Dreieich, 18 March 2026 – CWS Workwear, a leading provider of Workwear as a Service, announces that its short-term emission reduction targets have been officially recognised by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). These targets are in line with the 1.5°C scenario and cover all of the company's major sources of emissions. The validation strengthens CWS Workwear's sustainability and responsibility profile by providing a scientific foundation for the company's climate strategy.

Stable foundation, consistent implementation

CWS Workwear is already well positioned to meet its sustainability commitments and is investing more than ever before in its corporate history to achieve this. Modernisation and new construction projects are being implemented in its in‑house laundries across Europe: from water recovery systems and photovoltaic installations to steamless hot water technology and highly efficient boiler systems. Currently, locations in Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, Belgium, Poland, the Netherlands and Romania are included in the modernisation programme, which aims to be completed by 2035. At the same time, CWS Workwear is pushing ahead with the electrification of its vehicle fleet. In southern and central Germany, all delivery routes are already being covered exclusively by electric vehicles, and the expansion to other regions is underway. Electric vehicles are also in use in Belgium and the Netherlands. As part of its SBTi commitment, CWS Workwear is also planning concepts and joint initiatives with clothing suppliers, as well as measures to reduce packaging and optimise detergents along the supply chain.

Hartmut Engler, CEO of CWS Workwear, emphasises the strategic importance of being validated: "SBTi validation is a central component of our ESG strategy and reinforces our commitment as a responsible and leading Workwear as a Service provider. With this, we are sending a clear message: climate protection is an integral part of our corporate strategy, not just a side issue, and we have set ourselves concrete goals against which we will be measured." Leonie Biesen, Sustainability Lead at CWS Workwear, explains what this means in practice: “We have committed to reducing our absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 compared to the 2021 baseline, and our absolute Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 25% over the same period”.

For companies such as CWS Workwear, validation provides external credibility and a reliable basis for transparent reporting. At the same time, it helps to reduce climate-related risks along the value chain and strengthen cooperation with customers and partners on the joint path to greater sustainability. Climate science shows that limiting global warming to 1.5 °C is still achievable if emissions are significantly reduced by 2030 and net zero is achieved by 2050. CWS Workwear is actively contributing to this goal with its validated targets.

About the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is an international organisation for corporate climate protection that supports companies worldwide in setting greenhouse gas reduction targets in line with current climate science and the goals of the Paris Agreement. Submitted targets undergo a rigorous third-party validation process to ensure that they are scientifically sound and aligned with limiting global warming to a maximum of 1.5 °C.

About CWS Workwear

Founded in 1899, CWS Workwear has been dedicated to serving customers to protect their workers and the planet for 125 years. We are a leader in the workwear industry providing Workwear as a Service with customised, stylish, long-lasting and protective workwear, encompassing more than a century of innovation and service.

Embracing a circular business model, we are committed to creating a sustainable and resilient future, marking our position as a leader in the workwear industry with a European presence. Our operations span 15 countries with a dedicated team of 5,300 professionals across more than 100 locations. Our infrastructure includes 30+ state-of-the-art industrial laundries in Europe. This enables us to serve our extensive customer base of over 35,000 customers across all CWS Workwear markets, providing our services to over 1.5 million people daily. Leveraging our local presence, we thrive for a close and local partnership with our customers.

Our commitment to sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, guided by an ambitious roadmap aimed at reducing both our own and our customers' CO2 emissions along the entire value chain. By fostering 360 customer experience and maintaining proximity to our clients, we ensure our workwear solutions meet specific needs, support responsible production practices and significantly reduce carbon footprints.

"Work your style.” For you, for your business, for the planet.

Further information can be found at CWS Workwear | CWS Workwear.

¹ The recognised targets can be viewed in the SBTi register: Target dashboard - Science Based Targets Initiative
² The target boundary includes land-related emissions and removals from biogenic feedstocks.