Climate Action

Targets overview 

Scope 1 and 2 emissions  

In 2019, Umicore’s scope 1 GHG emissions amounted to 389 kilotonnes CO₂e and Scope 2 GHG emissions were 403 kilotonnes CO₂e.

In 2025, we went beyond our interim goal of reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 20% by achieving a 31.4% reduction. We are on track to achieve a 50% reduction in market-based Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, compared with the 2019 baseline. Our 2030 target has been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative and is aligned with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C objective.

Scope 3 emissions  

The majority of Umicore's CO₂ footprint consists of Scope 3 emissions, amounting to 8,300 kilotonnes CO₂e in 2019. Scope 3 category 1 accounts for over 80% of Umicore’s Scope 3 emissions. Umicore has set an ambitious goal to reduce the carbon intensity of purchased materials by 42% by 2030, a target validated by SBTi in 2022. In addition to this intensity target, we have established leading indicators: by 2030, our engagement with raw material suppliers will cover at least 80% of our projected Scope 3.1 emissions. To accomplish this, we will ensure that each year, at least 10% of projected 2030 Scope 3.1 emissions are addressed through supplier engagement.

Umicore is implementing several levers to reduce our upstream emissions, such as increasing our internal reuse of recycled metals, increasing secondary materials in our input mix, sourcing from decarbonizing and low-carbon suppliers, and integrating our services upstream. Supplier engagement is a key step in our implementation.

Avoided emissions

Decarbonization of all scopes is a key priority for Umicore. Scope 1, 2 and 3 emission reduction is at the heart of our ambitions. Avoided emissions are when Umicore products prevent other CO₂ emissions during their lifetime. These are sometimes called Scope 4 emissions.  

Tracking and reporting avoided emissions provide transparency on how Umicore products and innovations contribute to emission reductions across our value chain and contribute to global decarbonization goals.