Transparency, partnership, responsibility: Lindt & Sprüngli Austria implements Book & Claim with Nagel-Group for the first time

Sustainability comes to life when companies are prepared to break new ground together. We have now reached an important milestone with Lindt & Sprüngli Austria: they are our first customer in Austria to source CO₂ savings via the Book & Claim approach. This joint endeavour demonstrates how ambitious goals and collaborative action can work in tandem.

It became clear in our conversation with Daniel Hainzer, Head of Logistics at Lindt & Sprüngli Austria, how consistently the company is pursuing its science-based climate targets whilst simultaneously seeking solutions to make emissions along the supply chain more transparent. The interplay between data and credibility plays a central role in the transport sector in particular. The interview provides insights into this approach and demonstrates how Book & Claim is used as a complementary tool to reduce transport-related emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels such as diesel. The assessment is based on a comparison with conventional transport solutions within Lindt & Sprüngli’s logistics operations. This is a mechanism-based approach in which verified emission reductions can be allocated in accounting terms irrespective of the physical transport route.

What prompted Lindt & Sprüngli to address the issue of CO₂ savings via Book & Claim for 2025?

Lindt & Sprüngli has set itself science-based climate targets that are in line with the 1.5-degree pathway. These targets form the strategic framework for measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 1 and 2 as well as along the value chain (Scope 3).

We are also continuously exploring potential approaches to reducing emissions in the transport sector. However, we currently have significant limitations in directly attributing individual measures, as Lindt & Sprüngli does not have its own dedicated vehicle fleet and transportation is predominantly handled by external logistics partners. Progress is regularly measured, reported transparently and gradually integrated into corporate management.

What role do lower-emission logistics solutions generally play for Lindt & Sprüngli?

A significant proportion of emissions arises along the supply chain. Lindt & Sprüngli works with partners throughout the value chain. When it comes to the logistics sector, we are constantly exploring opportunities for optimisation, for example in route planning and capacity utilisation, as well as alternative transport approaches – alternative modes of transport where appropriate, provided these demonstrably contribute to a reduction in emissions.

What role does transport play in the carbon footprint of your products?

Transport to customers and end consumers is a significant driver of emissions, accounting for around 8% of total Group-wide greenhouse gas emissions.

At the same time, significant emissions are already generated in upstream processes of the value chain. Against this backdrop, Lindt & Sprüngli is specifically analysing Scope 3 levers in the production and logistics environment to better understand emission sources and reduce these step by step.

What are your end consumers’ expectations in terms of sustainability?

Sustainability is an integral part of Lindt & Sprüngli’s corporate strategy. At the same time, we are observing that consumers increasingly expect transparency about origin and environmental impact. We address this with clearly defined targets, transparent reporting as well as factual communication on environmental and climate issues.

Why was it important to you to link the savings directly to activities in Traiskirchen?

The Traiskirchen site plays a central role in distribution for the Austrian market. The link to specific on-site activities makes it possible to better contextualise initiatives within the logistics and operational environment and to transparently present their impact. This aims to achieve emission reductions as close as possible to our own operational activities, in line with the goals of our Sustainability Plan 2030.

Which aspects were important to you during the consultation (e.g. transparency, traceability, clear communication)?

Our first priority was to understand the underlying methodology of the Book & Claim approach and to identify the impacts it can capture. A clear link to our Traiskirchen site and integrating the initiative into existing transport flows was equally important. Furthermore, aligning sustainability targets was particularly important – in particular, understanding how Nagel-Group’s environmental and climate targets align with our own objectives.

What do the 120 tonnes of CO₂ targeted for 2025 mean to you in the overall picture of your sustainability activities?

We see the 120 tonnes of CO₂ in 2025 as an initial, defined contribution in terms of our transport emissions. In the bigger picture, they form part of a portfolio of measures that addresses various levers along the value chain. In addition to the quantitative aspect, the insights gained are particularly relevant to us to be able to make well-founded assessments of further potential in the transport sector.

How do you classify Book & Claim – as a pilot, a building block, or a supplement?

At present, we view Book & Claim as a complementary approach to presenting emissions in the transport sector more transparently. At the same time, we see this measure as a transitional step towards scaling up low-emission transport solutions, rather than as a long-term substitute for structurally effective measures. Looking ahead, we aim to establish a stronger direct link between the transport solutions used and emissions reductions.

What is important to you to ensure that measures to reduce CO₂ emissions in transport are communicated transparently and credibly?

In our view, it is essential to clearly illustrate causal relationships and to provide robust evidence of savings. Key factors include verifiable data, transparent documentation and – where possible – external validation. Only in this way can credible and objective communication be ensured.

What role can lower-emission logistics play for Lindt & Sprüngli in the long term?

In the long term, further-developed logistics can make a significant contribution to reducing emissions. This requires appropriate, scalable solutions as well as close cooperation with partners to gradually implement practical and verifiable approaches.

Where do you see potential for further developing sustainability in the supply chain – in general terms, without being tied to specific figures? And specifically for the Book & Claim solution?

We see opportunities throughout the supply chain for systematically reducing emissions, for example through improved shipment consolidation, taking logistical effects into account in ordering behaviour, and exploring alternative delivery models, provided their impact can be reliably demonstrated.

In terms of Book & Claim, we see the approach as a tool for greater transparency in the transport sector. However, it remains crucial that such measures are based on reliable data and are translated in the long term into structurally more effective solutions with as direct a physical link as possible to our actual deliveries.

Our work with Lindt & Sprüngli Austria demonstrates how important it is not only to discuss emissions reduction in transport, but to demonstrably implement this in practice. This creates clear added value for our customers: they benefit from solutions that are practical, deliver real progress and can be integrated transparently into existing processes.