ESG & Sustainability
Responsibly Driving a biobased Future
Sustainability is closely connected to our business model
BRAINBiocatalysts develops and manufactures specialty enzymes, microorganisms, functional ingredients, and fermentation processes for their biological production. Through these solutions, we help our industrial partners advance bio-based production processes and contribute to the development of more circular value chains.
Our responsibility extends beyond our products and services. As part of the BRAIN Biotech Group, we are also working to improve the environmental and social impacts of our own business operations. A Group-wide ESG strategy with defined objectives and performance indicators integrates sustainability considerations into relevant business processes and decision-making.
ESG Focus Areas
Our ESG strategy encompasses six focus areas:
- BRAIN Impact
- Net Zero and Energy Consumption
- Water and Waste Management
- Attractive Employment
- Supply Chain Excellence
- Regulatory Excellence
Aligned with selected United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, these focus areas provide a framework for defining targets, implementing measures, and tracking progress over time.
Environment: Reducing Our Operational Footprint
Our environmental activities focus on conserving resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. On our path to net-zero, we are working to improve energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy.
In fiscal year 2024/25, 34% of the Group’s total energy consumption came from renewable energy sources. The Cardiff and Zwingenberg sites also generated solar power for their own use. Since the base year 2021/22, the Group has reduced its Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas intensity by approximately 36% at comparable revenue levels.
Water is essential for many of our production processes. We therefore strive to use it efficiently and maximize reuse wherever technically possible. Our waste management focuses on reducing waste and increasing recycling. In fiscal year 2024/25, 232 metric tons of biomass were utilized for biogas production.
Social Responsibility: Supporting Employees and Promoting Diversity
Employee health and safety, job satisfaction, and professional development are firmly embedded in our human resources strategy. Targeted training, preventive measures, occupational health programs, and high hygiene standards help create a safe and supportive working environment. In fiscal year 2024/25, the Group recorded a lost-time injury frequency rate of 1.9 per one million hours worked.
We value diverse teams and different perspectives. The Group promotes the development of women, students, and young professionals and aims to increase the proportion of women in defined leadership positions to 30% by 2032.
Governance: Responsible and Transparent Conduct
Responsible corporate governance is essential to maintaining the trust of our stakeholders. Our governance framework is built on clear policies, effective control mechanisms, comprehensive risk management, and recognized external standards. Group-wide compliance systems, binding internal guidelines, the dual-control principle, and regular audits support lawful, ethical, and responsible conduct across the organization.
Since 2021, BRAIN Biotech AG has participated in the United Nations Global Compact and is committed to its ten principles in the areas of human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and anti-corruption.
Transparent Sustainability Reporting
The BRAIN Biotech Group voluntarily reports in accordance with the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed SMEs (VSME) and publishes an ESG data sheet that is updated annually.
In addition, the Group submits an annual Communication on Progress (CoP) as part of its participation in the United Nations Global Compact.
Together, these publications provide transparent information on our sustainability objectives, reporting methodologies, key performance indicators, and progress over time.
