Thorlabs, Inc., a leading provider of photonics equipment, is headquartered in the United States, with significant operational regions across Europe and Asia. Founded in 1989, the company has established itself as a key player in the optics and photonics industry, offering a diverse range of products and services that cater to research and development needs. Thorlabs is renowned for its innovative solutions, including optical components, laser systems, and imaging equipment, which are designed to meet the rigorous demands of scientific research. The company’s commitment to quality and customer service has earned it a strong market position, making it a preferred choice among professionals in academia and industry alike. With a focus on continuous improvement and technological advancement, Thorlabs remains at the forefront of the photonics sector.
How does Thorlabs's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Mean score of companies in the Computer Services industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
Thorlabs's score of 34 is higher than 57% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2023, Thorlabs, headquartered in the United States, reported total carbon emissions of approximately 585,972,000 kg CO2e. This figure includes Scope 1 emissions of about 1,619,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 emissions of around 10,927,000 kg CO2e, and a significant contribution from Scope 3 emissions, which totalled approximately 573,426,000 kg CO2e. Notable components of Scope 3 emissions include purchased goods and services (about 468,570,000 kg CO2e) and capital goods (approximately 25,389,000 kg CO2e). Thorlabs has committed to achieving net-zero emissions, demonstrating a proactive approach to climate action. The company is classified as "Committed" to near-term targets and has also pledged to net-zero, although specific target years have not been disclosed. This commitment aligns with industry standards and reflects a growing trend among technology hardware and equipment companies to address climate change effectively. The emissions data is sourced directly from Thorlabs, Inc., with no cascading from a parent or related organization. As the company continues to develop its sustainability initiatives, it remains focused on reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing its environmental responsibility.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2023 | |
|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 1,619,000 |
| Scope 2 | 10,927,000 |
| Scope 3 | 573,426,000 |
Nearly all of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, representing nearly all emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Purchased Goods and Services" being the largest emissions source at 82% of Scope 3 emissions.
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
Thorlabs has established climate goals through participation in recognized frameworks and target-setting initiatives. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.

Common questions about Thorlabs's sustainability data and climate commitments