Philips announces ambitious climate action to drive significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in its supply chain

“Over the last few years, we have made major progress in reducing our own greenhouse gas emissions. We have been carbon neutral in our operations since 2020 and source all of our electricity from renewable sources,” said Frans van Houten, CEO of Royal Philips. “We are now using what we have learned to further build out and scale that success with our partners in the supply chain, where the overall environmental impact can even be even greater.”

Philips targets its CO₂ emission reduction efforts in three key areas. Alongside product and business model innovation and carbon-neutrality in its own operations, reducing the CO₂ footprint of its supply chain is key to fulfilling Philips’ commitment to doing business responsibly and sustainably, in line with the Paris Agreement preferred goal of limiting global warming to 1.5⁰C. In light of the urgency for agreement at the upcoming United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), Philips is determined to provide the industry leadership needed to accelerate climate action and work to create more resilient and sustainable healthcare together with its customers and partners across the value chain.

“We are at a critical point of urgency where we need to accelerate the global transition to climate neutral, circular and resource-efficient economies and societies,” said Frans van Houten. “As a purpose-driven company, we are conscious of our responsibility towards society and have set clear, ambitious Environmental, Social and corporate Governance (ESG) commitments to support this major shift. We encourage as many companies, customers and supply chain partners as possible to commit to climate actions and science-based targets, deliver on those actions, and provide proof of progress and delivery through continuous, transparent and in-depth reporting.”

Building on the company’s existing extensive supplier sustainability performance program, in which more than 200 suppliers currently participate, Philips will take an active role in supporting and incentivizing its suppliers to bring about the changes needed to meet science-based emission reduction targets within their organizations. This collaborative approach will focus on structural improvements that maximize the impact of CO₂ reduction activities, as well as offering incentives, such as direct support for capability building and preferential payment terms, to accelerate the adoption of SBTs by its suppliers.

By leveraging the latest insights in machine learning and data science, Philips will iteratively optimize the effectiveness of the program to extend its reach and impact. Philips will also actively explore the establishment of Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs) with suppliers, similar to those it already has with industry consortia, in order to support funding for new renewable energy projects such as wind farms and solar farms and further ‘green the grid’.