How companies can quantify their contribution to climate action

Commitment & interesting facts
MM Group, Europe’s Climate Leaders 2026, Financial Times, CDP Triple-A rating, sustainable packaging solutions
Solar power system
The solar power system at the MM Kolicevo site supports the plant’s transition to renewable energy and helps to reduce the carbon footprint of fibre-based packaging production. | Photo: ©Mayr-Melnhof Karton AG

Sustainability is increasingly becoming an opportunity for companies to take responsibility whilst demonstrating their future viability. This commitment is particularly evident when the progress made is also recognised by independent bodies. The Financial Times’ ‘Europe’s Climate Leaders 2026’ ranking honours those companies that are making a significant contribution to climate protection through concrete measures and measurable results. Inclusion on this list is regarded as a special recognition of a credible, long-term sustainability strategy.

Measurable progress rather than mere declarations of intent

The list of European climate pioneers is compiled by the Financial Times in collaboration with the market research firm Statista. It includes companies that have made demonstrable progress in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions between 2019 and 2024. The focus is on direct and indirect emissions from the companies’ own business operations – known as Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions – as well as trends in emissions intensity.

In addition, other sustainability indicators are factored into the assessment. These include, for example, the results of the international climate reporting standard CDP and scientifically validated climate targets from the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

Mayr-Melnhof: a long-term strategy is paying off

For Mayr-Melnhof Karton AG, this award is the result of a consistently pursued sustainability strategy. The company is guided by scientifically based climate targets and is following a clear decarbonisation pathway that is in line with the international 1.5-degree target.

This recognition follows on from other successes: the MM Group has already been awarded a CDP Triple-A rating in the areas of climate change, forests and water security. These ratings are internationally regarded as key indicators of transparency and credible sustainability management.

Sustainability as added value for customers

As a global manufacturer of packaging solutions, the MM Group also bears responsibility throughout the entire value chain. By reducing its own emissions and improving transparency regarding product-related environmental data, the company supports its customers in achieving their own climate targets.

In the packaging sector in particular, demands regarding the circular economy, resource conservation and sustainable procurement are constantly rising. Companies are increasingly being called upon to reduce their Scope 3 emissions – that is, emissions along the supply chain. To this end, the MM Group is developing solutions that combine environmental and economic requirements.

Balancing responsibility and growth

Being recognised as one of Europe’s climate pioneers demonstrates that sustainable action and economic success need not be at odds with one another. Indeed, the MM Group is leading by example, showing how companies can make a measurable contribution to climate protection through clear targets, transparency and consistent action. #schongenial extends its warmest congratulations on this award.

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