Sustainability
at ZEISSHow innovative solutions help to makethe future more sustainable

Climate Action | Circular Economy | Value for Society

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Table of Contents
ZEISS Products for the Future
Foreword

3

Future-Focused

27

Moving Toward a Sustainable Future

4

Digital, yet Personal

28

Sustainability at a Micro Level

30

On the Road to … Circularity

32

Promising Prospects

6

Can Water Be Recycled? Yes, It Can.

7

3-D Printing: a Partnership for More Sustainability

8

Outlook34

A Sharp Focus on Biodiversity

9

Imprint

35

Hope for the Fight Against Breast Cancer

11

Innovative Insights

13

Making Microchips More Sustainable14

Taking Retro to the Future: ZEISS PerformanceFit

18

The Future? Think in Circles!

21

Lasting Success Through Community

24

Hope
for the Fight Against
Breast Cancer

11

Taking Retroto the Future:
ZEISS PerformanceFit

18

Sustainability
at a Micro Level

30

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Foreword

Dear Readers,
We see the world as it really is, right?

striving to achieve carbon neutrality, we are working towardmaking our organization circular. “Circular economy” is more than

Actually, sometimes things that used to seem clear suddenly

just trendy industry jargon. The circular economy is a blueprint for

get a bit fuzzy. And vice versa. The world changes with every day

the present and future of our business and our world. The thirdthat passes.

pillar of our work addresses our goal of adding value for society.
As a company that is ultimately owned by a foundation, we seek

At ZEISS, we take this challenge as motivation. We enjoy learning

not only to contribute to society with our products, but also to

new things, and we are always reassessing our current situation

foster education and research so that we can enable an innovative

as well as our potential future one. That’s how we come up withand more sustainable future for generations to come.

new and more sustainable ways of doing things.
Putting these goals in focus, we are optimistic about the future andSustainability takes many forms at ZEISS. To give you a better idea

are laying the path toward it right here, right now, with the peopleof what those are, we’d like to introduce you to the various examples

who work with us on solutions for the future by using all theirof our forward-thinking innovation and, more importantly, thecreativity, passion, and expertise. We are proud of everything wefantastic people behind them. We invite you join us on a journeyhave achieved so far, though we also know that we still have a long

into the future and experience the change with us.

journey ahead of us.

At ZEISS, we collaborate with our customers and partners to findSo, please join us on this journey

new approaches and solutions for a livable future, both in our core

to a future we want to see!

business and as part of our involvement in issues of sustainability.
We take visions and develop them into innovative products andservices that make a positive contribution to the environmentand society.

Nicole Ziegler

Our goal is to integrate sustainability into our core business, andwe have already made significant progress on that. In developing ourstrategy, we have prioritized three main issues: climate protection,
circular economy, and added value for society. In addition to
implementing production that consumes resources efficiently and3

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Moving Toward a
Sustainable Future
The destination is clear: a sustainable future. It is an

Sustainability Is Part of the Company Strategy

ambitious goal and it may well seem overwhelming at first

Sustainability is firmly established within ZEISS because the future

glance. ZEISS has done pioneering work for over 175 years,– and ZEISS as a company – won’t exist without sustainable

which is also why it sets its sights high when it comes tosolutions. ZEISS wants to play an active role in bringing about asolutions for matters related to sustainability. ZEISS has

viable world by taking responsible actions. It seeks to strengthen

defined targets that will spur the company’s contribution topositive development and innovation. We see sustainability as anan economic transformation that prioritizes sustainability,

opportunity. An opportunity for long-term commercial success,and it has already achieved a great deal on this journey.

for society, and for the environment.
Focus Issues Determine the Direction
With the Group-wide Sustainability Program that we created in
2020, we're undertaking far-reaching work in pursuit of our goals
and strategic focus issues: climate protection, circular economy, andadded value for society. They guide our actions, the way we work
together, and how we see ourselves.
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Our Strategic Focus Issues and Targets for 2025

The ZEISS Journey toward a
More Sustainable Futureorganization’s emissions (scopes 1 and 2) by 2025.

-20%

In addition, ZEISS is addressing the emissions

energy consumption reductionZEISS is applying a focused approach and committing itself to athat are produced by its upstream value chains.

(relative to value added) on FY 2018/19

sustainable future. Numerous projects have already been completed

Climate Protection:
ZEISS aims to achieve carbon neutrality in its

Moreover, it aims to use energy as efficiently as
possible.
Circular Economy:ZEISS strives for circular resource usage that
reduces the impact on the environment. To achieve

loops. It intends to lower water consumption andwaste even further.

-10%

For instance, the electricity supplied to ZEISS sites all around thewaste reduction

were also expanded. Another key challenge that ZEISS is addressing(relative to value added) on FY 2018/19

is optimizing the sustainability of its supply chain. This saw ZEISSZEISS wants to add value for society with its

world in the 2021/22 fiscal year was almost fully from green sources.
Simultaneously, their capabilities for self-supplying sustainable energy

analyzing the emissions of its upstream value chain (scope 3) for-15%

water consumption reduction
Added Value for Society:achieving them are just as diverse. In collaboration with its partners,

under the Sustainability Program in order to achieve the targets.

this, it plans to use more renewable and recycledmaterials and turn linear material flows into closed

The targets that we have set are highly varied, and the ideas forthe first time, a necessary measure in order to take the next step ofreducing them systematically. Success here hinges on being part of astrong network, which is why ZEISS works in close partnership with
its suppliers, customers, and internal and external experts.

(relative to value added) on FY 2018/19
ZEISS high-tech offices in Jena

products. This added value includes giving as
many people as possible access to high-quality
healthcare.

5

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Promising
Prospects
The public debate about sustainability is often dominated by bad news.
It overshadows the good news, even though the good news is what inspires people
because it highlights innovations and opportunities. And there are always innovations
and opportunities out there. This chapter provides an insight into four promising
ZEISS projects that are all driving sustainable development.

6

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Can Water Be
Recycled?
Yes, It Can.

PROMISING PROSPECTS

Climate change affects us all, especially in the regions of theinitially used for eyeglass lens production can be reused, which madeworld where it is causing water shortages. For this reason,

it possible to reduce water consumption by 6.8 million liters between

ZEISS is constantly on the lookout for possibilities to use

2019 and 2021.

water more efficiently and protect the environment.
ZEISS Vision Care operations in Mexico were also able to halve theirWater is a resource that is in increasingly short supply, particularly

freshwater consumption between 2019 and 2021 even in the facein arid regions that have a very dry climate. Such regions includeof major challenges, especially in the state of Baja California. The

parts of Mexico, India, China, and California, for example, where

government frequently shut off water supply, which negatively

ZEISS Vision Care operates multiple sites. ZEISS therefore believes

impacted ongoing operations, the customer service, and the quality

it is very important to use this resource carefully and reduce waterand volume of fresh water available for the local population andconsumption with innovative measures.

also led to a constant risk of wildfire.

ZEISS applies metrics that provide guidance and incentives for

Measures taken within the production of Mexican prescription

comprehensive initiatives. For instance, it intends to reduce its water

lenses (MXRx) made the greatest contribution to the reduced water

consumption in relation to value added (EBITDA minus personnel

consumption. Overall freshwater consumption decreased by 94

expenses) by 15 percent by the 2024/25 fiscal year.

percent between 2019 and 2023, with the most important initiatives
being stopping tank flushing in production, the filtration and reuseIndia is a good example of the efficiency of these efforts: The ZEISSof eyeglass lens rinse water, and the reuse of residual water fromproduction site in Bangalore has a rainwater collection system on its

machinery in other processes.

roof with tanks that collect water up to a capacity of 10,000 liters
during the monsoon period. This rainwater is used for production,
while the water that has already been used is being treated using awater recycling system. As a result, roughly 95 percent of the water

7

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3-D Printing:a Partnership for More
Sustainability
What do you do when you cannot make progress despite thethe ideal partner to develop 3-D printing further,” says Dr. Lars

best expertise and best technology? You rethink ideas – andSchnetter, Managing Director of Schunk Ingenieurkeramik. Making

work with partners to adopt new methods.

ceramic components through 3-D printing is more flexible, costeffective, and resource-friendly as well as less error-prone than

The idea of using a 3-D printer to process something other thanconventional methods. “We were initially a bit skeptical if a supplier

plastic industrially was a pipe dream for a long time. However, ZEISS

could even meet our demanding requirements with a printing

made it a reality with its supplier Schunk Ingenieurkeramik. Schunkprocess,” Stefan Unger reveals. Yet the patience and trust shown

Ingenieurkeramik repurposed a 3-D printer in such a way that it

by both parties paid off in the end. Schunk Ingenieurkeramik andbecame able to process ceramic, which is one of the hardest and

ZEISS have been driving technological innovation together sincemost heat-resistant materials there is. As a result, it can produce

as far back as 2008, which means they have also been working on

components that were previously impossible with ceramic due toanother issue at the same time: sustainability. “3-D printing saves

their complexity and size. This is perfect for ZEISS, which requires

not only time, material, and money, but also copious amounts ofstructural components that are large and ceramic. How large? “Ascarbon dioxide,” says Stefan Unger, “This technology has majorlarge as an adult person,” says Stefan Unger, who is in charge ofpotential since it can be transferred to other fields. What’s more,

Supply Chain Sustainability at ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing

this is just the start.”

50%

500

10–20%
additional future carbon

Technology. There used to be a number of challenges with the

40% less energy acrossfrom Schunkemission reduction fromconventional method for producing support structure components,

the entire process means

in 2022 (approx.)

optimizing raw material

which involved pressing silicon carbide powder into a block andproduction processes

subsequently milling it. A new idea was needed. “For us, ZEISS wasless powder and

50% less carbon emissions

tonnes less CO2

8

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PROMISING PROSPECTS

A Sharp Focus on
Biodiversity

Once lively, colorful, and varied, many ecosystems havedeclined in biodiversity because of human influence fromclimate change and tourism. ZEISS wants to build up andmaintain our biodiversity, and the future does indeed seema bit rosier when you add the right partners. Verein
Jordsand, a nonprofit organization established in 1907,
is one of Germany’s oldest nature preservation associations.
Its mission is to help migratory and breeding birds on the
North and Baltic Seas by protecting these impressive
animals and their habitats. ZEISS has been supporting thisproject by providing funding as well as optical instruments
since early 2022.
>>“Together with ZEISS, we are preserving
important ecosystems and giving
migratory and breeding birds crucial
support. Visitors can experience thesesensitive habitats thanks to ZEISS
optical instruments.”
Dr. Steffen Gruber
Chief Executive Officer, Verein Jordsand© Verein Jordsand – Leonie Lange

9

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PROMISING PROSPECTS

115 yearsof protecting seabirds on the North and Baltic Seas

20 conservation areas
with millions of resting birds and thousands of breeding birds

2,500 members(rounded)“Our partnership with Verein Jordsand
is a win-win: Together, we protect
breathtaking natural landscapes, preserve
ecosystems, raise awareness, and learn
from our shared dialog.”
Johannes Fürst
Head of Marketing and Communication
Verein Jordsand zum Schutz

ZEISS Consumer Products Europe

der Seevögel und der Natur e. V.
More information about the nature© Verein Jordsand – Damaris Buschhaus

preservation association

10

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PROMISING PROSPECTS

Hope for the Fight
Against Breast Cancer
ZEISS uses its technology, expertise, and commitment to

The clinical study results published in August 2020 provide grounds

develop promising solutions which provide lasting help andfor optimism, with one-time, targeted intraoperative radiotherapy

hope. Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) with INTRABEAM®

(TARGIT) using ZEISS INTRABEAM found to be non-inferior tofrom ZEISS offers an alternative to conventional external

external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). There is similar risk of tumor

beam radiotherapy in the fight against breast cancer.

recurrence in the breast; however, the non-breast-cancer mortality
is reduced.1

Being diagnosed with breast cancer causes anxiety and stress,
which tend to be exacerbated by the treatment and its side effects.

The TARGIT method, using INTRABEAM® from ZEISS, is the

These days, however, there is now a highly effective and lessresult of two decades of interdisciplinary research. The clinicalinvasive therapy option in the form of intraoperative radiotherapy.

endorsements for the method are motivating the Medical

The radiation is administered in a single, approximately 30-minuteTechnology team at ZEISS to continue working intensively ondose during the operation directly after the surgical removal ofinnovative technological solutions that help doctors to improve

the tumor. This means that the traditional follow-up radiotherapy

their patients’ quality of life. Over 45,000 people have already been

– which typically lasts about six weeks – can be shortened or, intreated using the TARGIT method. More than 260 breast cancer

the best-case scenario, even skipped altogether. Healthy adjacentclinics in 38 countries adopted this method by 2021.2

tissue and skin is spared. That means the efficacy of the treatment>>

remains the same, just with a shorter radiation duration and lessradiation exposure.

1

https://www.zeiss.com/meditec-ag/media-news/press-releases-hcp/2020/targit-a-breast-cancer-study.html

2

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41416-020-01233-5

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1,200

How the Method Works:

Benefits Compared toConventional Radiation1

1. A minimally invasive entry
point is created during

2. The tumor is surgicallyremoved.

surgery.

+ Equal clinical effectiveness+ Similar local recurrence rate (tumor regrowth)+ Considerably shorter
radiation duration+ Less pain in the breast+ Increased quality of life thanks toless radiation exposure+ Better cosmetic results

is determined and positioned

1,200 tonnes (equivalent to
100 hectares of forest)2

170,000
170,000 hours of lifetime saved

Benefits for Patients1

3. The suitable applicator diametercarbon emissions lowered by

4. The tumor bed is irradiatedlocally for approx. 30 minutes.

in the tumor cavity.

Benefits for Sustainability(can be used instead for childcare,volunteer work, or paid work, for example)2

8 million
8 million fewer commuting
kilometers (traveling to clinic)2+ Further reduction of resource consumption
and of clinic space needed because special

Not all products, services or offers are approved or offered in every market and approved labeling andinstructions may vary from one country to another. For country-specific product information, see theappropriate country website. Product specifications are subject to change in design and scope of delivery
as a result of ongoing technical development.
https://www.zeiss.com/meditec-ag/media-news/press-releases-hcp/2020/targit-a-breast-cancer-study.html
2
Annually, if used extensively, only for the UK; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27160842/
1

rooms are unnecessary and INTRABEAM®
from ZEISS is highly mobile+ Savings from lower purchase andoperating costs

You can see here how the method
works as well as find further information
about INTRABEAM® from ZEISS.

12

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Innovative
Insights
The buzzwords and headlines make innovation and sustainability
sound easy, when in fact they need time and space. This chapter
provides exactly that and shows how ZEISS is driving sustainability.
It covers four different topics that all contribute toward theoverarching goal of a livable future.

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Making Microchips
More Sustainable
They are little components that offer space for more and more

Optical lithography systems have a very important role in them, andtransistors, and they are becoming more high-performing.

we develop and produce these systems in the ZEISS Semiconductor

They are called microchips, and they are essential in the fightManufacturing Technology segment. To make them more sustainable,

against climate change. They underpin sustainable technol­

we look primarily at the product development and manufacturingogies such as photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, andprocess for the optical systems and the infrastructure needed for it.

electric vehicles. However, manufacturing these indispensable

On top of that, our products are also influenced by the attributes of

microchips and their components requires a lot of energy. Can

the chips that they are used to make.”microchips be made more sustainable? If so, how?
Optical lithography is the key process used for manufacturing

30%

A Summary of the Microchip
Manufacturing Process

microchips. It involves a round disk consisting of silicon wafer witha photoresist coating being used as a foundation for the microchips
and a pattern of an optical mask being greatly reduced in size and“The first thing to do is to decide what more sustainability

transferred onto the foundation using various chemical and physicalactually means in connection with microchips,” explains Tobias

processes. The electronic components and traces on the microchips

EUV chips are roughly 30 percent more

Berndt, Sustainability Project Manager at ZEISS Semiconductor

are created by repeating these processes about 100 times.

energy-efficient than chips madeManufacturing Technology: “An entire range of machines>>

using DUV optics.

and processes are needed for manufacturing microchips.
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INNOVATIVE INSIGHTSLight source/
illumination system

How EUV Lithography Influences
Microchip Sustainability

The research team was awarded the 2020 Deutscher
Zukunftspreis (the German Future Award) for the

ZEISS, working together with its strategic partner ASML and a large

technological quantum leap of EUV lithography.

network, has brought this technology to the next level through aThis video provides more information:

development process that has lasted over 20 years. The result? EUV
lithography (EUV = extreme ultraviolet).
EUV projection optics are capable of high resolutions, which lets
them manufacture very fine structures that allow for many transistors

Mask(miniature electrical switches) to be put on the microchips. Processors
become more powerful as the number of transistors per chip grows.
The development has been progressing for over half a century,with a phenomenon known as Moore’s law (named after Intel
cofounder Gordon Moore) claiming that the number of transistors
on a microchip doubles every two years. ZEISS and its partners havealso had a hand in this progress.

Projection optics

How ZEISS Is Making Optical Production More
Sustainable

What impact does higher performance have on sustainability?
“EUV chips are, among other things, roughly 30 percent more energy-

Product development has a fundamental role in the optimization

efficient than chips made using the most recent generation of deepof lithography systems, in terms of performance as well as sustainability.

ultraviolet (DUV) optics. This makes it possible to build significantly

Wafer

better-performing devices without enlarging their carbon footprint,”“The most important thing is to get a clear idea of the consumption

says Birgit Kürz, who works in product development and is a member

and emissions that production causes, and that means measuringof the Sustainability Team.

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key performance indicators. You can’t improve things if they are not

we improve? How can we stop machines from being on standby formeasured,” adds Ingo Hofmann, Project Manager and a member

an unnecessarily long time? The ZEISS mindset is known to be aboutof the Sustainability Team at ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing

efficiency and precision, and our aim is to refine this mindset inTechnology, “We are currently building up our basic data. Whenrelation to sustainability, too,” says Ingo Hofmann.

it comes to sustainability, we study what impacts we have on theenvironment right from the product development stage. After we

There are also initiatives that can be taken for resource consumption.

have done this, we can ask ourselves, ‘How can we reduce these“We are currently looking at using ‘green steel.’ Manufacturing steel

impacts?’”

consumes a great amount of electricity, so it is usually associatedwith significant carbon emissions. If the electricity used for it isThis process has already produced helpful findings. “Energy is thegenerated from renewable sources, this process can be completed inbiggest lever at our disposal because our processes and production

a considerably more sustainable way,” says Tobias Berndt. However,operations have such high demands.” What he is referring to here are

crucially, he adds, “There is always a question you need to ask: How

clean rooms, the spaces in which ZEISS manufactures the lenses andwas this electricity made ‘green’? Through carbon offset certificatesmirrors for lithography optics. The requirements for air purity– which generally are OK – or by actually using renewable energies

are very strict. “Our energy consumption is high because we needwith power purchase agreements (PPAs)? The latter is even better

heavily air-conditioned clean rooms. Nonetheless, we are constantly

because in this case no carbon dioxide was ever produced andimproving our infrastructure.” For example, consumed energy istherefore there was no need for it to be offset afterwards.

reused smartly and process waste heat is reclaimed in heatingThis is something we are investigating right now.”

systems. “Microchips are used for this as well,” says Ingo Hofmann,>>“They form the basis for intelligent switches that we can use to
optimize our production halls.” His team questions everything:
Does the machinery need to be in the clean room, or would a lessenergy-consuming area suffice too? The latter can reduce the area
needed for clean rooms, which in turn has a positive influence on

57

energy consumption. This is something that ZEISS looks at closely

billion transistors

when moving into newly constructed buildings. It is also just as

go onto one microchip.

important that employee awareness is raised. “Which processes can

In 1970, only 1,000 did.
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INNOVATIVE INSIGHTSThe Next Steps toward More Sustainability“Investigating” is a fitting choice of word, as Tobias Berndt andhis team are currently working on a comprehensive program forestablishing sustainability within ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing
Technology and for approaching the topic strategically. They use
nine core questions to align themselves with the Group’s targets andinitiate projects to achieve the targets. The team is constantly on thelookout for new, promising ideas for projects. Tobias Berndt says
optimistically, “As a manufacturing company, we are aware of our
responsibility for sustainability, and this awareness is growing amongcustomers and suppliers, too.”“Our employees feelgreatly motivated to workon this issue. This is how wedrive innovative solutions.”
Tobias Berndt
Sustainability Project Manager
at ZEISS Semiconductor
Manufactoring Technology

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INNOVATIVE INSIGHTS

Taking Retro to
the Future: ZEISSPerformanceFit
New does not always mean better, at least not for the climate. That is why
there are two big questions to ask when purchasing new devices. First,
is it economical? Second, is it sustainable? ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions
has developed a solution for bringing machines in line with the latest
technological progress and for conserving resources and lowering carbon
emissions at the same time. Called PerformanceFit retrofitting, ZEISS
promptly received acclaim for it.

60%

performance increasefor old devices

Up to

20

-year-old devices
can be retrofitted

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The Future Firmly in Sight

Innovative and Retro Mixed Together

As a manufacturer of solutions for quality assurance, ZEISS helps

Measurement devices used for quality assurance must meet allits customers to achieve their carbon emission reduction targets.

measurement and safety standards at all times. Many industries,

Dr. Marc Wawerla, CEO of ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions, looks

such as electrical engineering, medical technology, space travel,

not only at his company’s own sustainable methods for adding value,

and automotive, rely on such machines day in and day out. They

but also at his customers’ energy consumption and demand, anddemand that these machines work faultlessly, even after decades

ways to improve them. “We seek to help our customers to improveof usage. Manufacturing new machines requires the consumption

their own carbon footprint by reducing emissions with optimizedof a large amount of resources. So too do machines that no longer

quality solutions and more precise measurements,” he says.

have maximum energy efficiency after a long period in service.

less CO2 p.a. with

Altogether, it almost makes for a catch-22 challenge.

average usage

Up to

50%

less energy consumed inmeasurement operations

2.2tAward-Winning Innovation: ZEISS PerformanceFit
Nonetheless, ZEISS has accepted precisely this challenge. Using
With its ZEISS PerformanceFit product, ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions

PerformanceFit, ZEISS brings coordinate measuring machines

is blazing a trail for productivity, flexibility, and, above all, energy andthat are up to 20 years old into line with the latest technology.

material efficiency. Retrofitting, which involves upgrading used goods

As a result, their material consumption is reduced, their service

to bring them in line with technological progress, is an approach thatlife extended, their operating costs lowered, their efficiency

sees the circular economy and the reuse of raw materials as the future.

increased, and their energy consumption halved. ZEISS achieves
these results by examining the devices compre-hensively.

The experts at ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions apply particularly

Potential retrofits are considered from as early as the productinnovative product redesigns to enable thoroughly complex anddevelopment and manufacturing stages so that subsequent

unique retrofits that ensure more resource-friendly operation thanks

upgrades are technologically possible. In usage, a retrofitted device

to modernization. The qualities of PerformanceFit impressed theis characterized by its reduced resource consumption, its increased

jury of the 2021 Umwelttechnikpreis Baden-Württemberg (Baden-

efficiency, and its improved carbon footprint. Retrofitting a device

Württemberg Environmental Technology Award) so much that it

at what appears to be the end of its service life also conservesawarded the product first place in the material efficiency category.

raw materials and makes further capital expenditure unnecessary.
This means that the coordinate-measuring machines that aremodernized by ZEISS offer financial as well as environmental benefits.
The machines are fully refurbished and equipped with new modules
on site with no more than one week of downtime.
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INNOVATIVE INSIGHTS>>
Large and heavy device components that require large amounts of

A Look toward the Futureenergy to manufacture are kept in the device and not exchanged.
ZEISS AirSaver and ZEISS PowerSaver are innovative PerformanceFit

Retrofitting offers many opportunities and ZEISS is constantly

features that also help customers to achieve their carbon emission

enhancing the process. To help customers with the achievement of

reduction targets. These features can significantly reduce thetheir climate targets, ZEISS is currently also working on further newenergy required during idle times. What’s more, the productivity

products that improve product carbon footprint. Retrofitting, whichof the modernized machines is optimized thanks to new, digitalcan be understood as upcycling 2.0, is the way of the future.

controls, software features, and sensor interfaces. This lets themtake on new measuring tasks flexibly and without consuming“We have identified over 3,000 customer devices that we could

resources excessively, all while strongly reducing the energy

theoretically retrofit using PerformanceFit. Our retrofit solutions

required. Modernization leaves the machines able to be usedmean that customers save not only on carbon emissions, but also

efficiently and effectively for at least ten more years so that theyon costs. They are a key step toward a more sustainable future, andcan contribute to sustainability during this time.

that is cause for optimism,” says Andreas Gruber, Head of Global
Service Product Management & Development at ZEISS Industrial
Quality Solutions.

If you want to see exactly
how retrofitting works at ZEISS,
click here.

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INNOVATIVE INSIGHTSThe Future?
Think in Circles!
Sustainability means thinking not only from start to finish,
but also completely outside the box. Linear thinking is an
impediment to circularity, yet a circular economy is theprimary model for a more sustainable future. This meansthat there needs to be a change in thinking in order to findcreative solutions that keep raw materials in the material
cycle. The material cycle is crucial to sustainability.
“Customers usually only have to deal with packaging for a very
short time or they even throw it out straight away,” explains Léon
Kunad, Head of Category Management at ZEISS Consumer Products
Nature Observation. This is not necessarily a bad thing since a
healthy circular economy needs waste that is collected, processed,
and reused. It extends materials’ life cycles and in doing so reduces
raw material consumption. What is crucial is that businesses plan,“We wanted to put a focus
on sustainable and recycledmaterials above all and, in
doing so, take a further step
toward a successful circular
economy.”design, and make their products and packaging in such a way that thematerials used are maintained for the economic system for as long as
possible. That means being able to become part of the material cycle

Léon Kunad

again once they have been used.

Head of Category Management,>>

Nature Observation, ZEISS Consumer Products

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ZEISS Aims to Get Better Constantly– Especially with Packaging

packaging in which the bag is delivered also stands out due to its
increased sustainability. The cardboard box has components that canbe fully separated from each other for recycling and does not feature

Optimizing products and packaging is a crucial way toward

any high-gloss film, which is a boon for the environment.

sustainability. ZEISS has held up a mirror to itself and taken action.
Here is one example: the product bags for newly launched ZEISSBeyond sustainability, the bags also need to meet requirements

products in the Hunting and Nature Observation business field andof an entirely different nature. They have to be practical, protect

the cardboard boxes they are delivered in.

sensitive technology, and serve different purposes depending on thefield of application. Furthermore, the bags also satisfy demands for“We wanted to put a focus on sustainable and recycled materials

sustainability by containing recycled materials and by not including

above all and, in doing so, take a further step toward a successful

magnetic seals that consume a lot of materials. There is anothercircular economy,” says Léon Kunad. It is for this reason that theprerequisite as well: The bags are often used by bird watchers, so

product bags are made of recycled PET bottles. Over 16,000 bottles

they have to be as quiet as possible when being opened. Switchingin total were able to be recycled this way in 2021 alone; each bagfrom a clip seal to a zipper took care of this.

is composed of approximately 2.5 bottles. ZEISS has got off to a
successful start and will build on it over the coming years. The

On the Stand: How ZEISS Develops
and Tests Its Products
So, if the product and the packaging are good, then everythingis good, right? Almost. Sustainability also means using products
for as long as possible, because production – even when it issustainable – still consumes resources and energy. ZEISS believes
in long life cycles for product packaging and for the products
themselves.
How does ZEISS make sure that happens? By carrying out
extensive laboratory and quality tests. A focus is put on durability
and longevity from as early as the product development stage.
>>
22

INNOVATIVE INSIGHTS

Table of Contents“A large component of our testing is related to the products’

else is in the works? “We have not reached our end goal yet. We

environmental impacts and durability across their entire service life.

are constantly developing and making use of new and even moreIn these tests, we try to simulate future years-long strain in justsustainable materials and technologies. We can and want to keepa few days and weeks,” explains Stefan Reiser, Senior Scientist in

getting better,” concludes Léon Kunad.

Laboratory & Application Technology.
Products such as the DTI 3 thermal imaging camera are exposed
to extreme temperatures and shock loads that might occur duringtransportation or even use. How do the surfaces react to cosmetic
substances? Do the materials lose their qualities under this strain?
These are just some of the aspects that ZEISS tests. Having
unavoidable factors such as UV radiation, water, salt spray, or dust
challenge the products in the laboratory ensures two things: firstly,that the products can withstand their application and, secondly,that the products are made longer-lasting so that their materials
stay in the cycle for longer. If a product does not pass the tests, it
must be evaluated, optimized, and tested again.

Not the End, but Just the Start:
Repairs at ZEISSReduce, reuse, and recycle are the key words of the circular
economy, but there is one more “R” that should be mentioned:“repair.” Sometimes, when products are used extensively, a repair
is exactly what they need. ZEISS offers strong support services sothat its customers can enjoy their products for longer. In addition“We have not reached our end goalyet. We are constantly developing
and making use of new and evenmore sustainable materials andtechnologies. We can and want tokeep getting better.”
Léon Kunad
Head of Category Management,
Nature Observation,
ZEISS Consumer Products

to repairs and maintenance, ZEISS also keeps spare parts in stock
for all current products and many discontinued ones. This service
Thermal imaging camera
in a cold chamber

extends the life cycle of the products and therefore the materials
used. It closes the loop – for sustainability and for ZEISS. What23

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INNOVATIVE INSIGHTS

Lasting SuccessThrough Community
A shared vision connects people from the furthest parts ofPracticing and Developing Shared Values

the world with each other. Collaboration that works wellover the long term requires a working culture that is based

A company is more than just the sum of its employees and projects.

on trust, common values, shared ambitions, leadership, and

It is the human factor that turns a group into a team. ZEISS

empowerment. It needs to use the opportunities that digital

combines values and strategy in its corporate culture. The “ZEISStransformation offers. ZEISS knows that innovation, progress,

Cultural Journey” guides the conduct of all employees and shapes

and success come from having a good community.

their collaboration and success. Appreciation and empowerment
have a key role in this. ZEISS is aware of this role and has initiatedthe Culture Ambassador Network, a further important elementin the development of its corporate culture. This self-organized,
international network has existed since 2021 and is currently made57%

up of approximately 200 employees who make an active contribution

Employees who are motivated

They act as sparring partners for managers and staff members,by their employer put 57% more effort

helping to firmly establish the topics within the company and among

into their work.

employees.

1

to various cultural issues. They have a shared understanding of theguiding themes of empowerment, role modeling, and diverse teams.

>>
1

Source: www.happeo.com/de/blog/mitarbeiter-statistiken-die-sie-kennen-sollten

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Table of Contents

Cultural Issues at the Forefront
Empowerment

Role Models

ZEISS relies on trust, empathy, and leadership.

ZEISS employees are reflective and responsible

Employee empowerment and leadership arein their actions because they are aware of theirfactors in how successful collaborative work is.

role model status and their influence over their

Mutual support is another. These qualities are

surroundings. For these reasons, they takeessential in order for ZEISS to be successful andinitiative, suggest ideas, and act in pursuit ofcapable as a global team and stand out as antheir ambitions – and therefore in line withappealing employer.

ZEISS values.

Diverse Teams
Having a diversity of personal backgrounds,
technical knowledge, and experience is
crucial. Diversity and equal opportunities
count at ZEISS! A broad-based team withdifferent perspectives offers the best expertisefor fostering innovation and giving customers
the best support.

“Our attitude is to trust in eachother. We trust that everyone wants
to do, say, and understand the rightthing. And that’s what makes
for good teamwork.”
Susan-Stefanie Breitkopf
Member of the ZEISS Group Executive
Board, Chief Transformation
Officer (CTO)

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INNOVATIVE INSIGHTS

Traversing New Routes Together
Over the last two years, the way people work together in many
areas at ZEISS changed significantly and lastingly due to thepandemic. In many cases, people worked remotely. Adopting
flexible working methods helped us to make it through the
pandemic successfully. At the same time, ZEISS was able to draw
knowledge and experience from this situation for its futurecollaborative work. It learned that you reach goals by trusting in
the team and in individual solutions. This is because there is morethan just one right way to do hybrid working. What counts is team‑“In a context of new challenges
such as hybrid working, how can
we keep operating as TEAM ZEISS?
Our leadership team is addressing
this significant task […]”

work, results, and productivity, regardless of whether the work isdone on site or remotely. It is therefore crucial that ZEISS employees
are highly skilled in the digital arena. To make sure that is the case,
ZEISS provides a suitable framework, training, and empowerment.
Nevertheless, there is another aspect important to Gero Wittich,
Head of People Development & Cultural Journey at ZEISS. “It is

Dr. Markus Weber

important that we set aside time for personal exchange and physicalMember of the ZEISS Group

interaction, despite the digital world, so that we grow together,

Executive Board and Headsupport a shared corporate culture, and stimulate creativity andof Medical Technology segment

innovation,” he says.

75%

of virtual teams globally say that they
can work more effectively with the more
flexible options for collaboration.1

1

Our employees have their say on LinkedIn under#teamzeiss. Be it gender quotas, collaboration, or thechallenges faced in different occupations, it is a place forauthentic #realtalk.

Source: www.happeo.com/de/blog/mitarbeiter-statistiken-die-sie-kennen-sollten

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Future-Focused
We feel confident when we look toward thefuture, especially as we have ideas and peoplein our company who take on challenges.
We are sharing a few of them with you here.

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Digital,yet Personal

FUTURE-FOCUSEDThe last few years in particular have shown that working
from a distance does not need to be a disadvantage. On
the contrary, connecting virtually often has its advantages.
Virtual reality is a helpful technology that is ushering in
the future of work. ZEISS has been training its technicalsupport staff around the world in it since 2021, allowing
the company overcome national borders.
How VR Training Works
The participants of virtual reality (VR) training are given thenecessary hardware and do not have to concern themselves withanything else. The VR training lets our employees come together
in a virtual space wherever they are in the world. We make a pointof personal interaction even if it is not possible for everyone to
get together in person. “It is this mix of methods that makes thedifference. Virtual reality, PowerPoint, videos, live remote access –our training equipment enables high-quality and varied remotetraining that is just as good as in-person training in everyway,” explains Jan Schmitt, Lead Trainer for Technical Support
Engineers, ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions.
GeminiSEM Update Training
Update training for the GeminiSEM scanning electron

GeminiSEM Update Training Figures

320

training hours in 2021
through 10 courses

26

people trained from 15 countries
globally in 2021

> 150,000
euros saved on

unnecessary travel> 32.5tonnes less CO2

by avoiding physical travel

microscope was rolled out in April 2021 for ZEISS Research
Microscopy Solutions’ Electron Microscopy Technical Support
team in Oberkochen, Germany. ZEISS has offered it as regulartraining for technical support engineers ever since. The successof this professional development program speaks for itself –qualitatively and quantitatively.

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FUTURE-FOCUSED

Benefits of Virtual Reality Training
Increased training quality throughimproved visualization of technicalcontext
Reduced costs and boosted productivity
from travel expense savings
More usage options for participants,“Thanks to the VR training, I didn’t need totravel out to Oberkochen. It let me spend a bit
more time with my family at home after myvacation. And it still felt like I was there withthe other participants.”

trainers, and local technical support
structures
Increased employee satisfaction thanks
to greater flexibility

Knowledge Transfer 2.0
VR training is an optimal fit not only for training purposes, but also
for refreshing knowledge again later on if needed. The trainers can

Alessandro Oliviero
Technical Support Engineer
from Cambridge, UK

Virtual Reality (VR) in Use:ZEISS trains employees globally with methods
that include modern VR training.

also demonstrate things that cannot be shown in reality. All thismeans that the support engineers can more effectively internalize
the content of the training. “While ZEISS has not yet exhausted all
the potential of VR-based professional development, it will continue
to expand on it,” says René Sewcz, Service and Support Specialist,
ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions, “For example, the first batchesof training content are already available for additional virtual
microscopes. We are also planning a wide expansion of VR-based
training to include electron, light, and X-ray microscope systems.”
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Sustainability
at a Micro Level

FUTURE-FOCUSED

Microscopy makes things visible which would otherwise be

about interface microstructure, which gives us precious insights

invisible to the eye. As a result, it drives progress and makesthat we can use to make materials, components, and systems morea key contribution to research on topics such as cancer, thesustainable or replace them if necessary.

environment, materials, and the climate.

Elke Haustein: It is important that we at ZEISS act on our
responsibility and be pioneers, including with the production,

Modern electron microscopes enable further insights into anddelivery, and optimization of our devices. This is how we can keep

answers to the important questions of our time. ZEISS has been

driving sustainability.

involved in the ongoing development of electron microscopy
for more than 80 years, including in making its production more

Roya Akhavan: What is ZEISS and INATECH’s goal and how

sustainable. ZEISS and INATECH, also known as the Department ofare we edging closer toward it together?

Sustainable Systems Engineering at the University of Freiburg, havebeen working together on a research and development project since

Elke Haustein: Our goal is to build a new platform for electron

2021. How is it driving sustainability at ZEISS? Where will the journey

microscopy that will provide the foundation for part of our devices

take them? These are questions that are being discussed by Dr. Roya

for the next decade. Technology and finance are not the only

Akhavan, Sustainability Project Lead at ZEISS, and Dr. Elke Haustein,

relevant perspectives, either. Rather, we are also taking sustainability

Project Manager at ZEISS Research and Microscopy Solutions, with

into account. In one-and-a-half to two years’ time, we want to offer

their colleagues Prof. Frank Balle and Dr. Sebastian Kilchert (both at

an electron microscope that suits the current era in terms of the

INATECH).

material and energy resources needed for production as well as theresources that are used. Customers should be able to optimize theRoya Akhavan: Electron microscopy is indispensable inenergy demand during usage.

many fields. Sustainability is not yet something that people

Sebastian Kilchert: Asking the overarching question of ‘How can

automatically connect with technology at the moment, so

we make the new platform more sustainable?’ has resulted in an

let us start with this question: How is electron microscopy

entire array of lower-level goals. They see us looking from a variety

associated with sustainability?

of perspectives and trying to find new ways to exert influence. Often,
the things you can do to become more sustainable are not entirelyFrank Balle: Electron microscopy is an important tool for us inclear. Our first goal was to demonstrate the specific leverage points

research and development particularly in relation to biobasedthat we have.

materials or materials that we use for technical applications. As>>

part of this, we ask ourselves about factors such as longevity or
circularity. Electron microscopy provides us with detailed information
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Roya Akhavan: Key terms or concepts such as resourceFrank Balle: We have started a major task with the bench-

Elke Haustein: Something else that is particularly nice is that ourusage have already been mentioned, but how can a scanningmarking for the current system in particular. We now also havemanagers are keenly interested and fully have our backs. This gives

electron microscope (SEM) itself be made more sustainable?

a few approaches for packaging and clothing, things that we canus the power to set things in motion and put them into practice,easily modify without putting the functionality of the electron

and that makes me feel optimistic. It is not just a short-term trend.

Sebastian Kilchert: A microscope has various impacts on the

microscope at risk. There is quite a bit that we have achieved

Instead, we can establish sustainability for the long-term.

environment. During its usage, power consumption has a major

together, and there is still much to come.

influence. When it comes to efficient resource usage, that is,

Elke Haustein: We are about to finish predevelopment in theRoya Akhavan: Thank you for these positive closing words

manufacturing and material consumption, we can approach it fromsecond half of the year, which in this case means the technicaland the initial insights into the exciting project. It is fantastic

different angles. At the end of its life cycle, we have other options infeasibility assessment. After that, we will transition to the main

being part of it.

the form of different types of refurbishment or recycling.

development stage. We will use the findings that we have obtained

Elke Haustein: We have been working on improving our

together to keep working continuously on sustainability and create

environmental impact by taking little steps for decades now. Our

ideas for other projects. This is already partly happening since thebiggest levers are suppliers and logistics: Where are suppliers based?

awareness surrounding sustainability has also grown within other

How are devices packaged? How are they conveyed? It is also

projects. We are currently taking the first steps together on a very

important that we look at our own products: How easily separable

long journey.

are the components? How recyclable are our devices? The entire
project team is answering these questions. They are the type that

Roya Akhavan: We are achieving everything that has beencannot be answered by a single person alone or even bymentioned here through a fruitful partnership between

a development team just by itself.

research and industry. What makes you think that we havethe right project partners on board and what do you think

Roya Akhavan: The way this pioneering project is developingof our future together?

is exciting. What are some of our key milestones? Where is
the project at currently and what can we still expect from it?

Frank Balle: The considerate, candid, and constructive dialog in the
project team and the shared desire to change things. It makes for a

Sebastian Kilchert: First, we examined the existing system

fun experience. I believe that we will achieve great things together inand assessed its sustainability through a life cycle analysis. This

keeping with the spirit of this project.

information then went into many aspects of product development,

Sebastian Kilchert: Sustainable development entails a trans-

which we are now looking at in detail. Our next step is to thinkformation of the entire economy. I think that the people at ZEISS

about the parts that we can actually keep and incorporate when

are aware of this. We want to take action and, in conjunction with

we consider further aspects.

ZEISS, be pioneers in technological sustainability.

The entire project team (from left to right) with Roya Akhavan, Judith Kimling, Elke Haustein, Ulrich
Kohl-Roscher, Simon Diemer, Arne Janßen (not in the picture), Sebastian Kilchert and Frank Balle, as wellas other ZEISS colleagues from ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions, is helping us get closer to our goal
step by step.

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FUTURE-FOCUSEDOn the Road to …
Circularity
Transporting cargo from A to B means generating not only
massive amounts of carbon emissions, but also massive

Kanban Containers

amounts of packaging waste. However, this can now become

Flexible, extendible, anda thing of the past. ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions,reusable road cases ofworking together with its German and European suppliers,

different shapes and sizes for

has implemented an end-to-end process that puts a stop totransporting multiple individual

packaging waste.

containers.

From A to B and Back

Benefits of the Kanban Process

For roughly 10 years now, the kanban process has ensured that

- Prevention of packaging waste and individuala circular economy has been practiced for production logistics at
ZEISS. As a result, it has reduced unnecessary packaging waste, freed
up valuable working hours, and lessened the products damaged

packaging, e.g., boxes and filling- Extra protection of individual parts with special
containers and inlays

in transit. ZEISS implemented the process in conjunction with its- Simplified incoming goods inspection with clear markings

suppliers in Germany and Europe to transport sensitive mechanical- Easy to warehouse/provision with no un-/repacking needed

and electronic parts, warehouse them, and provide them for- Efficient to transport with materials packed densely

assembly safely and without extra expenditure.

- Emission reductions and low cargo costs thanks to>>optimized break-bulk cargo

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Supplier Assembly
Production materials are provided by the supplier to thecentral inbound warehouse in reusable containers without
any repacking or packaging waste.

60 – 70%
less work compared toregular deliveries thanks
to the kanban processreturned to the supplier

2.4 – 2.8

for refilling.

tonnes less cardboard

Empty containers arewaste each year
(approx.)ZEISS Inbound Warehouse
Production materials are scanned in
and warehoused. Full containers are forwarded
to the assembly department.

9,400
less deliveries in single-use
packaging each year
(approx.)Empty containers
are returned to thecollection box.

1.4 – 1.8
tonnes less plastic
waste each year

Internal Assembly
Production materials are used(approx.)Going Further in Circles
ZEISS is constantly optimizing the kanban process with its external
and internal suppliers. ZEISS is also aware of the challenges, such as
special material or batch sizes that could lead to additional operating
expenditure for suppliers. Solutions are developed in partnership sothat an end-to-end process can be enabled for all suppliers. ZEISS
firmly believes in this approach and, for this reason, constantly
works on converting even more suppliers and expanding its current
collaboration with partners. In their search for further options forsustainability and efficiency, ZEISS employees continually take thespirit of circularity to the next level.

and the containers emptied step by step.

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Outlook

Dear Readers,
All the exciting and innovative projects you have just read about

You can access information about our activities in our

are only just the beginning. ZEISS has many more visions and ideas

latest sustainability report at

for how sustainability can be taken to the next level.

www.zeiss.com/sustainability.html

From innovation in medical technology that creates new hope,

Contact us directly at responsibility@zeiss.com

to award-winning products that get machines ready for the future,or the optimization of supplier relationships, all of us at ZEISSGain inspiration from our exciting, regular ZEISS stories

are constantly looking for new ideas that we can use to driveand sustainability activities on LinkedIn:

sustainability. We are therefore embedding sustainability deeper
and deeper into our core businesses and are fully committed to#sustainability

this goal. We are going to keep at it and stay upbeat.

#optics#innovation

As our partners, customers, and – of course – employees, youmake an enormous contribution to sustainability with yourWe look forward to hearing from you.

knowledge, your commitment, and your valuable perspectives.

The ZEISS Sustainability TeamIt would be our privilege to continue on our journey to asustainable future with you.
We look forward to engaging conversations about all things to
do with sustainability.

You can find our latest
sustainability report here. Or contact
us directly at responsibility@zeiss.com

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Publishing Information
Find out everything about sustainability at ZEISS
on our website. You are welcome to contact us
if you have questions, requests, or suggestions.
We look forward to hearing from you.

73447 Oberkochen
Carl-Zeiss-Strasse 22
Germany
Tel: +49 (0)73 64 20 0
Email: responsibility@zeiss.com
www.zeiss.com
www.zeiss.com/sustainabilityinsights
Editorial Team
Florian Proksch, Dr. Roya Akhavan,
Strategic Corporate Development
Judith Walter,
Corporate Brand & Communications
Designloveto GmbHfischerAppelt, relations GmbH
Conceptualization and Text
akzente kommunikation und beratung gmbhErsch
Release date: 21.09.2022

en-INT_36_025_0112I
Subject to change in design and scope of delivery and as a result of ongoing technical development.

Carl Zeiss AG

35