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"Topic of focus: Water

By 2030, we plan to reduce our water withdrawal in regions affected by high water risk by 4% year-on-year in relation to sales, and in regions with moderate water risk by 2% year-on-year in relation to sales. By adopting this risk-based approach, we are focusing specifically on those regions of the world where water is steadily growing scarcer. Our focus here is on implementing efficiency projects that avoid the use of water and promote reuse of water. All our locations will be consistently evaluated in accordance with the regularly updated risk assessment tools provided by the World Resource Institute and Aqueduct. This will enable us to make use of the resources available in a targeted and efficient manner. Through our membership in the voluntary “CEO Water Mandate” initiative, we are ensuring a regular exchange of information on best practice solutions as well as current opportunities and risks in the field of water management.

In fiscal 2023, the volume of water withdrawal amounted to 15.2 million m3 (PY: 15.7 million m3 ). This mainly included drinking water sourced from public-utility water providers, as well as extracted groundwater and surface water. The volume of water withdrawal saw a decrease of 2.9% compared with the previous year. In relation to group sales, our water withdrawal decreased by 7.6% year-on-year. This development is attributable to the various local projects across all group sectors aimed at reducing water consumption.

Some of these water sources are at the edges of groundwater protection zones. No negative effects on biodiversity or on local communities have been found either within the Continental Group or by authorities during regular inspections."