Founded in 1846, Carl Zeiss AG, commonly known as Zeiss, is a leading global player in the medical, precision, and optical instruments industry. Headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany, the company operates extensively across Europe, North America, and Asia, providing innovative solutions in various sectors, including healthcare, industrial metrology, and consumer optics.
Zeiss is renowned for its high-quality optical systems, including microscopes, ophthalmic instruments, and camera lenses, distinguished by their precision engineering and cutting-edge technology. The company has achieved significant milestones, such as pioneering advancements in lens design and manufacturing processes, solidifying its position as a trusted name in optics.
With a commitment to research and development, Zeiss continues to set industry standards, earning accolades for its contributions to both scientific and consumer markets. Its dedication to quality and innovation ensures that Zeiss remains at the forefront of the optical and medical instrument sectors.
-1 vs industry average
Zeiss’s score of 28 is higher than 50% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Industry Intensity
Medical Device Manufacturing has below-average carbon intensity
Industry performance
The Medical Device Manufacturing industry has reduced its overall emissions by 32% since 2018
Emissions trajectory 2020 – 2028
Reported emissions
Scope 3 accounts for ••• of total emissions.
Zeiss's reported carbon emissions
Zeiss, a leading company in the medical, precision and optical instruments, watches and clocks industry, reported approximately 329.2 million kg CO2e in total emissions for the 2025 financial year. This figure encompasses Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
The company's emissions breakdown for 2025 includes approximately 8.0 million kg CO2e for Scope 1, and Scope 2 emissions amounted to roughly 12.6 million kg CO2e based on location, with market-based figures at approximately 487,000 kg CO2e. Scope 3 emissions constituted the largest portion, totalling approximately 308.5 million kg CO2e. Notably, data for "purchased goods and services" within Scope 3 was not available.
Zeiss's emissions data is cascaded from its parent company, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, with the ultimate source of SBTi initiatives coming from ZEISS Group at cascade level 1. While specific reduction targets or achievements are not detailed in the provided information, the company's reporting includes efforts to address its carbon footprint within the broader context of its corporate family.
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Zeiss’s Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
No climate goals have been disclosed for Zeiss yet.
Scope 3 top emissions categories
No scope 3 category breakdown has been disclosed yet.
Climate initiatives
Science Based Targets Initiative
Inherited from ZEISS Group
Carbon Disclosure Project
The Climate Pledge
UN Global Compact Climate Champions initiative
RE 100
Climate Action 100
Emissions comparison with industry peers
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Zeiss
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Zeiss’s sustainability data and climate commitments
Data year: 2025
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