Measuring sustainability
We want to create long-term added value for society. To ensure that our measures are effective, we set ourselves ambitious targets and measure our success.
How we measure sustainability
In order to effectively manage sustainability and successfully implement our sustainability strategy, we define targets and key indicators. We are also developing tools to measure our progress and to help us align our business in a sustainable and future-proof way.
But we are not the only ones who evaluate our sustainability performance. Rating agencies also analyze and assess our success. We use their results in order to continuously develop and improve further.
Goals and key indicators
In our sustainability strategy, we have defined three far-reaching goals:
- In 2030, we will achieve human progress for more than one billion people through sustainable science and technology.
- By 2030, we will integrate sustainability into all our value chains.
- By 2040, we will achieve climate neutrality and reduce our resource consumption.
In 2021, we defined various strategic key indicators in order to record and measure progress made towards our three sustainability goals. More information on our sustainability-related key indicators can be found in our Sustainability Report.
We also collect other key figures that cover a wide range of environmental, social and economic aspects. We communicate these key figures annually in the Facts & Figures chapter of our Sustainability Report.
As of fiscal 2022, the compensation of our Executive Board includes a sustainability factor. Details on how this sustainability factor is calculated can be found in the Compensation Report.
Our Tools
We develop methods and tools to evaluate our products and initiatives with regard to sustainability aspects with a focus on how our technologies and applications impact society, the environment and our business.
Through the Sustainable Business Value method, which we developed, we can calculate and evaluate the positive and negative impacts of our products, technologies and business activities on society. In doing so, we include the entire value chain. This knowledge and data help us drive sustainability across our business operations and position ourselves for future success.
Sustainable product development and research is the focus of our online tool DOZN™. It allows us and our customers to evaluate chemicals and processes – and specifically search for more sustainable alternatives.
Indices and ratings
We are not the only ones evaluating our non-financial performance. It is also assessed externally by investors and customers who use this information as a basis for their decisions.
The following overview shows selected assessments that we have received.
ESG Rating from MSCI1
View websiteESG Rating from MSCI1
In 2021, we again received a rating of “AAA” (on a scale of AAA-CCC) in the MSCI ESG Ratings assessment.
FTSE4Good-Index
View websiteFTSE4Good-Index
Since 2008, our company has been included in FTSE4Good, an internationally leading sustainability index that annually measures the performance of companies demonstrating strong environmental, social and ethical practices.
STOXX® Global ESG Leaders Index
View websiteSTOXX® Global ESG Leaders Index
In 2019, our share was again included in STOXX Global ESG Leaders Index, a sustainability index based on key environmental, social and governance criteria.
Ethibel Sustainability Index
View websiteEthibel Sustainability Index
Our company has been reconfirmed as a constituent of the Ethibel Sustainability Index (ESI) Excellence Europe since May 2020, based on VigeoEiris.
Access to Medicine Index
View websiteAccess to Medicine Index
In 2021, our company came in eighth place in the Access to Medicine Index. This index assesses 20 pharmaceutical companies with respect to their efforts to improve access to medicine in developing countries. It is published every two years by the Access to Medicine Foundation.
CDP
View websiteCDP
In the CDP Climate (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) we scored a B in 2021. In addition to reporting on our climate action, since 2016 we have been reporting our water-related performance and processes to the CDP. In 2021, we received an A- for our water management practice.
EcoVadis-Rating
View websiteEcoVadis-Rating
The independent rating agency EcoVadis assesses suppliers from 160 countries across the categories of environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. In 2022 we were awarded the Gold recognition level and were thus among the top 3% of all participating companies.
ESG company rating
View websiteESG company rating
In 2021, the Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) group of companies again granted us Prime Status as in 2019.
Sustainalytics2
View websiteSustainalytics2
In October 2021, we received an improved ESG risk rating of 18.3 and were assessed by Sustainalytics to be at low risk of experiencing material financial impacts from ESG factors. This rating places us in the top 3% of the pharmaceutical industry assessed by Sustainalytics.
Curious to learn more?
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Our impact
The United Nations defined 17 global goals for sustainable development. We too are doing our part to support.
Find out more -
Responsible supply chain
When procuring raw materials, products and services from all over the world, we pay attention to quality, prices and compliance with ethical and legal standards.
Find out more -
Protecting environment
Because it’s up to all of us to protect the climate and the environment, we are working to lower our emissions and manage natural resources responsibly.
Find out more
1) The use by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany of any MSCI ESG Research LLC or its affiliates (“MSCI”) data, and the use of MSCI logos, trademarks, service marks or index names herein, do not constitute a sponsorship, endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany by MSCI. MSCI services and data are the property of MSCI or its information providers, and are provided “as-is” and without warranty. MSCI names and logos are trademarks or service marks of MSCI.
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