“Ranking first among all German companies is a special honor for everyone at GEA – and a strong signal to our customers and the market. In light of high energy prices, resource scarcity, and stricter environmental regulations, this achievement comes at a time when sustainability is clearly evolving into a competitive advantage. We demonstrate how growth and profitability can be combined with sustainability – both for our own company and for our business partners. We will continue to vigorously expand this core competency of GEA,” says Stefan Klebert, CEO of GEA.
“Our technologies help customers worldwide use resources more efficiently, reduce emissions, and make their production processes more sustainable. At the same time, we take responsibility for building resilient communities around the world – via the GEA Foundation, for instance. With this approach, we create measurable value for customers and society,” says Dr. Nadine Sterley, Chief People & Sustainability Officer at GEA.
For the ranking, TIME Magazine and Statista evaluated a pool of more than 5,000 of the world’s largest companies based on over 20 criteria in the areas of environmental, social, and corporate governance issues. The highest-rated companies were included in the final list, which was expanded by 250 companies compared to the previous year, bringing the total to 750 finalists. The evaluation considered, among other factors, external sustainability ratings, climate protection commitments, transparency standards, and environmental and social metrics.
Sustainability as a Strategic Success Factor
The company’s improved ranking reflects the progress GEA has made in executing its sustainability strategy. As part of its climate strategy, the company achieved key interim targets ahead of schedule. For example, by the end of 2025, GEA reduced its Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 62 percent compared to 2019. As a result, GEA achieved its 2026 target of a 60 percent reduction one year ahead of schedule. The company is also on track with its Scope 3 emissions, having achieved a 38 percent reduction by the end of 2025 compared to the base year.
Amidst this progress, GEA remains well on track to achieve its goal of net-zero emissions across the entire value chain by 2040. The company’s medium- and long-term climate targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
Comprehensive Definition of Sustainability
GEA’s definition of sustainability extends beyond climate protection. Via the GEA Foundation, the company donates one percent of its annual net profit to social causes. In the past fiscal year, the foundation donated more than four million euros. The focus of its efforts is on promoting STEM education, ensuring access to clean water and sustainable energy, combating child poverty, and providing support in acute disaster situations.
GEA’s strong sustainability performance is regularly confirmed by leading ratings and indices, including EcoVadis Platinum status, top ratings in the MSCI ESG Rating, and inclusion in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index.
Source: gea.com
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