutions, so that their company’s commercial success aligns with a sustainable future for all of us,” to quote research and development head Doctor Sven Fischer.