Pharma Provider Vetter Accelerates Switch to Renewable Energy
Vetter aims to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 58.8% by 2034 (base year 2021). A key lever for this is the continuous switch to renewable energies.
From 2027, Vetter will purchase biomethane directly from Naturenergie Rotachtal in Horgenzell at the Ravensburg Süd production site in Mariatal.
"The big advantage of biomethane is its compatibility with the existing technical and natural gas infrastructure. We can start directly without laying new pipelines," explains Gabriel Fischer, Team Leader Environment Health & Safety/EHS Management Systems at Vetter. "The partnership with Naturenergie Rotachtal strengthens our 'From the region for the region' approach and increases our security of supply. We are taking on a pioneering role regionally with this flagship project!"
By 2025, the pharmaceutical service provider was already covering 11% of its natural gas requirements with biomethane, reducing its emissions by over 1,000 tons of CO2. By 2029, the proportion of biomethane in the energy portfolio is set to increase to around 22 million kWh.
Green Electricity from Near-Natural Meadows
In addition to biomethane, the family-owned company also relies on photovoltaics to generate energy: around 22% of the electricity required at the Ravensburg West site is already covered by electricity from its own photovoltaic systems. By removing a parking area, Vetter was not only recently able to create space for new PV systems, the area was also transformed into a near-natural meadow. It provides an attractive habitat for insects and improves the microclimate. In addition, the meadow areas relieve the burden on the sewage system during heavy rainfall, as the rainwater can seep away directly. The company is currently planning the further expansion of photovoltaic capacities and is also looking into the use of hydrogen technologies in the future.
Ambitious Targets in Line with International Standards
In addition to specific measures such as photovoltaics and biomethane, Vetter is committed to measurable emission reductions along the entire value chain. In mid-2025, the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) officially validated the family-owned company's extensive climate targets. In addition, the company once again achieved platinum status in the current EcoVadis ranking and is among the top 1% worldwide.
"We are very proud of this result and the measures we are taking to reduce our carbon footprint," emphasizes Managing Director Henryk Badack. "The validation by the SBTi and the platinum rating from EcoVadis prove that we are on the right track and are consistently and rapidly pursuing our ambitious sustainability goals."
