From Reflection to Action: Accelerating Scope 3 Decarbonization Across Industries

As 2024 draws to a close, the CHOICE Event series hosted a standout session on December 12th, focusing on the year’s accomplishments and the road ahead for Scope 3 decarbonization. This special event united sustainability leaders and practitioners from various industries to share wins, confront challenges, and exchange best practices. Esteemed speakers included Stefan Dierks from Melitta Group, Toine Rombouts and Sandra Zagarra from KWS, and Lara Obst and Josepha Niebelschütz from Climate Choice.

Missed it? Watch the video recording here:

2024 in Review: Key Achievements and Challenges

This year, tackling Scope 3 emissions—often the most complex and fragmented component of decarbonization—took center stage. Both KWS and Melitta Group achieved significant progress despite the challenges posed by diverse supply structures and data gaps.

“At KWS, the key challenge was standardizing data across diverse supply chains,” shared Sandra Zagarra, Procurement Sustainability Expert. “Finding a common ground has been critical, as fragmented data slowed down our ability to take action.” By identifying high-priority suppliers, KWS will strengthen supplier relationships and lay a foundation for impactful change.

For Melitta Group, the focus was on developing a sustainable roadmap that addresses the agricultural coffee sector, which accounts for much of their emissions. “This year, we’ve focused on creating a solid foundation for further progress, especially in the coffee sector where a relevant share of our emissions stem,” said Stefan Dierks, Director Sustainability Strategy.

Supplier Collaboration: The Backbone of Scope 3 Decarbonization

While robust data is essential, true progress in Scope 3 emissions reduction hinges on supplier collaboration. Both Melitta Group and KWS showcased innovative approaches to engaging their supplier networks.

For Melitta Group, efforts included the preparation of  a groundbreaking pilot activity in Brazil aimed at creating regenerative regions. “We’re working closely with sector networks to explore how regenerative practices can reduce emissions while supporting local ecosystems,” Stefan explained. This initiative not only supports Melitta Group´s  sustainability goals but also strengthens long-term partnerships with local stakeholders.

KWS leveraged data-driven strategies to pinpoint opportunities for collaboration. “We are utilizing the ClimateChoice AI platform to assess where our suppliers stand on sustainability,” Sandra shared. “From there, we prioritize working with those ready to make impactful changes.” KWS also encouraged innovation among its suppliers, such as adopting alternative materials and energy sources, to reduce their overall carbon footprint.

Preparing for CSRD and 2025 Goals

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is driving companies to align sustainability efforts with regulatory compliance. Both Melitta Group and KWS emphasized the importance of embedding these metrics into procurement and operational frameworks.

“We see CSRD not just as a regulatory challenge but as an opportunity to showcase the business case for sustainability,” Stefan noted. Melitta Group´s holistic approach integrates compliance goals into their long-term sustainability vision, ensuring alignment across the organization.

Similarly, Toine Rombouts, Global Lead for Strategic Direct Procurement at KWS, highlighted the role of an internal carbon price as a lever for sustainability. He explained how integrating carbon costs into financial decision-making can help shift mindsets across organizations. “When we start factoring carbon pricing into procurement, it becomes a concrete number - something that can be measured and acted upon.”

This approach allows companies to weigh environmental impact alongside financial metrics, fostering a culture of accountability. For KWS, applying internal carbon pricing will not only support their sustainability goals but also encourage suppliers to innovate and provide lower-carbon solutions.

What’s Next for Scope 3 Decarbonization?

As the event concluded, one key takeaway was clear: achieving Scope 3 decarbonization is a challenging but achievable journey when companies prioritize collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

Lara Obst, Co-Founder of Climate Choice, encapsulated the sentiment perfectly: “It all starts with us. By upskilling our teams and bringing sustainability into everyday decision-making, we can turn targets into tangible action.”

As companies like Melitta and KWS continue to push boundaries in supplier collaboration and Scope 3 decarbonization, they set a powerful example for others to follow.

Be part of the conversion. Lead the Change. 

Join us in Berlin on June 4th & 5th for the 6th edition of the Climate Transformation Summit 2025 (#CTS2025) - the leading Scope 3 conference uniting procurement and sustainability experts, practitioners, and decision-makers.