Kuehne+Nagel reinforces climate commitment with upgraded science-based targets

• Now reflecting the Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) latest framework for reducing emissions intensity

• Net-zero 2050 target validated; near-term 2030 emissions targets aligned with latest science

   

With the release of its 2025 Sustainability Report, Kuehne+Nagel is announcing upgraded emissions reduction targets. These new targets align with the Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) latest framework for lowering emissions intensity, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to minimising environmental impact across all scopes.

Under the upgraded SBTi targets, with a 2024 baseline, the company now significantly raises ambition for direct and energy-related emissions (scope 1 and 2) in line with a 1.5°C temperature pathway and the latest climate science. For scope 3, the decarbonisation trajectory focuses on emissions intensity reductions tailored to each transport mode, consistent with the ambition level of the previous target.

Based on its previously set targets and using the 2019 baseline, Kuehne+Nagel achieved a 14% absolute emissions reduction, showing that it was on track to achieve its initial SBTi targets and establishing a solid foundation for the next phase of its science-based climate commitments[1].

Christine Wiederkehr-Luther, Kuehne+Nagel’s Global Head of Sustainability, says: “Kuehne+Nagel was among the first logistics providers with approved SBTi targets, and we have made strong progress since 2019. The upgraded targets reinforce our 2050 net-zero ambition and focus our efforts on accelerating practical, scalable solutions. Together with our customers and partners, we will continue advancing the transition to low-emission supply chains.”

The 2025 Sustainability Report outlines the company’s progress on decarbonisation by procuring 100% renewable electricity for its Contract Logistics sites and producing the equivalent of 34% of its electricity needs on site through solar panels. It also achieved a reduction of 65,000 tonnes of emissions across its logistics activities by deploying sustainable fuels in collaboration with customers[2]. In addition, the report highlights improvements in key health and safety indicators across the organisation and the recognition as a ‘Great Place to Work^®’ in 73 countries.

Kuehne+Nagel’s upgraded SBTi targets in detail:

^{[1] When comparing emission performance using the original organisational boundary from 2019 (excluding acquisitions integrated between 2021 and 2025), the reported emission reductions against the 2019 baseline amount to 23% using the legacy ISO methodology and 29% using the latest ICAO methodology for air freight.
[2] Through a Book and Claim model. Reductions compared to conventional fuels.}