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Press Release

ZEISS Vision Care Surpasses Ambitious Sustainability Objectives

Own expectations exceeded in lowering energy use, water consumption and waste generation
15 January 2026
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Aalen, Germany | 15 January 2026 | ZEISS Vision Care

ZEISS Vision Care announces the surpassing of self-imposed ambitious sustainability goals. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. Responsibility in all business activities is a guiding principle for ZEISS Vision Care, driving measurable progress across operations, supply chains, and product innovation.

Surpassing ambitious sustainability targets and setting new goals for the future

Since 2020, ZEISS Vision Care has set out to reach notable sustainability goals. By the close of fiscal year 2024/25 those expectations were exceeded. Relative to value-added1, ZEISS Vision Care achieved:

  • 35% reduction in energy use (target: 20%)
  • 61% reduction in water consumption (target: 15%)
  • 23% reduction in waste generation (target: 10%)

These achievements, compared against the 2018/19 baseline2, not only reflect the teams’ dedication but also show ZEISS Vision Care’s contribution to sustainable practices within the ZEISS Group. Specifically, water savings represent the largest group-wide contribution, underscoring its impact on global sustainability efforts. Furthermore, the past year has seen the roll-out of impactful initiatives such as packaging optimization, and the adoption of solar energy at key sites.


Having reached and exceeded the ambitious self-imposed objectives, ZEISS Vision Care’s responsibility initiatives continue. For example, the company has the ambition of 30% lower electricity consumption until 2026/27, compared to FY21/22. Key initiatives include investing in solutions to reduce electricity consumption in processes, upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and optimizing energy use in manufacturing sites worldwide. Additionally, ZEISS has decided to join the world’s most recognized standard for climate action, the Science-Based Target initiative (SBTi). ZEISS has established science-based targets that also address Scope 3 emissions3, which are currently under review by the SBTi to confirm their compliance (for example targets up- and downstream value chain with the collaborative support of all valued partners).

Supporting eye care professionals and consumers to make responsible choices

To provide real, responsible choices for consumers and partners alike, ZEISS Vision Care’s efforts include for example products containing bio-based materials, recyclable packaging, and supporting communities with social initiatives to improve and protect vision or visual health. 

portrait of Benjamin Viering

Our sustainability efforts are not just about meeting targets, they are about creating lasting value for our consumers, and supporting our partners’ business success. At ZEISS, we believe that responsible innovation is the foundation for a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone. So, as a lifetime partner, we commit our innovation and pioneering power to caring for what matters most: for the people and for the planet.

Benjamin Viering COO & CTO ZEISS Vision Care

ZEISS is a registered trademark of Carl Zeiss AG.

Portrait Maria Conrad
Press Contact Maria Conrad General Topics and Sustainability

ZEISS Vision Care

About ZEISS

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totalling almost 12 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, and Consumer Markets (September 30, 2025).

For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces, and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world's leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses, and binoculars.

With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare, and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company's significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS' technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 15 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future.

With over 46,600 employees, ZEISS is active globally in around 50 countries with more than 60 sales and service locations, around 40 research and development facilities, and 30 production facilities worldwide (September 30, 2025). Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.

Further information at www.zeiss.com

 

ZEISS Vision Care

ZEISS Vision Care, part of ZEISS Consumer Markets segment, develops and manufactures comprehensive solutions for the entire value chain of ophthalmic optics. The portfolio includes top-quality eyeglass lenses, partner programs, ophthalmic instruments, services, digital solutions and apps for both eye care professionals and consumers, as well as care products for the eye and beyond. As one of the world's leading manufacturers of eyeglass lenses and the best-known prescription eyeglass lens brand amongst consumers worldwide, ZEISS is focused on optimal visual comfort and individualized vision solutions. With a passion for innovation and quality, ZEISS Vision Care is committed to protecting and enhancing people's vision and contributing to lifelong visual health.

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  • 1

    The value-add approach measures sustainability performance relative to the economic value a company creates, rather than using absolute figures. In practice, this means environmental and social impacts (like energy use or emissions) are assessed per unit of value added, not in isolation.
  • 2

    Reduction relative to the company's value added as a sum of EBITDA and personnel expenses.
  • 3

    Indirect emissions from the upstream and downstream value chain (e.g. from purchased goods, business travel or distribution/transportation of goods)